Eastern Cape Business 2019 edition

EASTERN CAPE
BUSINESS
THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT
IN THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE
2019 EDITION
JOIN US ONLINE
WWW.GLOBALAFRICANETWORK.COM | WWW.EASTERNCAPEBUSINESS.CO.ZA

VALUE VALUE PROPOSITION
Business Hi-Lite Magazine : This glossy B2B magazine is
To To be be the “voice of business” of business” promoting promoting an environment an now Business in-house, Hi-Lite produced Magazine quarterly, : This with glossy set B2B themes magazine for
environment for growth for and growth sustainability and sustainability through maintaining
through each is now edition, in-house, adding produced relevant quarterly, topics and with information set themes / for
maintaining strong, proactive strong, relations proactive with relations both with internal both and news each of edition, what's happening. adding relevant It also topics features and information/
Chamber
internal external and stakeholders, external stakeholders, including including provincial provincial and local activities news and of what’s developments happening. the It area. also features Chamber
and government, local government, member member companies, companies, other business other activities and developments in the area.
business organisations organisations and organised and organised labour. labour.
Trade & Information : Aside from trade assistance and
information,
Trade & Information
Chamber is
: Aside
also
from
certied
trade
to
assistance
issue
Geographic Geographic areas areas of operation of operation Border-Kei Border-Kei Chamber Chamber of
Business (BKCOB) has offices in East London and
Certicates
and information,
of Origin
the
for
Chamber
exporting
is
companies.
also certified to issue
of Business (BKCOB) has offices in East London and Certificates of Origin for exporting companies.
Queenstown
Queenstown
(Komani)
(Komani)
which
which
serve
serve
the
the
greater
greater
Border-
Border-
Kei region.
Invest Buffalo City : A collaborative initiative where
Kei region.
Invest Buffalo City : A collaborative initiative where
members can nd various economic information on
members can find various economic information
SERVICES AND BENEFITS TO MEMBERS
Buffalo City. It provides a platform to attract
SERVICES AND BENEFITS TO MEMBERS
on Buffalo City. It provides a platform to attract
BKCOB offers the following key services:
international investors, as well as provide exposure for
BKCOB offers the following key services:
international investors, as well as provide exposure for
local companies.
local companies.
Member listing : After joining, members receive the
Member listing : After joining, members receive the
member listing as part of their package.
Committees : The Chamber has a robust and effective
member listing as part of their package.
Committees : The Chamber has a robust and effective
committee structure to facilitate members'
Membership Certicate : New members' induction
committee structure to facilitate members’ participation,
participation, and to enable the chamber to full its role
and Membership networking functions Certificate – the : New chamber members’ holds six induction new and to enable the chamber to fulfil its role as the “voice
as the “voice of business”. Over 120 voluntary business
members' and networking induction functions and – networking the Chamber functions
holds six new of business”. Over 120 voluntary business professionals
professionals participate.
annually, members’ and induction these provide and networking a valuable functions informal annually, but participate.
structured and these opportunity provide a valuable to meet informal a broad but range structured of
businesspeople.
opportunity to meet a broad range of businesspeople. TURNOVER TURNOVER
BKCOB BKCOB represents represents over over 650 650 member member organisations organisations that that
Letters of of support : The : The chamber Chamber provides letters letters of of generate generate an an estimated estimated annual annual turnover turnover of R73-billion, R73-billion, and
support to to members bidding for for government tenders, and that that employ employ some some 58 000 58 people 000 people who earn who an earn estimated an
and and letters letters of of introduction for for members members attempting to to estimated annual annual income income of R19-billion of R19-billion in total. in total.
expand expand their their business footprint.
Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Noticed.
www.bkcob.co.za

KEY BKCOB CONTACTS
Chamber Focus
PROMOTING BUSINESS IN THE REGION
Les Holbrook, Executive Director of the Border-Kei
Chamber of Business (BKCOB), highlights the
reasons investors should look no further than
Eastern Cape.
More More flights ights and and greater greater flexibility exibility have have created created
greater
greater
opportunities
opportunities
for
for
Buffalo
Buffalo
City
City
and
and
the
the
attractiveness of the region for visitors.
attractiveness of the region for visitors.
Undoubtedly the connectedness of a destination
Undoubtedly the connectedness of a destination
determines its potential to grow - and prices
determines
coupled with
its
an
potential
increase
to
in operators
grow – and
and
prices
ights
coupled have changed with an the increase face in of operators Buffalo City. and Whereas flights
have business changed remains the the face core of Buffalo of travellers, City. Whereas more and
business more cruise remains liners the are core bringing of travellers, visitors more from and all
more over the cruise globe. liners are bringing visitors from all
over the globe. Port expansion remains one of
Chamber’s Port expansion main remains focus areas, one with of Chamber’s Transnet still main
the focus main areas, stakeholder with keeping Transnet the still future the of main our
region stakeholder and investors’ keeping interests the future alive. of Present our region lobby and
refers investors’ the interests expansion alive. of the Present Container lobby Terminal, refers to
the the widening expansion and of deepening the Container of the Port Terminal, itself. As the
simple
widening
as it
and
is, those
deepening
three activities
of the Port
will
itself.
in fact
As
simple as it is, those three activities will in fact
make Buffalo City a more desirable location.
make Buffalo City more desirable location.
Widening the net also remain one of our
Widening the net also remain one of our guiding
guiding
principles,
principles,
and
and
engaging
engaging
with
with as many
many
stakeholders as possible as possible toward toward economic economic growth
sits growth at the sits top at of the our top agenda. of our agenda.
As we engage we we focus on on the the collaboration
rather than the exception and recently a a number
of of MOUs have been agreed in in structuring those
engagements. The The Chamber’s Chambers own projects
succeed because we invite participation, and and the
the Call-2-Action Call-2-Action with with related related waste waste recycling recycling has
has introduced introduced a a new new way way of of approaching approaching the the
everlasting challenge of littering and waste
everlasting challenge of littering and waste
collection.
collection.
On the record, the Border-Kei Chamber of
On the record, the Border-Kei Chamber of Business
Business has and will continue to support the
has
development
and will continue
of
to
the
support
N2 Wild
the development
Coast road
of development, the N2 Wild Coast with the road strong development, belief that with the the new
strong highway belief will that usher the new in highway a new corridor will usher of/for in a
new development corridor of/for – a development feature this Region – a feature is sorely this
region lacking. is sorely lacking.
T: +27 43 743 8438
F: +27 43 748 1507
www.bkcob.co.za
Chamber House, The Hub,
Bonza Bay Road, Beacon Bay, East London
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Les Holbrook | info@bkcob.co.za
HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS / Hi-LITE EDITOR
Candi Ferreira | communications@bkcob.co.za
INVEST BUFFALO CITY
Drayton Brown | ibc@bkcob.co.za
www.investbuffalocity.co.za
LES HOLBROOK
Biography
Les Holbrook has a National
Technical Certicate as well as a
Certicate in Management from
Rhodes University. Prior to his
appointment as the Executive Director
of the Border-Kei Chamber of Business,
he was the Deputy General Manager of Beier
Industries of Transkei and Executive Director
of the Transkei Chamber of Industries.

CONTENTS
CONTENTS
Eastern Cape Business 2019 Edition
Government
Introduction
Foreword3
A unique guide to business and investment in the Eastern Cape.
Special features
Regional overview 4
Established manufacturers are investing in new capacity as
two powerful new sectors – wind power and maritime – have
started delivering on their potential to expand the Eastern Cape
economy.
Economic sectors
Agriculture 20
Wool farmers are aiming for a big increase in production.
Energy 24
The Eastern Cape is the wind power province.
Water 26
The Nooitgedacht Water Project is back on track.
Eastern Cape Provincial
Government 37
An overview of the Eastern Cape
provincial government departments.
Eastern Cape Local
Government 39
An overview of the Eastern Cape
municipalities.
References
Maps
Eastern Cape provincial map 7
Eastern Cape municipal map 40
About the cover
Aloes on the Wild Coast. Stuart
Apsey’s image (iStock by Getty
Images) captures two of the iconic
features of the Eastern Cape. Seven
types of aloes are found across the
region and the famous Hole in the
Wall rock configuration is part of the
rugged Wild Coast, a very popular
tourist destination.
Tourism 30
New hotel for St Francis Links.
Manufacturing 34
Pharmaceutical and automotive manufacturers are investing
in new capacity.
Education and training 36
Eastern Cape universities are leading research in vital sectors.
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019
2

CREDITS
CREDITS
Publisher: Chris Whales
Publishing director: Robert Arendse
Eastern Cape Business
A unique guide to business and investment in the Eastern Cape.
Editor: John Young
Online editor: Christoff Scholtz
Art director: Brent Meder
Design: Tyra Martin
Production: Lizel Olivier
Ad sales: Sydwell Adonis, Gavin
van der Merwe, Sam Oliver, Gabriel
Venter, Jeremy Petersen, Shiko
Diala, Vanessa Wallace, Reginald
Motsoahae and Sandile Koni.
Managing director: Clive During
Administration & accounts:
Charlene Steynberg and
Natalie Koopman
Distribution & circulation
manager: Edward MacDonald
Printing: FA Print
The 2019 edition of Eastern Cape Business is the 12th issue of
this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2007,
has established itself as the premier business and investment
guide for the Eastern Cape.
The Eastern Cape’s investment and business opportunities are
highlighted in this publication. In addition to the regular articles
providing insight into each of the key economic sectors of the province,
including tourism (in which the events sector is growing fast on the back
of international attractions such as the IRONMAN African Championship)
and energy, where the Eastern Cape is leading the nation in attracting
investment in wind power. All of the major business chambers in the
province have made contributions to the journal.
To complement the extensive local, national and international
distribution of the print edition, the full content can also be viewed
online at www.easterncapebusiness.co.za. Updated information on
the Eastern Cape is also available through our monthly e-newsletter,
which you can subscribe to online at www.gan.co.za, in addition to our
complementary business-to-business titles that cover all nine provinces
as well as our flagship South African Business title.
Chris Whales
Publisher, Global Africa Network Media
Email: chris@gan.co.za
DISTRIBUTION
Eastern Cape Business is distributed internationally on outgoing
and incoming trade missions, to foreign offices in
South Africa’s main trading partners around the world; at top
national and international events; through the offices of foreign
representatives in South Africa; as well as nationally and
regionally via chambers of commerce, tourism offices, trade
and investment agencies, provincial government departments,
municipalities and companies, as well as major airport lounges.
PUBLISHED BY
Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd
Company Registration No: 2004/004982/07
Directors: Clive During, Chris Whales
Physical address: 28 Main Road, Rondebosch 7700
Postal address: PO Box 292, Newlands 7701
Tel: +27 21 657 6200 | Fax: +27 21 674 6943
Email: info@gan.co.za | Website: www.gan.co.za
ISSN 1995-1310
COPYRIGHT | Eastern Cape Business is an independent publication published
by Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd. Full copyright to the
publication vests with Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd. No part
of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the written
permission of Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd. CREDITS | Pictures
supplied by Eastern Cape Development Corporation, Grant Leversha/St
Francis Links, iStock, National Woolgrowers Association, Nelson Mandela
University.
DISCLAIMER | While the publisher, Global Africa Network Media
(Pty) Ltd, has used all reasonable efforts to ensure that the
information contained in Eastern Cape Business is accurate
and up-to-date, the publishers make no representations as
to the accuracy, quality, timeliness, or completeness of the
information. Global Africa Network will not accept responsibility
for any loss or damage suffered as a result of the use
of or any reliance placed on such information.
3
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019

