LBR Newcastle Mayor A4 Jun 2026 05:44
Newcastle Municipality
10h
·
MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 03 June 2026
MAYOR DUBE WELCOMES STRATEGIC LIONS BAY RESOURCES INVESTMENT AS NEWCASTLE ADVANCES ITS ECONOMIC GROWTH AGENDA
Newcastle Municipality has welcomed a significant private sector investment that is set to contribute towards industrial revitalisation, economic growth and job creation, following a strategic engagement between His Worship the Mayor, Councillor D.X. Dube, and representatives of Lions Bay Resources on Wednesday, 03 June 2026.
Held at the Mayor’s Parlour, the engagement marked an important milestone in Newcastle Municipality’s ongoing efforts to attract investment, stimulate economic activity and position Newcastle as a preferred destination for industrial development and business growth.
The investor engagement, led by the Speaker of Council, Councillor T.M. Zulu, was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Newcastle Municipality, Councillor A.T. Nkosi, the Mayor of Amajuba District Municipality, Councillor T.E. Mthembu, Chairperson of Development Planning and Human Settlements, Councillor Bertie Meiring, as well as senior municipal officials.
During the engagement, Lions Bay Resources confirmed that the acquisition of the former KCE Plant located within the Karbochem Industrial Park has been successfully concluded. This development officially initiates Phase One of a strategic investment programme that will see the refurbishment and redevelopment of the facility into an energy generation plant over the next twelve months.
The investment represents a significant step towards the revitalisation of Newcastle’s industrial assets and demonstrates growing confidence in the municipality’s long-term economic prospects.
Welcoming the investment, Mayor Dube described the project as a catalyst for economic renewal and a clear indication that Newcastle remains an attractive destination for strategic investment.
“The redevelopment of the Karbochem Industrial Park represents far more than an investment in infrastructure. It is an investment in people, jobs, enterprise development and the future prosperity of Newcastle. As a municipality, we remain committed to fostering strategic partnerships that unlock economic opportunities, strengthen local industries and improve the quality of life of our residents,” said Mayor Dube.
The Mayor further emphasised that the investment aligns directly with the Municipality’s 2026/2027 Integrated Development Plan (IDP), Vision 2035 and broader economic development objectives aimed at driving inclusive growth and expanding economic participation.
“As we advance our development agenda, we require partners who share our vision of a thriving, competitive and investment-ready Newcastle. The commitment demonstrated by Lions Bay Resources sends a strong message that Newcastle remains open for business and continues to offer significant opportunities for industrial growth, innovation and investment,” he added.