KwaZulu-Natal Business 2019-20 edition

SPECIAL FEATURE
The IPPU Joint Venture comprises Iliso, TPI, PMSA,
UrbanEcon including Cox Architecture, Urban
Solutions, Urban Earth, Jo Lees and Joe Kitching.
The Point Waterfront Development is a major
project that is in the process of transforming what
was an under-utilised and somewhat rundown part
of the city into a vibrant, multi-use precinct.
Some projections put the total potential investment
value of the project at R40-billion and the number of
permanent jobs to be created at 6 750. It is an ambitious
plan that links the city's beach promenade and the
harbour. It offers a property use mix of office space,
retail shops, residential dwellings and leisure options.
The 55ha site has already seen significant investment. A
cruise terminal in the harbour backing on to the Point
has been approved.
Other major projects in the inner city include:
• The Warwick Junction transport interchange
which has received road upgrades but could be
an even greater enabler of trade.
• The Centrum Government Precinct which will
formalise the relationship between buildings
such as the International Convention Centre and
a related hotel, the library, council chambers and
the redevelopment of Gugu Dlamini Park.
Regions
KwaZulu-Natal has 11 district municipalities, the
most of any province in South Africa. In economic
terms, the province offers diverse opportunities.
Southern region
This area is the province’s most populous. The city
of Durban has experienced booms in sectors such
as automotive, ICT, film and call centres. Major
investments are taking place at the Port of Durban and
there is a possibility that the old airport south of the
city becomes another port, if the money can be found
to dig it up and let the sea in. Durban's conference
facilities are well utilised, but many opportunities still
exist in chemicals and industrial chemicals, food and
beverages, infrastructure development and tourism.
Further south, plans are in place to upgrade Margate’s
airport and Port Shepstone’s beachfront.
Western region
Also known as the Midlands, this is a fertile agricultural
region, producing sugar cane, fruit, animal products,
forestry and dairy products. Pietermaritzburg is the
provincial capital and home to a major aluminium
producer along with several manufacturing concerns,
including textiles, furniture, leather goods and food.
The city has good transport links along the N3 national
highway, excellent schools and a lively arts scene. The
Midlands Meander is a popular tourist destination.
Eastern region
Although most of this area is very rural, Richards Bay is
one of the country’s industrial hotspots because of its
coal terminal and port and aluminium smelters. The
Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) is
a major economic node in itself: the 62-hectare first
phase is almost fully subscribed with the investment
value of the two phases (some having already been
secured for phase two) at R6.8-billion. Mining is an
important sector in this region. The other major urban
centre is Empangeni which has several educational
institutions. The newly completed King Shaka
International Airport is kick-starting massive new
investment in the area. The ilembe District Municipality
is particularly active in seeking out new investors.
Northern region
The economic powerhouse is Newcastle in the
north-west: coal-mining, steel processing and
manufacturing are major activities. Some old coal
mines are being reopened by new coal companies
to cater for the country's power stations’ demand for
the fuel. Game farms, trout fishing and hiking are part
of an attractive package for tourists, and Zululand is
a popular destination for cultural experiences. The
whole region is rich in Anglo-Boer War history.
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KWAZULU-NATAL BUSINESS 2019/20