SPECIAL FEATURE
A REGIONAL OVERVIEW OF THE
EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Established manufacturers are investing in new capacity as two powerful new sectors
– wind power and maritime – have started delivering on their potential to expand the
Eastern Cape economy.
By John Young
The Day of the Seafarer has never previously
been honoured in South Africa but on
25 June 2018 the International Maritime
Organisation saw to it that three coastal
cities celebrated the occasion. The highlight in
Nelson Mandela Bay was the opening of the
new national headquarters of the South African
International Maritime Institute.
This follows shortly after the launch of the
Oceans Campus of Nelson Mandela University
and dovetails with the ambitious plans of national
government to use the maritime economy as a
way of creating growth and jobs.
These institutions will support an existing
provincial maritime economy which is underpinned
by three major ports: Port Elizabeth, East London
and Ngqura. Port Elizabeth’s major cargoes are
manganese and vehicles while both East London
and Ngqura support Special Economic Zones
(SEZs). There are plans to move manganese exports
to Ngqura which will free up space for a waterfront
development in the Port Elizabeth harbour.
The Port of East London has recently been
upgraded and it has been breaking records in
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019
4

SPECIAL FEATURE
numbers of Mercedes-Benz vehicles loaded for
export. The country’s largest grain elevator in a
port will start to run more efficiently as a result of
a contract signed in 2018 with Afgri. The private
contractor will work with Transnet Port Terminals
to improve efficiency at the terminal.
National government has named the Coega
SEZ as the potential site for a 1 000MW Liquefied
Natural Gas (LNG) plant. The value to the regional
economy of the project is estimated at R25-billion.
A gas-fired power plant (Dedisa) started operating
at Coega in 2016, and there are plans to expand
this sector.
The Eastern Cape Development Corporation
(ECDC) is the lead agency in driving economic
growth in the province. The Investment Promotion
Unit of the ECDC actively markets and facilitates
investments. Eight economic sectors have been
targeted as priorities, including renewable energy,
the oceans economy and tourism.
Work is being done on rail links to the Eastern
Cape to enable more manganese to be exported
through the province. These logistics upgrades
are an indicator that the political will exists to
improve infrastructure.
In his 2018 State of the Province Address,
Eastern Cape Premier Phumulo Masualle said that
the province had become “one gigantic roads
construction site” with active projects underway
to the value of R7-billion and another R5-billion
to be completed before 2022.
The Eastern Cape is fast becoming South
Africa’s wind-farm hotspot. Just two areas, greater
Jeffreys Bay and Cookhouse/Bedford, will soon be
contributing 1 185MW to the national grid.
A joint venture in the Eastern Cape between
Osho Ventures and Heidelberg Cement will create
South Africa’s seventh cement manufacturer.
Established sectors
Historically, wool and ostrich feathers were the region’s
first exports and these items are still in the
export basket. The Eastern Cape was and is a global
leader in mohair, the luxury fibre taken from Angora
goats. The fertile Langkloof Valley in the west has
enormous deciduous fruit orchards and Alexandria
and Grahamstown produce pineapples, chicory and
dairy products. The Eastern Cape is the leading livestock
province in terms of numbers of sheep and
cattle and produces a quarter of South Africa’s milk.
The manufacturing facilities of Volkswagen South
Africa (in Uitenhage) and Mercedes-Benz South
Africa (East London) are at the core of the province’s
important automotive sector. It was to support this
sector that industrialisation took place in the province.
Smelters and metal works were built to service car
makers and automotive component manufacturers.
Ford engines are built in Port Elizabeth and a wide
range of makers of automotive glass, catalytic
converters, vehicle tyres and other parts are found in
Uitenhage, Port Elizabeth and at the Special Economic
Zone (SEZ) in East London.
Two Chinese car makers have recently invested
in the Coega IDZ, First Automotive Works (FAW)
and Beijing Automobile Corporation (BAIC). Local
giants Volkswagen SA and Mercedes-Benz SA have
invested heavily in increased capacity for new
lines of production.
The Eastern Cape’s beaches and natural beauty
have been attractive to tourists for many years,
but recent initiatives to expand the province’s
offerings are paying off. With a focus on events
and “adventure tourism”, visitor numbers are
steadily growing. The province aims to be a “Top
Three” domestic destination by 2020. Spending
by tourists has grown from R2.4-billion in 2013 to
R4.1-billion in 2015 and the average length of stay
(5.3 days) is the best in South Africa.
The Eastern Cape MEC for Economic
Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Oscar Mabuyane reported in a booklet prepared
for the 2019 Eastern Cape Investment Conference
that several large investments have been made in
the province. He cited:
• SAB, R438-million plant upgrade
• Mercedes Benz SA, R10-billion
• Aspen Pharmacare, R3.4-billion
• Nestle, R663-million
• Yekani Technologies, R1-billion at Coega SEZ
• MultiChoice, R900-million at ELSEZ
• ​Volkswagen SA, R6.1-billion
• ​BAIC, R11-billion at Coega SEZ.
5
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019

SPECIAL FEATURE
Geography
The Eastern Cape extends over 169 580 square
kilometres, representing 13.9% of South Africa’s land
mass. The dry western interior is one of the country’s
premier sheep-rearing destinations.
The mountainous regions of the north and east
of the province support timber plantations while
the coastal belt in the south-west is well-watered
and is good for dairy farming. The province has
spectacular beaches stretching from the surfer’s
paradise at Jeffreys Bay all the way to the famed
Wild Coast.
Two major airports at Port Elizabeth and
East London provide good air links and smaller
towns such as Mthatha and Bhisho have airports.
Mthatha has recently received upgrades and SA
Airlink offers four daily flights from Souith Africa’s
busiest city, Johannesburg, to Mthatha. Airports
Company South Africa has been appointed to
manage Mthatha Airport.
Muncipalities
The Eastern Cape has six district municipalities and
two metropolitan municipalities.
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
Towns: East London, King Williams Town
The Port of East London is South Africa’s only river
port. The airport, rail links and the East London
Special Economic Zone contribute to making this
an important regional centre. Buffalo City hosts a
variety of manufacturers from vehicles to batteries
and cotton textiles. There are many opportunities
for agri-processing because of the fertile hinterland
and as part of the Sunshine Coast, tourism is an
important contributor to the local economy.
Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
Towns: Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage, Despatch
With two ports, a large airport and a concentration
of manufacturing concerns, the Nelson Mandela Bay
metropole is one of the province’s key economic
drivers. Volkswagen, General Motors and Ford
are all located within the municipality, as are
several automotive supplier companies. Aspen,
a pharmaceutical company, and South African
Breweries are examples of other large concerns.
Nelson Mandela Bay has population of 1.1-million
and many educational institutions. Superb beaches
and plentiful outdoor options make the area a
popular tourist stop. The Addo Elephant National
Park is less than an hour’s drive from the Port
Elizabeth city centre.
Alfred Nzo District Municipality
Towns: Matatiele, Mount Frere, Mount Ayliff
The smallest district is in the mountainous northeast,
with hiking trails for tourists. There is scope for
expansion of tourist activities, and a transfrontier
park between South Africa and Lesotho could
boost the area’s economy. Subsistence agriculture
and forestry are the major economic activities.
Amathole District Municipality
Towns: Cathcart, Stutterheim, Morgans Bay,
Willowvale, Butterworth, Alice, Bedford
The rural Amathole District surrounds the
metropolitan area of Buffalo City. Pineapple and
forestry are two of the most important agricultural
activities. Popular resorts on the Wild Coast attract
many tourists to the area. Hogsback and other towns
near the Amatole Mountains offer beautiful scenery
and popular beaches. Alice hosts the main campus
of the University of Fort Hare.
Chris Hani District Municipality
Towns: Middelburg, Molteno, Dordrecht,
Cradock, Queenstown, Lady Frere, Elliot
Sheep farming is an important part of the economy.
Some coal is found in the north and tourist activities
include fly-fishing. The Foodcorp factory in Molteno
manufactures Ouma rusks. Queenstown is a centre
for cattle farming and has some manufacturing
activities. The Mountain Zebra National Park is near
Cradock. The Grootfontein Agricultural College and
Research Station is in Middelburg, and the Marlow
Agricultural College is near Cradock.
Joe Gqabi District Municipality
Towns: Aliwal North, Burgersdorp, Lady Grey,
Rhodes, Barkly East, Ugie
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019
6

SPECIAL FEATURE
Cattle and sheep farming make up 80% of land use,
while commercial forestry is a big contributor to
employment. There are large forestry plantations
at Ugie and Mount Fletcher. Maize is grown along
the Orange River and wheat in the foothills of the
Drakensberg mountains. Tiffindell has been revived
as a ski resort.
OR Tambo District Municipality
Towns: Mthatha, Coffee Bay, Port St Johns,
Qumbu, Bizana, Flagstaff
OR Tambo District Municipality encompasses
some of the province’s least-developed areas and
contains one of South Africa’s most important
ecological areas, the Pondoland Centre of Plant
Endemism. Mining is already pursued in some areas
but plans for titanium mining on seaside dunes are
being contested. A Wild Coast Spatial Development
Initiative exists to plot further development.
Forestry is a big employer.
Sarah Baartman District Municipality
Towns: Graaff-Reinet, Humansdorp, Jeffreys
Bay, Makana (Grahamstown)
The western part of the province contains the
biggest municipality and is one of the biggest
contributors to provincial GDP. Large commercial
farms in the Karoo produce high-quality meat,
wool and mohair, while the coastal belt has dairy
farming and some forestry. The Kouga Valley
is a big deciduous fruit producer, while the
Kirkwood/Addo area is known for its citrus. Sarah
Baartman has three of the region’s national parks
and several private game farms. Makana hosts
the National Arts Festival, Rhodes University and
several fine schools.
EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Britstown
N12
Northern Cape
Victoria West
Three Sisters
Western Cape
Beaufort West
De Aar
Hanover
N1
Graaff-Reinet
Colesburg
N10
Middelburg
Oviston
Steynsburg
R56
Cradock
Burgersdorp
Hofmeyr
Free State
Rouxville
Bethulie
Molteno
Aliwal North
R58
R61
Tarkastad
Jamestown
N6
Indwe
Cathcart
R61
R63 Somerset
Aberdeen
Stutterheim
Butterworth
Pearston East Adelaide Fort
Komga
N9
Beaufort
Cookhouse
Bhisho N2
Klipplaat
Rietbron
N10
King William's
Town EAST LONDON
Willowmore
Kirkwood
Grahamstown
Steytlerville
Paterson
N2
Hamburg
Uniondale
R72
Joubertina
N9
Uitenhage
Port Alfred
Motorway
Knysna N2
Humansdorp
Main Road
Kareedouw
PORT ELIZABETH
Railway
Plettenberg Bay
Jeffreys Bay
Sada
Dordrecht
Zastron
Lady Grey
Queenstown
LESOTHO
Barkly
East
Elliot
Tsomo
Matatiele
Ixopo
Mount
Fletcher
R56
Mount Kokstad
Ayliff
Port Edward
Maclear Mount Frere R61
N2
Mthatha
KwaZulu-
Natal
Coffee Bay
Lusikisiki
Port St Johns
N
INDIAN OCEAN
7
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019

