Eastern Cape Business 2021-22
The 2021/22 edition of Eastern Cape Business is the 14th edition of this successful publication that, since its launch in 2006, 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. The fact that the province is home to the majority of wind power projects as part of the country’s drive to promote renewable energy is the subject of a special feature. Overviews are provided on the key economic sectors of the province, including the vital contribution that the agricultural and automotive sectors continue to make on the province’s economic trajectory. References are made to the potential of the Oceans Economy and to the prospects of oil and gas for this coastal province. The major business chambers in the province have made contributions to the journal.
The 2021/22 edition of Eastern Cape Business is the 14th edition of this successful publication that, since its launch in 2006, 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. The fact that the province is home to the majority of wind power projects as part of the country’s drive to promote renewable energy is the subject of a special feature.
Overviews are provided on the key economic sectors of the province, including the vital contribution that the agricultural and automotive sectors continue to make on the province’s economic trajectory. References are made to the potential of the Oceans Economy and to the prospects of oil and gas for this coastal province. The major business chambers in the province have made contributions to the journal.
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Construction and property<br />
Gqeberha is expanding westwards.<br />
OVERVIEW<br />
SECTOR INSIGHT<br />
Student accommodation is<br />
a growth sector.<br />
The biggest shopping mall in the <strong>Eastern</strong> <strong>Cape</strong> is set to become<br />
the centre of a significant housing development. The plan for<br />
the Baywest Mall (pictured) on the western edge of Gqeberha<br />
(formerly Port Elizabeth) always envisaged the project acting<br />
as a catalyst for other forms of development. The mall was jointly developed<br />
by Abacus Asset Management and the Billion Group.<br />
The Provincial Government of the <strong>Eastern</strong> <strong>Cape</strong> has announced<br />
that an R18-billion Bay West housing project is at “an advanced stage”.<br />
Involving the metropolitan municipality of Nelson Mandela Bay and<br />
private developers, there are plans for 20 400 affordable units and 5 040<br />
social units.<br />
Another area of strong activity is in the building of student<br />
accommodation. The Department of Higher Education and Training<br />
has seen to it that institutions such as the universities of Fort Hare,<br />
Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu and the King Hintsa TVET College<br />
have each had between 1 000 and 3 000 new beds supplied on their<br />
campuses. Student accommodation specialists STAG African are the<br />
contractors at Fort Hare.<br />
The choice of the Coega Special Economic Zone (Coega SEZ) by<br />
companies looking to distribute their products from there has brought<br />
work for construction companies. GVK-Siya Zama is engaged in creating<br />
a 11 800m² logistics warehouse situated in Zone 1, following green<br />
building principles. Energy-efficient heating and ventilation systems,<br />
rainwater harvesting and PV solar panels all form part of the plan to<br />
ONLINE RESOURCES<br />
Credit: DHK<br />
Construction Industry Development Board: www.cidb.org.za<br />
Mandela Bay Development Agency: www.mbda.co.za<br />
Social Housing Regulatory Authority. www.shra.org.za<br />
South African Property Owners Association: www.sapoa.org.za<br />
control the ambient temperature<br />
for the snack and food items which<br />
will be stored there.<br />
Coastal properties almost<br />
always attract a premium but a<br />
new trend towards “semigration” is<br />
further boosting prices. Semigration<br />
refers to families who live in towns<br />
like Knysna or George but the<br />
bread-winner commutes to<br />
Johannesburg. Towns such as St<br />
Francis Bay, Jeffreys Bay and Port<br />
Alfred are now becoming the site of<br />
primary residences, instead of being<br />
exclusively holiday destinations.<br />
A new housing development<br />
in the rural area of Keiskammahoek<br />
attracted funding of R25-million<br />
from the <strong>Eastern</strong> <strong>Cape</strong> Provincial<br />
Department of Human Settlements.<br />
Aimed at destitute families, the<br />
first phase was conducted in the<br />
settlement of Masincedane, and the<br />
project will ultimately cater to 1 255<br />
beneficiaries.<br />
The Mandela Bay Development<br />
Agency (MBDA) has transformed<br />
the Old Tramway building at the<br />
entrance to the Baakens Valley.<br />
The MBDA not only moved into<br />
new offices in the renovated<br />
building but is letting it out as an<br />
events venue. Other retail property<br />
developments have happened<br />
in the valley (including a popular<br />
brewery), drawing attention to the<br />
potential of Port Elizabeth’s green<br />
lung to be even more useful in<br />
future. ■<br />
29<br />
EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS <strong>2021</strong>/<strong>22</strong>
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