Radisson Hotels is set to manage a redeveloped Charters Creek resort in KwaZulu-Natal’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park following the appointment of Black Mussel Cracker as the developer and operator under a 40-year concession.
The deal is one of two public-private partnerships (PPPs) showcased at the park’s commercialisation launch last week as part of efforts to attract private capital and upgrade facilities at the World Heritage Site in KwaZulu-Natal.
Charters Creek development
Charters Creek will be a mixed accommodation site offering lodge and camping facilities, according to Zolile Nqayi, Spokesperson for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Under a design, finance, build, operate and transfer model, Black Mussel Cracker will fund and develop the resort and run it for the full term. The upgraded assets will then revert to iSimangaliso.
The operator will enter an operational agreement with Radisson Hotel, said iSimangaliso in a statement. This brings an international brand, global distribution and established service standards to the area.
The resort is expected to create at least 100 jobs during development and at least 180 permanent jobs once operating. “Beyond direct employment, at least four offset agreements will be signed between the operator and local community entrepreneurs, covering laundromat services, maintenance, game drives, tour guiding, security etc. These are real businesses with guaranteed work from the resort,” said the statement.
The second PPP, Kosi Bay Resort, carries a 20-year concession. It is expected to create 50 jobs during upgrading and 90 permanent jobs.
Wider plans
The two concessions are part of iSimangaliso’s broader commercialisation strategy aimed at attracting private investment, improving visitor facilities and generating revenue to support conservation.
“More sites will follow. Cape Vidal and Mantuma Resort will be advertised to the market in October 2026 while Manzengwenya Resort awaits National Treasury approval. Feasibility studies are underway for Sodwana Bay and a facilities management concession and transaction advisers are being appointed for Maphelane, False Bay and the Dredger Restaurant,” the statement said.
Investors can also bid for tourism activity concessions, including game drives, boat cruises, fishing charters, turtle tours, snorkelling and diving, kayaking, horse riding, guided walks, bird watching and whale watching. These cover the eastern and western shores, St Lucia, Sodwana Bay, uMkhuze and Kosi Bay.
Interim operators, including Tourvest and Dream Hotels & Resorts, are currently managing facilities under short-term leases following Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s withdrawal from tourism facility management at the end of February.