INTERVIEW
Attracting new
investment
The ELIDZ has attracted a number of new investors.
Simphiwe Nicholas Kondlo
BIOGRAPHY
Simphiwe Nicholas Kondlo, the
Chief Executive Officer of the
ELIDZ, holds a Master’s Degree
in Engineering Management
and has more than 24 years’
experience spanning various
fields including civil and
agricultural engineering. With
him at the forefront, the ELIDZ
is a front-runner in the field and
continues to flourish as a multisector
Industrial Development
Zone.
Please name some of the significant recent investments.
The East London IDZ recently announced two new investors worth over
R500-million, Meek Mines South Africa and Nulatex South Africa. These
two investments offer a response to the government’s clarion call to promote
regional integration, promote beneficiation and create meaningful
jobs. Meek Mines SA is a diamond cutting and polishing plant. Nulatex
SA will produce male and female condoms for domestic and African
markets. Also in 2018, we announced Yekani Manufacturing as the first
black industrialist factory to locate within the ELIDZ’s Zone 1B precinct.
The company is the beneficiary of the dti’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ)
Fund and Black Industrialist Scheme (BIS), the government’s financial
support programmes aimed at accelerating growth of manufacturing.
How important is the location of Mercedes-Benz SA in
building ELIDZ as an automotive hub?
Mercedes-Benz SA is a key strategic partner not only for the growth of the
IDZ but for regional economy. Through our relations with the auto giant,
we have been able to attract more automotive-oriented investments.
As such, the East London IDZ has various incentives, which can be
accessed by qualifying industries. These include a Specialised Customs
Controlled Area benefit (some VAT exemptions), no import duties on
raw materials for manufacture, goods for storage and capital goods
used in the CCA. There are also specialised local incentives and access
to national manufacturing and other generic government incentives.
Tell us about the ELIDZ internship programme.
The ELIDZ internship programme is two-pronged: the first year serves
as an introductory phase where the interns receive on-the-job training.
The second phase, Junior Professional, is centred on allocation of more
responsibilities and quarterly assessments to monitor performance.
What conference facilities do you have?
The state-of-the art facility has four conference rooms which are interconnected
and can open into one room accommodating up to 250 delegates.
The four meeting rooms are room One, which can accommodate
up to 30 people seated cinema-style, room Two (90 people), room Three
(60 people banqueting-style) and room Four, which accommodates 16
delegates. The number of delegates that each room can take is subject
to the seating arrangement.
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019
8

PROFILE
Maritz Electrical
Delivering projects on time and in budget, beyond client
expectations, every time.
From commercial electrical applications to international standard
large area and sports stadium lighting, Maritz Electrical delivers
end-to-end electrical solutions tailored to each client’s specific
needs. Service excellence and exceptional quality are key differentiators
and qualities that clients have come to expect from Maritz Electrical.
Established by Kurt Maritz in January 2000, the company is BBBEE
compliant (Level 1 contributor) and ISO 9001 certified, employing full-time,
licensed installation and master electricians. All artisans have completed
Operating Regulations for High Voltage Systems (ORHVS) training.
Maritz Electrical places great emphasis on client relationships, both
private or commercial, and prides itself on the ability to respond to any
contracting requirements in an efficient and cost-effective way.
A world-first at the tip of Africa from Maritz Electrical
In 2017, St George’s Park Cricket stadium became the world’s first International
Cricket Council-compliant, LED-lit stadium and the first to be fitted with
theatrics. Maritz Electrical won the contract to supply and install a Musco
Lighting system at the venue after visiting the USA with officials from Eastern
Province Cricket and the national cricket board. Over four days in December
2017, the famous ground (pictured top) celebrated the landmark of being the
first South African cricket venue to host a day-night Test match, South Africa’s
Proteas versus Zimbabwe. The R27-million contract was completed on time
and in budget by a team from Maritz Electrical, led by Warren Williams.
Other projects
Maritz Electrical has been contracted by Stellenbosch and Overstrand
Municipalities in the Western Cape to provide the electrification for large
housing projects, and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern
Cape to install much-needed lights at an informal settlement. Other
flagship projects include the revamp of Coetzenburg Athletics Stadium
CONTACT INFO
Address: 11 Noll Avenue, Athlone, Cape Town, 7764
Tel: +27 21 703 0867
Fax: +27 64 552 436
Email: tenders@maritzelectrical.co.za
Website: www.maritzelectrical.co.za
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019
10
A world-first and a South Africanfirst
at two of South Africa’s
favourite sporting stadiums.
(Stellenbosch University, pictured) track
lighting, with an LED lighting system
from Musco, another first in South
Africa, the re-lighting of Cape Town’s
Grand Parade and security lighting for
various Waste Water Treatment Works
across the City of Cape Town.
Services
Maritz Electrical is a premier supplier
and installer of sports stadium lighting
solutions and provides commercial
electrical services, which include
project management, design, supply
and installation of electrical systems
such as:
• Electrical and reticulation
services
• Testing and commissioning
• Water analysis, monitoring,
management and purification
systems
• Lighting and power
• External lighting
• Mechanical services integration
• Emergency switchgear
• HV and LV switchgear
• Pre-planned maintenance.

Lighting the Eastern Cape
FOCUS
Informal settlements in Buffalo City up in lights and
improved efficiencies at East London Airport, thanks to
Maritz Electrical.
Project Manager
Diketso Kumalo
Following the successful installation
of the world’s first International
Cricket Council-compliant, LED-lit
stadium at St George’s Park Cricket
Ground in Port Elizabeth and the first
athletics stadium in South Africa to have
an LED lighting solution, Coetzenburg
Stadium at the University of Stellenbosch,
Maritz Electrical has expanded its range of
projects in the Eastern Cape.
Work at the East London Airport, and at
the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality,
show Maritz Electrical’s versatility, especially in large-area LED lighting.
Project Manager Diketso Kumalo reports that the six-month contract
to install LED energy-saving lights at East London Airport was completed
on time and in budget. Says Kumalo, “One of our goals for all projects
is to provide total client satisfaction, on top of saving on energy costs.”
LED lighting significantly reduces power consumption. Maritz
Electrical’s pre- and post-installation testing confirmed that East London
Airport will save on electricity costs.
The Maritz contract with the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
includes the provision of mast lighting to informal settlements across
the municipality. “We are providing them with 20m-high masts with
LED luminaires,” says Kumalo. “LED consumes far less power compared
to high-pressure sodium or metal halide, although with LED, lux levels
are better.” So, costs are reduced, and the power of illumination will be
better for residents.
Kumalo says that a Maritz Electrical Eastern Cape office could be
a possibility. “Our presence is growing,” he notes. “Depending on
the projects we receive from
the province, an Eastern Cape
office would be an advantage.”
Kumalo points out that Maritz
Electrical’s expertise extends
beyond lighting. “We do a variety
of electrical works and we offer
project management, consulting,
compliance services, hazardous
area classification and MV and LV
maintenance.”
11
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019

PROFILE
The Nelson Mandela Bay
Business Chamber
A catalyst for economic growth in the region.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber is a not-for-profit
organisation representative of a broad spectrum of businesses
in Nelson Mandela Bay. It is one of the largest business
associations in the Eastern Cape, with a membership of more
than 700 businesses employing over 100 000 people in a diverse array
of sectors.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber is a leading catalyst
for economic development, through its strategic Triple Helix model
of collaboration between industry, academia and government, which
serves as the foundation of creating a competitive Nelson Mandela Bay.
The Business Chamber has been the heartbeat of business success
in the region for over 150 years. The Business Chamber is driven by a
team of dedicated staff and volunteers, lobbying on issues affecting the
ease of doing business and companies’ sustainability. The organisation
also builds international relations to form a vital link between business
owners and international markets.
Vision
To be a leading catalyst for economic development in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Mission
By influencing the factors and key stakeholders that create a competitive
enabling business environment.
Task Teams
The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber has established a structure
of seven task teams to facilitate the ease of doing business.
The task teams are:
• Water Task Team
• Roads and Storm Water Task Team
• SME Task Team
• Electricity and Energy Task Team
• Transport and Logistics Task Team
• Metro Collaboration Task Team
• Trade and Investment Task Team
An eighth task team, called Industry
4.0, begins its work in 2019 to prepare
local businesses for the digital shift.
Enterprise Development
and Exporter
Development
The Nelson Mandela Bay Business
Chamber Enterprise Development
Programme was launched in 2014, to
develop the skills that enhance and
grow small businesses. In 2018 the
Business Chamber successfully hosted
the fifth phase of the Enterprise
Development Programme, with
SMEs set to graduate in March 2019.
Over 120 entrepreneurs have benefited
from this programme.
Meanwhile, the pilot phase of
the Business Chamber’s Exporter
Development Programme concluded
at the end of 2018, with 10 companies
finishing this programme in its
first year. The programme is aimed at
empowering SMEs to position themselves
as emerging exporters.
Events
Events at the Nelson Mandela Bay
Business Chamber keep business
owners up to date and informed
on a wide variety of topics affecting
business in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Regular networking functions offer
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019
12

usiness owners the chance to make new professional contacts. The
Business Chamber’s flagship events – the Annual Business Chamber Golf
Day, the Annual Ladies’ Breakfast and the Annual Banquet – are highlights
on the Bay’s business and social calendar. The Events Department hosted
a total of 61 events in 2018.
PROFILE
Other Services
Publications and marketing
As another value-added service to members, the Nelson Mandela Bay
Business Chamber provides members with a variety of publications
across print and electronic platforms, including the member magazine
Infocom (distributed three times a year, as of 2019) and the annual Business
Guide. Both of these publications are ABC-certified, glossy publications.
The Business Chamber regularly updates its website, and engages
with members on popular social media platforms including Facebook,
Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Help desk
In line with its vision of providing an enabling environment for business,
the Business Chamber set up an Ease of Doing Business help desk in
2018. The help desk assists members through reducing red tape and
engaging with the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro regarding these members’
obstacles in conducting business. The Business Chamber also engaged
with the city’s leadership in 2018 towards the goal of establishing a One
Stop Shop for existing and potential investors and will continue these
engagements in 2019.
Research unit
The Business Chamber established an in-house cluster research unit in
2018. Its aim is ultimately to identify several catalytic projects that can
be marketed to investors and can contribute to the development of key
sectors. The new unit will provide a library of business intelligence and
insights for the development of essential clusters.
Certificates of Origin
A Certificate of Origin is a document which states the origin of goods
being exported and this “origin” is a key requirement for applying tariffs
and other important criteria. As an accredited provider of this service,
CONTACT INFO
Address: 200 Norvic Drive, Greenacres 6045
Tel: +27 41 373 1122
Fax: +27 41 373 1142
Email: info@nmbbusinesschamber.co.za
Website: www.nmbbusinesschamber.co.za
Nomkhita Mona, Chief
Executive Officer.
the Nelson Mandela Bay Business
Chamber signs Certificates of Origin
for member and non-member
companies requiring these services
in Nelson Mandela Bay. The Business
Chamber also offers exporters the
opportunity to certify electronically
through the ECOO system.
Corporate Social Investment
Because the majority of our membership’s
workforce is based in the city, the
region of Nelson Mandela Bay is the
direct beneficiary of their Corporate
Social Investment programmes – including
skills development initiatives,
bursaries and scholarships. Many of
our member companies significantly
contribute to alleviating poverty and
specifically unemployment in the region
of Nelson Mandela Bay through
various initiatives purposed to grow
the local economy.
Every year the Business Chamber
adopts NGO organisations and
collects goods and services from
our member companies in order
to create awareness around the
NGOs. In 2018 the Business Chamber
adopted Elsen Academy and the
Kleinskool Initiative and collected
several items from our companies,
including office equipment,
computers, stationery and school
clothes.
13 EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019

ADVERTORIAL
A financial partner that
understands your aspirations
Lonwabo Daniels, Nedbank Provincial General Manager
for Eastern Cape, explains how Nedbank can help
business owners in the Eastern Cape.
solutions and a banking experience that is
hassle-free. This allows you to concentrate on
what’s most important to you – running your
business,’ says Daniels.
Nedbank leverages its strong market positioning
with businesses and the public sector,
encouraging them to bank their employees
through its innovative Workplace Banking
offering for employees.
There is good news for Eastern Cape
business owners and entrepreneurs
seeking a unique banking experience:
Nedbank Business Banking has 27
business managers located across the
province specialising in commercial
industries as well as the agricultural
sector.
Nedbank also continues to build on its clientcentred
strategy aimed at delivering distinctive
experiences and channels of choice for
businesses and clients in the Eastern Cape. This
has seen the bank simplify and enhance its
product offering in line with its value-added
banking philosophy based on simplicity,
transparency and affordability. Innovation and
technological advancements, as well as training
and development of staff, have been key in
achieving the bank’s objectives.
They are ready to assist you with professional
advice, industry-specific solutions and a
comprehensive range of financial products
and services. ‘At Nedbank Business Banking we
believe that you need a financial partner who
not only understands your circumstances and
aspirations, but also provides you with relevant
Should you be interested in taking your
business to the next level and improving staff
engagement, and for more information about
Nedbank’s specialised service offering, please call
the Business Banking team on +27 (0)41 393 5969
or visit www.nedbank.co.za.

ADVERTORIAL
Innovation key pillar in meeting client needs
Emile Bester, Nedbank Provincial Sales Manager, Client Network,
explains how Nedbank works with communities to deliver banking
solutions.
winning Nedbank App Suite, the home loans
online digital channel and Market Edge,
as well as the ‘Branch of the Future’ concept
in communities both locally and nationally.
‘Working with communities is entrenched in our
values. At the core of Nedbank’s offering in the
Eastern Cape is a relationship-based model with
a business manager dedicated to your business
as the key point of entry to the bank. And we
encourage you to see money differently with
Whole-view Business Banking’ says Bester.
Nedbank continues to build on its clientcentred
strategy aimed at delivering
distinctive experiences and channels
of choice for businesses and clients
in the Eastern Cape. This has seen the
bank simplify and enhance its product
offering in line with its value-added
banking philosophy based on simplicity,
transparency and affordability.
Innovation and technological
advancements, as well as training and
development of staff, have been key in
achieving the bank’s objectives.
Since 2012 Nedbank has launched several
first-to-market innovations, such as the award-
What does this mean for the client? Whole-view
Business Banking is an additional benefit of
Nedbank Business Banking and means that your
business and your personal financial needs are
managed in one place. ‘Because business owners
and their businesses are very often financially
dependent on each other, our client service
teams now also offer individual banking solutions
to you and your staff because we already know
and understand your needs,’ says Bester.
Should you be interested in taking your
business to the next level and improving staff
engagement, and for more information about
Nedbank’s specialised service offering, please call
the Business Banking team on +27 (0)41 393 5969
or visit www.nedbank.co.za.

ADVERTORIAL
Solutions for small business aimed at
creating jobs and growing the economy
Nedbank’s Regional Manager of Small Business Services, Andisa
Sikwebu, explains how Nedbank is committed to partnering with
businesses for growth.
enterprises. For example, the Small Business
Friday initiative, in association with the National
Small Business Chamber, seeks to encourage
everyone in South Africa to rally behind and
support small businesses. The initiative calls on
everyone to make a conscious decision to vote
for small businesses through their hearts, feet
and wallets; not only on Small Business Friday,
but every day.
‘Small businesses are the mainstay of the
economy. Nedbank has, over the years,
instituted various interventions aimed
at giving support to the small-business
sector. Over and above our smallbusiness
services solutions, we provide
small-business owners with support
that goes beyond banking – freeing up
their time to truly focus on running their
businesses,’ says Sikwebu.
Nedbank has built a solid reputation as a bank
for small businesses through initiatives such as
Small Business Friday, free small-business
seminars and the SimplyBiz.co.za platform –
all geared to support small- and medium-sized
SimplyBiz.co.za is a free-to-join networking
portal designed especially for small businesses.
It helps small businesses improve their business
administration skills, keep up with the latest
trends, network with other small businesses and
share ideas.
Nedbank experts are available to provide all the
support you need when starting off. Nedbank
offers simple, affordable banking solutions
and value-added services (including an
easy online business registration and account
opening process) to get you and your business
going.
Should you wish to tap into our smallbusiness
expertise to reach your business
goals, get in touch with Nedbank’s Small
Business Services. Call Andisa Sikwebu
on +27 (0)41 398 8188 or send an email to
andisas@nedbank.co.za.

ADVERTORIAL
See money differently with Whole-view Business
Banking from Nedbank
Money expert Sylvester Funani, Regional Manager of Retail and Business
Banking in Mthatha, explains how new brand values build on the bank’s
expertise to benefit its clients.
Banking experts aim to provide clients with
unique business and financial solutions. ‘It
forms part of our purpose at Nedbank to use our
financial expertise to do good for individuals,
families, businesses and society,’ says Funani. ‘At
Nedbank Retail and Business Banking we believe
you need a financial partner who has a deeper
understanding of your business – someone who
offers innovative, relevant solutions and who
gives you a banking experience that is hasslefree.
Operating from offices at Nedbank
Mthatha Plaza Branch, Nedbank Retail
and Business Banking now has several
business managers available under one
roof in Mthatha.
Well-known music personality Funani has been
with Nedbank for 12 years and has worked in a
number of roles. He prides himself on building
relationships and understanding the needs of
clients, saying that partnership- and relationshipbased
banking is a key driver of how Nedbank
conducts its business to ensure clients benefit
from its money expertise.
He and his team of Retail and Business
‘We look forward to continuing our relationships
with our valued existing clients, and to offering
our value proposition to new clients as well.
At the core of our offering in Mthatha is a
relationship-based model with a business
manager dedicated to your business as your key
point of entry to the bank. And we encourage
you to see money differently with Whole-view
Business Banking from Nedbank, as well as to
take advantage of our one-stop banking service
at Mthatha Plaza Branch,’ says Funani.
To take your business to the next level or
to get more information about Nedbank’s
specialised service offering call Sylvester
Funani on +27 (0)83 569 2326, send an email
to sylvesterf@nedbank.co.za or visit
www.nedbank.co.za.

ADVERTORIAL
Relationship-based banking aimed at supporting
clients in East London and surrounds
Money expert Sandy Pelser, Regional Manager of Retail and Business
Banking East London and Surrounds, explains how new brand values
build on the bank’s expertise to benefit its clients.
business to ensure clients benefit from its money
expertise.
Nedbank recognises that you have a full range
of banking needs that go beyond transaction
and borrowing. That is why their dedicated
team of specialists partners with you to give
you a bird’s-eye view of your business and a
different perspective on how your money needs
to flow to meet your goals.
Operating from its offices at Cedar
Square, Nedbank Retail and Business
Banking, East London and Surrounds
now has several business managers
available under one roof. Sandy Pelser
says her team is ready to assist clients
with professional advice, industryspecific
solutions and a comprehensive
range of financial products and services.
‘We look forward to continuing our relationships
with our valued existing clients, and to offering
our value proposition to new clients as well.
At the core of our offering in East London,
Queenstown, King William’s Town, Mdantsane
and Port Alfred is a relationship-based model
with a business manager dedicated to your
business as your key point of entry to the bank.
And we encourage you to see money differently
with Whole-view Business Banking from
Nedbank, as well as to take advantage of our
one-stop banking service in East London, says
Pelser.
Pelser has been with Nedbank for 31 years
and has worked in a number of roles. She
prides herself in building relationships and
understanding the needs of clients, saying that
partnership- and relationship-based banking
is a key driver of how Nedbank conducts its
To take your business to the next level or
to get more information about Nedbank’s
specialised service offering, call Sandy Pelser
on +27 (0)83 628 9897, send an email to
sandyp@nedbank.co.za or visit
www.nedbank.co.za.

ADVERTORIAL
Using financial expertise to do good with
professional advice and solutions
Money expert Jordaan Roelofse, Regional Manager of Retail and
Business Banking, Port Elizabeth and Surrounds, explains how new
brand values build on the bank’s expertise to benefit its clients.
is a key driver of how Nedbank conducts its
business to ensure clients benefit from its money
expertise.
He and his team of Retail and Business
Banking experts aim to provide clients with
unique business and financial solutions. ‘It
forms part of our purpose at Nedbank to use our
financial expertise to do good for individuals,
families, businesses and society,’ says Roelofse.
Operating from its offices at 270 Cape
Road, Nedbank Retail and Business
Banking, Port Elizabeth and Surrounds,
now has several business managers
available under one roof. Jordaan
Roelofse says his team is ready to
assist clients with professional advice,
industry-specific solutions and a
comprehensive range of financial
products and services.
Roelofse has been with Nedbank for 21 years
and has worked in a number of roles. He
prides himself on building relationships and
understanding the needs of clients, saying that
partnership- and relationship-based banking
We look forward to continuing our relationships
with our valued existing clients, and to offering
our value proposition to new clients as well.
At the core of our offering in the Eastern Cape
is a relationship-based model with a business
manager dedicated to your business as your key
point of entry to the bank. And we encourage
you to see money differently with Whole-view
Business Banking from Nedbank, as well as to
take advantage of our one-stop banking service
at 270 Cape Road,’ says Roelofse.
To take your business to the next level or to
obtain more information about Nedbank’s
specialised service offering, call Jordaan
Roelofse on +27 (0)83 627 2210, send an email to
jordaanr@nedbank.co.za or visit
www.nedbank.co.za.
Nedbank Ltd Reg Nedbank No 1951/000009/06. Ltd Reg No 1951/000009/06
Authorised financial
Authorised financial services services and registered and registered credit provider credit (NCRCP16).
provider (NCRCP16).

OVERVIEW
Agriculture
Wool farmers are aiming for a big increase in production.
SECTOR INSIGHT
Black farmers will export via
Berlin Beef.
Wool farmers and traders can look forward to a more stable
pricing environment with the creation of a wool futures
contract on the JSE. With weekly auctions being held
in the Eastern Cape, prices can be accurately pegged
which enables traders to buy the price, rather than the commodity
itself. This gives producers greater security.
The settlement price is determined by the Merino Indicator
which is run by Cape Wool SA, which used to be known as the South
African Wool Board and is based in Port Elizabeth.
The National Woolgrowers Association of SA (NWGA), the country’s
main producer organisation, is also based in Port Elizabeth. In 2016/17,
wool farmers produced about 52-million kilograms of wool, but the
industry intends to increase this by another 25-million kilograms.
The South African Mohair Growers Association is based in the
heart of Angora goat country at Jansenville while the industry
association, Mohair South Africa, is in Port Elizabeth. South Africa
produces about half of the world’s mohair.
Yields produced by black maize farmers in the Matatiele district
have improved dramatically between 2013 and 2017. According to
Wandile Shihlobo of the Agricultural Business Chamber, the area
farmed increased in that time from 1 200ha to 4 000ha but the crop
return improved from 6 000 tons to 28 000 tons.
Rural Enterprise Development (RED) hubs are a key plank in the
strategy of the DRDAR to promote food security and employment
creation. There are about 70 000 people employed on commercial
ONLINE RESOURCES
Cape Wools SA: www.capewools.co.za
Milk Producers Organisation: www.mpo.co.za
Mohair South Africa: www.mohair.co.za
farms across the Eastern Cape,
with a further 436 000 people
dependent on smaller farms,
mostly in the east.The Eastern
Cape is South Africa’s secondlargest
producer of citrus fruit.
Oranges make up the vast majority
of citrus products. Deciduous
fruits such as apples, pears and
apricots are grown primarily in the
Langkloof Valley. Another crop
in which the Eastern Cape leads
national production is chicory.
The province’s pineapple crop
is grown in the same part of the
Sunshine Coast that produces
chicory. The macadamia nut sector
is growing. The Eastern Cape Rural
Development Agency (ECRDA)
has partnered with a community
to plant the popular nut at Ncera
in the Tyume Valley north of Alice.
The Eastern Cape holds 21%
of the country’s cattle (about
3.2-million), 28% of its sheep
(seven-million) and 46% of its goats,
making it the largest livestock
province by a large margin.
The rich natural grasslands
of the Eastern Cape have the
potential to produce high-value
organic meat, a product that is
proving increasingly popular in
health-conscious international
markets.
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019
20

Africa Biomass Company
Your caring family trading as world leaders in the wood
chipping industry.
PROFILE
Our mission
To provide a worldwide service and infrastructure that
is sustainable and above par, taking into account the
unique requirements of each client, without deviating
from our policy of innovative service and high ethical
standards.
Our values
Company
Slogan
About us
Since 2004, Africa Biomass Company has been at the
forefront of the development of biomass processing
such as wood chips, biofuels and more in Southern
Africa.
Under the mentorship of Johan du Preez, the
co-owner of Môreson Grondverskuivers, known for
service excellence in the agricultural industry since
1924, we established ourselves as market leaders of
recycling agricultural wood waste over the past 10
years.
Africa Biomass Company offers a viable, costeffective
solution for our customers to recycle this
unwanted woody biomass into usable forms.
Towards the end of 2008, the need and demand
for the chipping of orchards increased to such an
extent that the strategy of hand-fed chippers was
switched to that of horizontal grinders, fed by a
mechanical loader.
In collaboration with Môreson Grondverskuivers,
we now offer a full range of services.
Our vision
Africa Biomass Company is your caring family,
founded in faith, trading as world leaders in the
recycling industry.
• Human dignity
• Integrity
• Quality
• Pro-trademark resolution
• Innovation
• Transparency
• Individualism
CONTACT INFO
Physical address: Joubert Street, Worcester
6850
Postal address: PO Box 1322, Worcester 6849
Western Cape, South Africa
Tel: +27 23 342 1212
Fax: 086 515 5777
Website: www.abc.co.za
Willem van der Merwe, General Manager:
072 244 7737
Calie Rabie, Western Cape Production:
072 602 4543
Fanie Fourie, Eastern Cape Production:
073 402 0655
Riaan Carstens, Bandit Agency:
079 874 8624
Quintis Wiid, Parts and Workshop:
066 475 7039
21
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019

FOCUS
Africa Biomass Company services and
products
Contracting
• Orchard
• Windbreak recycling
• River rehabilitation
• Recycling of waste wood
• Tree (orchard) replanting (Eastern Cape)
• Mulch spreading
• Land clearing and land preparation (Môreson)
• Loggers to handle the timber rapidly and
effectively
• Well-trained teams of chainsaw operators.
Mulch and biofuel sales
Woodchip according to specification, collected in
mass trailers or in bags and transported to end user,
where it can be used as woochip mulch or biofuel.
Wood chips best practice
Woodchip mulch and biomass sales
• Bandit agency (Southern Africa)
• Dezzi equipment (Western Cape)
• Workshop and field services
• Part sales
• Manufacturing
• Training facilities
Orchard and windbreak recycling
With the use of excavators with specialised
attachments and three-wheel loggers, old orchards
can be removed from root to top and fed into a
horizontal grinder.
The horizontal grinder processes the waste wood
according to specifications discussed and agreed
upon with the landowner or project manager.
Processing of waste wood into a viable product,
that if applied correctly, could have a 30% increase in
water conservation as well as many other advantages.
Land clearing services
Africa Biomass Company is an expert at land clearing.
We have an extensive range of highly specialised
wood recycling machinery that will do the job quickly
and efficiently.
• Tree shears which cut and stack trees of up to
550mm in diameter
It is excellent practice to apply compost and mulch
in existing, as well as newly established orchards.
The best results are obtained by spreading
compost in the orchards or vineyards before covering
it with mulch. Wood chips can also be used as a base
to produce compost.
You can buy or rent these unique, patented,
designed mulch spreaders from ABC.
Massive water savings
In 2017 Africa Biomass Company was involved in many
projects such as the removal of invasive eucalyptus
trees in the Breede River and Berg River systems.
The removal and recycling of these alien trees,
old or unwanted orchards, vineyards or windbreaks
can be used as mulch which are spread in new and
old orchards and vineyards. This has led to a massive
water saving equal to the water usage of 50 000
households for one year.
Workshop and field services
With an intimate understanding of the operational
challenges of wood recycling in South Africa, we
established state-of-the-art facilities to service, repair
and rebuild wood chipping equipment of any make
and size.
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019
22

FOCUS
This facility is manned by a remarkable team
of experienced and suitably qualified engineers,
technicians and artisans.
An equally remarkable team of field service
technicians delivers repairs, maintenance and spares
to your site to optimise uptime and efficiency.
Parts
We have been widely commended as the company
in South Africa stocking the largest range of industryrelated
spare parts.
Optimal production and uptime require quality
components when needed. Understanding the
industry through experience sets us apart from other
suppliers.
Delivering quality components on time is essential
for running a successful operation. Our more than
2 500 line items is made up of quality components
sourced worldwide to meet requirements of our
customers and our own fleet.
Manufacturing
Our legacy of innovation has been built on more than
80 000 hours of operational experience. This enabled
us to develop and adapt machines for waste wood
recycling in South Africa which truly adds value to
the customer’s operation.
A wide range of wood chipping, grinding and
spreading equipment is manufactured locally to
specification, as required for South African conditions.
Bandit Industries, Inc
Not only has Africa Biomass Company built up a
substantial fleet of Bandit wood chippers for their own
use as part of our wood recycling services we provide,
but also offers a whole range of Bandit wood chippers
Interesting facts about ABC
• 50 000 households’ worth of water saved in 2017
• 2017 Overall winner Entrepreneur of the Year
Award
• Since 2004, servicing the biomass industry
• Approximately 2 500 line-items in total available
stock
• Only SETA-certified wood chipper training
facility.
• 20 teams all over South Africa
• Sole Bandit dealer in Africa.
to clients who want to invest in the Bandit range.
We are privileged to serve our customers as the
authorised dealer for Bandit Industries in Southern
Africa.
Bandit chippers are designed with quality,
production and longevity in mind. Hand-fed
chippers are mounted on custom-built, SABSapproved
trailers. Owning a Bandit wood chipper
will always put you in the front seat of reliable wood
chipping operations.
In many cases, the Bandit wood chipper sets the
benchmark for other brands in the wood chipping
industry. We are ready to supply the right Bandit
wood chipping solution with advice and aftercare
to your doorstep. All existing and new customers
are welcome to contact us to become the owner of
Bandit equipment.
Become an owner of a Bandit chipper
All existing and new customers are welcome to
contact us if they want to become the owner of
the top-class range of Bandit equipment. Bandit
Industries have delivered successful recycling
solutions to basically every corner of the planet.
A commitment to support
Africa Biomass Company is fully equipped and
stocked to service and repair any Bandit machine
anywhere in South Africa. We own a fully-equipped
parts warehouse (650m²), manufacturing department
as well as field services to ensure that parts are always
readily available and our own, as well as our clients’
Bandit wood chippers are not out of commission
longer than they have to be.
23 EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019

OVERVIEW
Energy
The Eastern Cape is the wind power province.
With the signing off on four new wind projects in April
2018, the Eastern Cape reinforced its position as a prime
destination for wind power.
More than half the wind farm projects so far
approved in the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer
Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) have been allocated to
the Eastern Cape. The Kouga area west of Jeffreys Bay and the
Cookhouse/Bedford area about 95km north-west of Makhanda
(Grahamstown) represent two wind power hubs, with a collective
capacity of 1 185MW.
South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) requires 20 000MW
of renewable energy by 2030 and wind power technology, together
with solar photovoltaic, are the two primary methods of reaching
that target.
The April signing ceremony by new Energy Minister Jeff Rabebe
restarted the REIPPPP when he signed off on projects totalling
R56-billion that will add 2 300MW to the national grid. There had
been a long delay in the process as national utility Eskom argued
against accepting more power purchase agreements while they had
a surplus. Most of South Africa’s electricity comes from coal and
Eskom is building two huge coal-fired power stations.
One of the unfortunate side effects of Eskom’s refusal to agree
to buy renewable power for two years was the closing down of a
wind tower manufacturer in the Eastern Cape. DCD Wind Towers
SECTOR INSIGHT
The IDC plans to revive a wind
tower manufacturing plant.
was a joint venture between the
DCD Group and the Industrial
Development Corporation (IDC).
A factory was built in the Coega
Industrial Development Zone
(IDZ) in 2013 with the intention
of localising the manufacture
of renewable energy sector
components. The factory closed
in 2016 as uncertainty affected
the market.
The Coega IDZ was working on
positioning itself as a renewable
energy hub. This process has
been restarted and the IDC is
looking for new partners to
revive the wind tower plant. The
Department of Trade and Industry
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019
24

OVERVIEW
(dti) offers a number of green technology incentives.
At the end of the annual Windaba conference in Cape Town in
2018, the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) issued
a Commitment Statement which noted that the REIPPPP has a
“built-in demand for local procurement”, not only offering business
opportunities to local companies, but also incentivising the industry
to identify and support emerging entrepreneurs.
The rollout of renewable energy has met some resistance in
South Africa from constituencies as diverse as coal-truck drivers
and advocates of nuclear power. In response, renewable energy
advocates cite not just investment figures, but they note how much
good work has been done in communities. According to figures
released by the National Department of Energy, the REIPPPP by
2016 had not only delivered multiple millions in investments, but
also created more than 30 000 jobs and benefited local community
development to the tune of R256-million.
Figures released by SAWEA showed shareholding for local
communities reached an estimated net income of R29.2-billion over
the lifespan of the projects. Some 14 000 new jobs are expected
to be created, mostly in rural areas, and more than R30-billion has
already been spent on Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) in the
construction phase.
Part of the SAWEA Commitment Statement reads, “Our aim over
time is to transform and indigenise leadership at all levels in the
South African Renewable Energy sector.”
The average lead time in the projects that have so far been
approved in the province is two years, with local content averaging
out at about 47%. When the projects are complete, R142.9-billion
will have been spent on procurement, R65.7-billion of which will
be local.
Wind projects in the province include Globeleq’s 138MW Jeffreys
Bay facility, the 140MW Cookhouse project (African Clean Energy
Developments) and two run by Cennergi at Tsitsikamma (94MW)
and Bedford (134MW). Cennergi is a joint venture between South
ONLINE RESOURCES
IPP projects: www.ipp-projects.co.za
National Energy Regulator of South Africa: www.nersa.org.za
South African Photovoltaic Industry Association:
www.sapvia.co.za
South African Renewable Energy Council: www.sarec.org.za
South African Wind Energy Association: www.sawea.org.za
Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa:
www.sessa.org.za
African resources company
Exxaro and Indian company Tata
Power. There are several other
projects with capacities ranging
from 20MW to 97MW.
Scatec Solar has
commissioned a plant in
Burgersdorp. The 75MW plant
has panels mounted on single
axes, enabling them to track
the sun and optimise electricity
generation by a further 20%.
POWERX has recently signed
up with AKM Foods to supply
power to all the KFC outlets in
Nelson Mandela Bay. POWERX
trades in renewable energy
through licences granted
to it by the national energy
regulatory authority, NERSA. By
aggregating power purchases,
the company is able to mitigate
risk in a way that an individual
purchaser may not be able to.
POWERX now supplies over 40
national and local customers in
Nelson Mandela Bay and its aim
is to expand the customer base.
The support of two of South
Africa’s biggest institutional
investors, the Industrial
Development Corporation
(IDC) and the Public Investment
Corporation (PIC), has been
crucial in getting the renewable
energy sector off the ground.
They have also played a role in
helping communities fund their
participation in community
trusts. According to Business
Day, the PIC has so far invested
in 16 unlisted projects and its
total investment stands at R11-
billion. The IDC’s 24 projects
are valued at R14-billion and
will contribute 1 100MW to the
national power grid.
25 EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019

OVERVIEW
Water
The Nooitgedacht Water Project is back on track.
The National Department of Water and Sanitation will provide
the finances to complete the vital Nooitgedacht Low Level
Scheme Water Project.
Earlier announcements that funding for the project was to
be reduced led to strikes but a new allocation was made in the 2018/19
budget. This will help to address the water supply problem in the Nelson
Mandela Bay metropole.
In August 2018, water supplies were turned off for periods in the
towns of Patensie and Hankey, which get their supply from the Kouga
Dam. Levels in different parts of the province varied considerably at
that time, ranging from just under 7% in the Kouga Dam to as high as
70% for the Klipplaat Water Supply System, which serves towns such
as Queenstown in the central part of the province.
Several plans are under consideration to alleviate the water shortages
facing the Eastern Cape’s towns and rural areas. Most municipalities
introduced restrictions on usage with the Nelson Mandela Bay
Municipality limiting residents to 50 litres per day. The municipality has
also been looking at ways of finding new water, including desalination
and tapping new underground water sources. A desalination plant at
Swartkops and new boreholes around the Uitenhage Springs are among
projects designed to alleviate shortages.
One option being considered is for the Nelson Mandela Bay
Municipality to partner with South African Breweries, which needs a
lot of water to make its products, and Marina Sea Salt, which desalinates
sea water to make salt. The Coega Development Corporation (CDC)
is also investigating desalination as it needs water for the gas-related
industries at the Coega Special Economic Zone.
ONLINE RESOURCES
National Department of Water and Sanitation: www.dwa.gov.za
Umzimvubu Catchment Partnership Programme:
www.umzimvubu.org
Water Institute of South Africa: www.wisa.org.za
Water Research Commission: www.wrc.org.za
SECTOR INSIGHT
Plans are being implemented
to avoid “Day Zero”.
The Nelson Mandela Bay metropole
currently gets its water from
10 dams, six of which are owned
by the municipality. Water services
are provided to the citizens
of the Eastern Cape by 17 water
service authorities which oversee
163 drinking water supply systems.
Muncipalities and Amatola
Water are the primary providers
of services.
A water supply and hydropower
project is planned on the
Umzimvubu River, under the
control of the National Department
of Water and Sanitation. The
project entails the construction of
two multipurpose dams and the
provision of hydropower.
Amatola Water manages
bulk water infrastructure across
50 000km², encompassing the
district municipalities of Chris
Hani and Amathole, together with
portions of other municipal areas.
Backlogs in rural areas and smaller
municipalities are still prevalent,
and this water authority is playing a
key role in reducing and eradicating
these inequalities.
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019
26

Amatola t:HhAAU:(d wde,,1,, k / .. .L
wa1er,11manz1 - v7· v
'-'1 v
LEADING SUSTAINABLE BULK
WATER SERVICES IN THE
As an essential services utility, Amatala Water is committed ta contributing to the soclo·economic development of the
Eastern Cape Province through the provision of sustainable bulk potable water and sanitation services.
Ta ensure universal access ta basic water supply, Amatala Water is upgracing the design standards al its water supply
schemes and related bulk intraslructure to 750 lltres per household per day, in line with the Intent al the Nattonal Development
Plan, al aimed at improving the qualHy al lffe of aver 76 000 households in the region.
Amalola Hause
6 Lancaster Road, Vincent, East Landon
Tel: (043) 707 3700
aw@amatolawater.co.za
www.amatolawater.co.za

Water Scarcity in South Africa
Sazile Qweleka, Amatola Water’s Operations Optimisation Manager,
presents the case for new thinking about wastewater recycling and re-use.
With most parts of South Africa experiencing a severe drought,
the severity of the water shortage in the country is inescapable.
Dam levels in the Eastern Cape continue to decline, despite rains
that have brought some relief. According to a recent report by the
National Department of Water and Sanitation, the total storage
of water in the Eastern Cape stands at 56.1%, compared to the
same time last year when the average dam levels were at 66.4%.
This trend, coupled with the severe drought conditions, an increasing
population and industrial growth, and environmental
degradation, forces us to look at accelerated innovations in water
resources and water services delivery in order to sustainably
meet future water demands.
In her budget speech in May 2017, the Minister of Water and
Sanitation, Nomvula Mokonyane, highlighted the country’s
heavy reliance on surface water as a concern. She added that it
was for this reason that the Department was planning to ensure
that there is a mix of surface and ground water, which includes
options such as groundwater; wastewater re-use (grey water);
desalination; and rainwater harvesting, among others.
Wastewater re-use, recycled or reclaimed or grey water refers to
former wastewater that has been treated to remove solids and
certain impurities, and then re-used for a variety of applications
including landscaping and irrigation, for example.
Although costly, many coastal cities appear to prefer desalination
as a solution to the water crisis. However, unlike its desalination
counterpart, an added advantage of wastewater recycling and
re-use is that it requires far less electricity.
A resource, not waste
We need to start dealing with wastewater differently and explore
wastewater re-use and recycling as a resource rather than waste.
Leading the cities in this area is the city of Durban, which is
home to the country’s first private water recycling plant. The
idea for the plant was born in 1993 out of concern for the area’s
increasing demand and limited water resources. This plant was
later commissioned in 2001.
The plant treats 47.5-million litres of domestic and industrial
wastewater to a near-potable standard for sale to industrial customers,
with an added benefit of a lower tariff when compared
to the normal tariff. The plant has helped to free up sufficient
drinking water for approximately 300 000 people in the area.
In turn, this has reduced the demand for potable water and
the quantity of effluent that is returned into the environment.
Using Durban as an example of a success story of how wastewater
recycling and re-use can be managed and used, it is clear that the
future of water sustainability lies in looking at sources of water
that will not only mitigate the effects of the drought, but also
complement the existing sources.

PROVIDING
high quality laboratory services and
reliable testing results to our clients
As the first ISO 17025:2005 accredited laboratory in the Eastern Cape, the Amatola Water lab is
assured to provide the highest standards of quality in laboratory services.
This nationally recognised accreditation confirms that Amatola Water has a quality management
system and the technical requirements in place to offer water sample analysis in line with SANS 241
standards, and provide reliable and accurate results data through a comprehensive water quality
monitoring and management programme - giving quality assurance to customers that water
quality standards are being met.
Amatola House
6 Lancaster Road, Vincent, East London
Tel: (043) 707 3700
aw@amatolawater.co.za
www.amatolawater.co.za

OVERVIEW
Tourism
New hotel for St Francis Links.
A
new luxury hotel is to be built in St Francis Bay. The 60-room
St Francis Links Hotel by Mantis will overlook the dam on
the golf course’s final hole and provide views of the Indian
Ocean and Kouga Mountains.
The existing clubhouse of the St Francis Links Estate will provide facilities
such as reception, restaurants and conferencing for the hotel, which has been
designed to minimise the visual impact in an environment where fynbos is
a feature. St Francis Links is a regular award winner as a wedding venue and
for its Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. The hotel will be constructed next
to the clubhouse, which is pictured above.
The Mantis Group is involved in another project that involves golf at
the Fish River Sun. The land on which the resort stands had been subject
to a land claim for a long time. In December 2017 the National Department
of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) bought the resort and
closed it down but the golf course reopened again in March 2018, under
the management of Mantis. Self-catering accommodation opened at the
resort about a month later.
Further up the coast, a settlement has been reached between the
DRDLR (on behalf of claimant communities) and Sun International on
the future of the Wild Coast Sun. The uMgungundlovu claimants, who
were evicted from their land by homeland leaders who rented out
SECTOR INSIGHT
30 000 bottle-necked dolphins
regularly visit Algoa Bay.
their land at laughably low prices
in the early 1980s, get all of the 700
hectares of land. The resort will
pay rental for the portion of land
which it uses, and the community
becomes a 28.4% part-owner of
the resort.
Algoa Bay attracts huge numbers
of bottle-nosed dolphins and visitors
don’t have to take boats to view them.
Pods of dolphins can be spotted from
the Shark Rock Pier adjacent to Hobie
Beach, made famous as the launching
spot of the swimming leg of various
triathlons such as the IRONMAN
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019
30

OVERVIEW
competition. Nelson Mandela Bay’s tourism body is calling the city the
Bottlenose Capital of the World because there is apparently nowhere else
where so many of them gather in one place.
The Eastern Cape has superb beaches and magnificent game parks and
nature reserves. The fact that parks such as the Addo Elephant National Park
are malaria-free at all times is an additional selling point for foreign visitors.
Port Elizabeth is the end-point of the famous Garden Route, which
extends westwards to Cape Town. East London has fine beaches and is
the logical starting point for trips to the magical Wild Coast. The interior of
the Eastern Cape is home to several high-end private game reserves such
as Shamwari, Mount Camdeboo and Kariega Game Reserve.
Some luxury game lodges are located within national parks, such as the
Gorah Elephant Camp, which is run by Hunter Hotels and forms part of the
Addo Park. Luxury brands sometimes create a chain for their customers, so
visitors might stay at the boutique Summerstand hotel in Port Elizabeth,
No5 By Mantis, on their way to another Mantis property, the Oceana Beach
and Wildlife Reserve.
The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency runs 34 provincial nature
reserves within the province. The Addo Elephant National Park is arguably
the province’s greatest attraction and is under the control of South African
National Parks. The Camdeboo, Mountain Zebra and Garden Route national
parks offer terrains ranging from dry karoo veld and rolling mountain
plateaus to forests on a rocky coastline.
Hotels and casinos
South Africa’s large branded hotel groups have a strong presence
in the Eastern Cape but there are also regionally focussed groups
together with independent hotels and resorts such as East London’s
Blue Lagoon Hotel and Conference Centre, located in a prime spot at
the mouth of the Nahoon River.
The Billion Group has opened a new casino in Mthatha. The Mayfair
Casino, which also has conference facilities, forms part of the complex
that includes the BT Ngebs City Shopping Centre and the Mayfair Hotel.
A Port Elizabeth hotel, the Isango Boutique Hotel and Spa, offers a variety
of services beyound accomadation, including a luxury spa and hosting of
weddings, conferences and parties. Kat Leisure Group’s offering extends
ONLINE RESOURCES
Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency:
www.visiteasterncape.co.za
Mandela Bay Development Agency: www.mbda.co.za
St Francis Tourism: www.stfrancistourism.co.za
from the Kennaway Hotel on East
London’s beachfront to the Queens
Casino and Hotel in Queenstown
and properties in the mountainous
interior of Katberg and Hogsback.
Premier Hotels has two hotels in
East London, the Mpanga Private
Game Reserve and it manages
the East London International
Convention Centre. The Radisson
Blu in Port Elizabeth offers five-star
luxury overlooking Pollock Beach.
The modern 14-storey building has
173 rooms and suites.
Tsogo Sun has five Eastern
Cape properties. In East London
the four-star Southern Sun
Hemingways is next to the
Hemingways Casino complex and
the city has one Garden Court, as
does Mthatha. Port Elizabeth has
a Garden Court and a SUN1, both
near Humewood Beach.
Apart from the two resorts
mentioned in relation to land
claims, Sun International has
the five-star Boardwalk Casino
and Entertainment World in
Port Elizabeth which includes
conference and events facilities.
Makana (Grahamstown) hosts
the National Arts Festival every
year, an 11-day extravaganza of
performance art, music of every
sort, art exhibitions, film, lectures,
craft fairs and workshops. A study
has put the economic impact of
the festival at close to R350-million.
Port Elizabeth maintained its
reputation for “firsts” when it hosted
South Africa’s first-ever day-night
cricket Test match in 2017. With
brand-new lighting of the latest
design, St George’s Park cricket
ground was illuminated to the
highest international standards.
31
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019

PROFILE
Isango Gate Boutique
Hotel and Spa
Indulge your senses.
The building which houses Isango Gate
Boutique Hotel and Spa was built in the
early 1900s and has been transformed
into a sophisticated, elegantly styled boutique
hotel. Isango Gate provides a serene yet
modern setting which includes African Zen gardens,
an open deck area, earth tones and modern
lines and style. A marine theme contributes to the
calming effect. This great escape is situated in the
premier suburb of Summerstrand in Port Elizabeth
and on the doorstep of pristine Blue Flag beaches.
Exclusivity
Each of the 10 tastefully designed suites are
equipped with free Internet connection, fine linen,
luxurious amenities and provide a private oasis
of serenity. All efforts are dedicated to providing
luxurious comfort, modern facilities and intuitive
technology combined with exceptional, personalised
service.
Eight suites have private balconies and views of the
sea. All rooms have a peaceful and harmonious touch
with contemporary finishes.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Isango Gate Boutique Hotel and Spa
23 Bournemouth Street, Summerstrand,
Port Elizabeth 6001
Tel: +27 41 811 2225
Email: generalmanager@isangogate.co.za/
guestrelations@isangogate.co.za
Functions: functions@isangogate.co.za
Spa: spa@isangogate.co.za
Website: https://isangogate.co.za
In-room facilities
• King-size beds
• TV with DStv
• Climate control
• Fully-stocked bar fridges
On-site facilities
• Awesome gym
• Sparkling pool
• Sundeck
• Cocktail lounge
• Kiddies care
• Wine cellar
• Restaurant
• Boardroom
• Steam room
• Secure parking
• Jacuzzi
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019
32

Your antidote to
urban life
FOCUS
Isango Gate Boutique Hotel and Spa offers a great escape.
Over and above luxury accommodation
options just a few minutes’ walk from
Port Elizabeth’s finest beaches, the
Isango Gate Boutique Hotel and Spa
caters for a wide variety of activities which range
from a luxury spa to conference facilities, a poolside
bar and a fine restaurant which is regularly used to
host weddings and parties.
Conferences
The Mvumelwano
Conference Centre
can accommodate
up to 70 guests
and is fully
equipped with a
projector, sound,
air conditioner
and appropriate lighting. Extra equipment
or special requests are welcome and can be
discussed.
Bar
The Ndlovu
S i n a z o
Bar is set
alongside
an infinity
swimming
pool and creates the ultimate atmosphere for
sundowners. This bar extension offers light
meals, cocktails and wine by the glass. For those
wanting to embrace the atmosphere, cigars are
on sale to end off a great evening. The Ndlovu
Sinazo Bar is open seven days a week for lunch
and evening snacks.
Spa
The Isango Gate
Spa is a luxury spa
in the heart of Port
Elizabeth. Whether
you are looking for
a dedicated spa break or would simply like to relax
and pamper yourself, you will find everything
you need all in an idyllic setting. In this haven of
wel- being, you can relax in the deluxe jacuzzi or
soothe your muscles and rid your body of toxins
in the steam room. Work out in the well-equipped
gym and enjoy the infinity pool.
Restaurant
The Penda Pendu restaurant, meaning “together
in our house” in Shona, is equipped with a gas
fireplace where guests can enjoy gourmet
South African dishes with international flare
complemented with fine local, international and
rare wines. The full à la carte restaurant is open to
the public and is available for functions such as
baby showers, birthday parties, bridal showers,
high teas, weddings and year-end functions.
33 EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019

OVERVIEW
Manufacturing
Pharmaceutical and automotive manufacturers are investing in new capacity.
Established players and new entrants are putting money into new
and expanded facilities in pharmaceuticals and the automotive
industry, two of the strongest manufacturing sectors in the
Eastern Cape.
Of the established companies, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Ford,
South African Breweries and Aspen Pharmacare are all either upgrading
facilities or adding new production lines.
New entrants include MSQ Health, which will build a R100-million
factory in the Coega Special Economic Zone, which is partnering with the
company. The focus will be on active pharmaceutical ingredients (API).
Phase 1 in the construction process of the vehicle assembly plant
of Beijing Automotive Group South Africa (BAIC SA) was completed in
2018. The total project involves an investment of R11-billion. BAIC expects
to be building 50 000 vehicles per year at its site at Coega SEZ by 2022.
The Eastern Cape manufactures half of the country’s passenger
vehicles and provides 51% of South Africa’s vehicle exports. The sector
accounts for over 40 000 formal sector jobs in the province.
Volkswagen’s two new types of Polos started rolling off the production
line in Uitenhage in 2018. Volkswagen’s R6.1-billion investment will
take production up to full capacity of 160 000 vehicles in 2019, from
110 000 in 2017.
About 150 automotive suppliers of various types operate in the
Eastern Cape. Sectors include leather works, batteries, automotive
tooling, catalytic converters, glass, lamps, radiators and alloy wheels.
Several cluster development programmes in the Eastern Cape
aim to develop specific industries by bringing together expertise and
logistical support. Marine manufacturing is the focus of the Mandela
Bay Composites Cluster (MBCC). A Non-Automotive Manufacturing
(NAM) Cluster concentrates on training, supplier development, energy
efficiencies and developing new markets.
The provincial government wants to see more diversification in
manufacturing and is targeting sectors where the province already
has a competitive advantage (such as wool and mohair), is labour
intensive, will have a broad impact and has low barriers for SMME
ONLINE RESOURCES
Coega Development Corporation: www.coega.co.za
Eastern Cape Development Corporation: www.ecdc.co.za
East London Industrial Development Zone: www.elidz.co.za
SECTOR INSIGHT
Aspen Pharmacare will hire
500 new staff.
entry. Sectors targeted include:
agri-processing and food; timber;
tourism; construction; chemicals;
energy and mariculture.
There is great potential to create
more value from the excellent
wool, leather and mohair that
the province’s livestock produce.
A fibre-processing plant to spin
wool and mohair fibre into yarn is
planned, as is a textile mill to focus
on cotton, poly-cotton and acrylic
fabric. The latter is planned for the
IDZ in East London, which is already
home to Da Gama Textiles, whose
factory has the capacity to produce
45-million square metres of fabric
per annum.
The opening in May 2018 of a R1-
billion specialised product facility at
the Port Elizabeth plant of Aspen
Pharmacare will add 500 jobs to the
existing complement of 2 000 staff
members. The new plant will make
products for chronic conditions, a
new departure for the company
which until now has focussed on
generics. Annual production is
planned of about 3.6-billion tablets.
A new production line came on
line at the Ibhayi Brewery of South
African Breweries (AB InBev) at
Perseverance in the Eastern Cape
in 2018. The new line, costing R438-
million, will add 500 000-hectolitres
to the brewery’s capacity.
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019
34

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FUTURE EVENTS
East london icc
AUDIT&RISK
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OVERVIEW
Education
Eastern Cape universities are leading research in vital sectors.
Expensive medical tests in rural areas for problematic
pregnancies could soon be a thing of the past. The new
Rhodes University Biotechnology Innovation Centre is working
on a cellphone app that will send colour pictures of test strips
to diagnostic centres, saving the patient a long and difficult journey.
The University of Fort Hare is leading three innovative studies into
biogas including a project investigating compressed biogas for public
transport. Partners in the project are the Department of Economic
Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), the
United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and United States
Agency for International Development. The South African National
Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) is working with Fort Hare on
a pilot scheme of biodigesters for households.
In 2017, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) inaugurated its Ocean
Sciences Campus at its Port Elizabeth base. This includes a unit
aimed at combating sea fisheries crime (FishFORCE, with support
from Norway) and the South African International Maritime Institute
(SAIMI). The university has four marine sector chairs funded by the
South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) and the National
Research Foundation (NRF).
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) and the University of South
Africa (Unisa) offer vocational training (diplomas) and academic
programmes (degrees).
There are several examples in the Eastern Cape of collaboration
between the manufacturing sector and educational institutions.
General Motors SA has assigned R3.6-million to a Chair in Mechatronics
at NMU, which offers a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics,
covering electronics, mechanical engineering and computer-aided
design. Volkswagen supports the International Chair in Automotive
Engineering at NMU. Rhodes University’s Centre for Environmental
Water Quality, within the Institute for Water Research, is sponsored by
Unilever. The NMU Institute of Chemical Technology commercialises
research through a body called InnoVenton and has several clients in
the private sector.
The Provincial Government of the Eastern Cape is supporting
skills training in the maritime sector through the Maritime Youth
ONLINE RESOURCES
Eastern Cape Department of Education: www.ecdoe.gov.za
Ocean Sciences Campus: www.mandela.ac.za
Technology Innovation Agency: www.tia.org.za
SECTOR INSIGHT
Rhodes University has a new
Biotechnology Innovation
Centre.
Development Programme. So far,
it has benefitted 128 young people
from Buffalo City Municipality and
Port St Johns and will be rolled
out to other areas. In the Youth
in Infrastructure Maintenance
Programme, the provincial
government partners with several
national departments to provide
opportunities for unskilled young
people with NCV 4 and Grade
12 qualifications and below. The
programme is targeting 5 000
young people over a period of
five years.
The Eastern Cape has eight
Technical and Vocational Education
Training (TVET) colleges, most
of which have more than one
campus: Buffalo City, Port Elizabeth,
Lovedale, King Hintsa, Ingwe, King
Sabata Dalinyebo, Ikhala and
Eastcape Midlands College.
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019
36

LISTING
Eastern Cape Provincial
Government
A guide to the Eastern Cape’s provincial government
departments. Visit www.ecprov.gov.za
Office of the Premier
Premier: Phumulo Masualle
State House, Independent Avenue,
Bhisho 5605
Tel: +27 40 609 6626
Fax: +27 40 639 1419
Website: www.ecprov.gov.za
Department of Cooperative Governance
and Traditional Affairs
MEC: Fikile Xasa
Tyamzashe Building, Room 2124, 2nd Floor, Bhisho 5605
Tel: +27 40 609 5788/5789
Fax: +27 40 639 2135
Website: www.eccogta.gov.za
Department of Economic Development,
Environmental Affairs and Tourism
MEC: Oscar Mabuyane
2nd Floor, Beacon Hill, Hockley Close, King Williams Town 5600
Tel: +27 43 605 7006/7216
Fax: +27 43 605 7306
Website: www.dedea.gov.za
Department of Education
Superintendent General: Themba Kojana
Steve Tshwete Education Building, Zwelitsha Zone 6, Zwelitsha
Tel: +27 40 608 4200
Fax: +27 40 608 4040
Website: www.ecdoe.gov.za
Department of Health
MEC: Helen Sauls-August
Dukumbane Building, Independence Avenue, Bhisho 5605
Tel: +27 40 608 1114
Fax: +27 40 608 1118
Website: www.echealth.gov.za
Department of Human Settlements
MEC: Mlungisi Mvoko
31-33 Phillip Frame Road, Waverly Park, Chiselhurst, East London
Tel: +27 43 711 9595
Fax: +27 43 711 9785
Website: www.ecdhs.gov.za
Department of Public Works
MEC: Pemmy Majodina
5 Qasana Building, Independence Avenue, Bhisho 5605
Tel: +27 40 602 4000
Fax: +27 40 639 2926
Website: www.ecdpw.gov.za
Department of Rural Development
and Agrarian Reform
MEC: Xolile Nqatha
Dukumbane Building, Independence Avenue, Bhisho 5606
Tel: +27 40 602 5006
Fax: +27 40 635 0604
Website: www.drdar.gov.za
Department of Safety and Liaison
MEC: Weziwe Tikana
Arches Building 7, Taylor Street,
King Williams Town 5601
Tel: +27 43 605 6800
Fax: 086 558 0224
Website: www.ecprov.gov.za
Department of Social Development
MEC: Dr Pumza Dyantyi
Cnr Hockley and Hargreaves Streets, Beacon Hill,
King Williams Town 5600
Tel: +27 43 605 5419
Fax: +27 43 605 5000
Website: www.ecdsd.gov.za
37 EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019

LISTING
Department of Sports, Recreation,
Arts and Culture
MEC: Bulelwa Tunyiswa
Wilton Zimasile Mkwayi Building, 5 Eales Street,
King Williams Town 5600
Tel: +27 43 604 4101 | Fax: +27 43 642 6759
Website: www.ecsrac.gov.za
Provincial Treasury
MEC: Oscar Mabuyane
Provincial Treasury, Tyamzashe Building, Bhisho 5605
Tel: +27 40 353 9944
Fax: +27 40 101 0731
Website: www.ectreasury.gov.za
Department of Transport
MEC: Weziwe Tikana
Stellenbosch Park, Flemming St, Schornville,
King Williams Town 5601
Tel: +27 43 604 7400 | Fax: 086 298 5598
Website: www.ectransport.gov.za
Eastern Cape Local Government
ALFRED NZO DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
Erf 1400, Ntsizwa Street, Mount Ayliff
Tel: +27 39 254 5000 | Fax: +27 39 254 0343
Email: info@andm.gov.za
Website: www.andm.gov.za
Matatiele Local Municipality
Tel: +27 39 737 8100
Fax: +27 39 737 3611
Website: www.matatiele.gov.za
Mbizana Local Municipality
Tel: +27 39 251 0230
Fax: +27 39 251 0917
Website: www.mbizana.gov.za
Ntabankulu Local Municipality
Tel: +27 39 258 0056
Fax: +27 39 258 0173
Website: www.ntabankulu.gov.za
Umzimvubu Local Municipality
Tel: +27 39 255 8500
Fax: +27 39 255 0167
Website: www.umzimvubu.gov.za
AMATHOLE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
40 Cambridge Street, East London
Tel: +27 43 701 4000 | Fax: +27 43 742 0337
Email: info@amathole.gov.za
Website: www.amathole.gov.za
Amahlathi Local Municipality
Tel: +27 43 683 5000 | Fax:+27 43 683 2970
Website: www.amahlathi.gov.za
Great Kei Local Municipality
Tel: +27 43 831 5700 | Fax: +27 43 831 1306
Website: www.greatkeilm.gov.za
Mbashe Local Municipality
Tel: +27 47 489 5800 | Fax: +27 47 489 5800
Website: www.mbhashemun.gov.za
Mnquma Local Municipality
Tel: +7 47 401 2400 | Fax: +27 47 491 0195
Website: www.mnquma.gov.za
Ngqushwa Local Municipality
Tel: +27 40 673 3095 | Fax: +27 40 673 3771
Website: www.ngqushwamun.gov.za
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019
38

LISTING
Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality
Tel: +27 46 645 7400
Fax: +27 46 645 2562
Website: www.raymondmhlaba.gov.za
BUFFALO CITY METROPOLITAN
MUNICIPALITY
117 Oxford Street, Cnr North & Oxford Streets, Trust Centre, East London
Tel:+27 43 705 2000 | Fax:+27 43 743 1688
Website: www.buffalocity.gov.za
CHRIS HANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
15 Bells Road, Queenstown
Tel: +27 45 808 4600 | Fax: +27 45 838 1556
Website: www.chrishanidm.gov.za
Emalahleni Local Municipality
Tel: +27 47 878 0020 | Fax: + 27 47 878 0112
Website: www.emalahleni.gov.za
Engcobo Local Municipality
Tel: +27 47 548 5600 | Fax: +27 47 548 1078
Website: www.engcobolm.gov.za
Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality
Tel: + 27 45 807 2606
Fax: +27 45 807 2637
Intsika Yethu Local Municipality
Tel: +27 47 874 8700 | Fax: +27 47 874 0010
Website: www.intsikayethu.gov.za
Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality
Tel: +27 48 801 5000
Fax: +27 48 881 1421
Website: www.iym.gov.za
Sakhisizwe Local Municipality
Tel: +27 47 877 5200
Fax: +27 47 877 0000
Website: www.sakhisizwe.gov.za
JOE GQABI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
Cnr Cole and Graham Streets, Barkly East
Tel: +27 45 979 3000
Fax: +27 45 971 0251
Website: www.jgdm.gov.za
Elundini Local Municipality
Tel: +27 45 932 8100 | Fax: +27 45 932 1094
Website: www.elundini.org.za
Senqu Local Municipality
Tel: +27 51 603 1300 | Fax: +27 51 603 0445
Website: www.senqu.gov.co.za
Walter Sisulu Local Municipality
Tel: + 27 51 653 1777
Fax: + 27 51 653 0056
Website: www.wslm.gov.za
NELSON MANDELA BAY METROPOLITAN
MUNICIPALITY
City Hall, Vuyisile Mini Square,
Govan Mbeki Avenue, Nelson Mandela Bay
Tel: +27 41 506 1911
Fax: +27 41 506 2422
Website: www.nelsonmandelabay.gov.za
OR TAMBO DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
OR Tambo House, Nelson Mandela Drive, Myezo Park, Mthatha
Tel: +27 47 501 6400
Fax: +27 47 532 6518
Website: www.ortambodm.gov.za
Ingquza Hill Local Municipality
Tel: +27 39 252 0131
Fax: +27 39 252 0699
Website: www.ihlm.gov.za
King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality
Tel: +27 47 501 4000 | Fax: +27 47 531 3128
Website: www.ksd.gov.za
Mhlontlo Local Municipality
Tel: +27 47 553 7000 | Fax: +27 47 553 0189
Website: www.mhlontlolm.gov.za
Nyandeni Local Municipality
Tel: +27 47 555 5000
Fax: +27 47 555 0202
Website: www.nyandenilm.gov.za
39
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019

LISTING
Port St Johns Local Municipality
Tel: +27 47 564 1207
Fax: +27 47 564 1206
Website: www.psjmunicipality.gov.za
SARAH BAARTMAN DISTRICT
MUNICIPALITY
32 Govan Mbeki Avenue, Port Elizabeth
Tel: +27 41 508 7111
Fax: +27 41 508 7000
Website: www.sarahbaartman.co.za
Blue Crane Route Local Municipality
Tel: +27 42 243 6400 | Fax: + 27 42 243 0633
Website: www.bcrm.gov.za
Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality
Tel: +27 49 807 5700 | Fax: +27 49 892 4319
Website: www.bnlm.gov.za
Kou-Kamma Local Municipality
Tel: +27 42 288 7200 | Fax: +27 42 288 0797
Website: www.koukammamunicipality.co.za
Makana Local Municipality
Tel: +27 46 603 6131
Fax: +27 46 622 9700
Website: www.makana.gov.za
Ndlambe Local Municipality
Tel: +27 46 604 5500
Fax: +27 46 624 2669
Website: www.ndlambe.gov.za
Sundays River Valley Local Municipality
Tel: +27 42 230 7700/0077
Fax: +27 42 230 1799
Website: www.srvm.gov.za
Kouga Local Municipality
Tel: +27 42 200 2200 | Fax: +27 42 200 8606
Website: www.kouga.gov.za
Municipalities in the Eastern Cape
Free State
LESOTHO
Alfred Nzo
Matatiele
KwaZulu-
Natal
Northern Cape
Western
Cape
Inxuba Yethemba
Gariep
Tsolwana
Inkwanca
Senqu
Maletswai
Joe Gqabi
Chris Hani
Emalahleni
Lukhanji
Sakhisizwe
Intsika Yethu
Engcobo
Elundini
Mbhashe
Umzimvubu
King Sabata
Dalindyebo
Ntabankulu
OR Tambo
Mhlontlo
Ingquza
Hill
Nyandeni
Port
St Johns
Mbizana
Dr Beyers Naude
Blue Crane Route
Sarah Baartman
Nxuba
Makana
Nkonkobe
Ngqushwa
Amahlathi
Amathole
Buffalo
City
Mnquma
Great Kei
INDIAN OCEAN
Sundays River
Valley
Ndlambe
Metropolitan/District Municipality
Boundary
Kou-Kamma
Kouga
Nelson Mandela Bay
Local Municipality Boundary
District Municipality
Local Municipality
Chris Hani
Nxuba
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019
40

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