KwaZulu-Natal Business 2023-24

The first fruits of the harvest are celebrated every year
at the Umthayi Marula Festival in northern KwaZulu-
Natal. Residents of Swaziland and Mozambique are
frequent visitors.
a modern international airport and pipelines that
carry liquids of all types to and from the economic
powerhouse of the country around Johannesburg
in the interior.
Sappi’s dissolving pulp mill at Umkomaas south
of Durban is one of the province’s most significant
industrial sites as it produces huge quantities of a
material that is used in viscose staple fibre, which
in turn is used in clothing and textiles. Mondi is
the province’s other global giant in forestry, paper
and packaging. Toyota and Bell Equipment are
dominant players in the automotive sector.
Many banana farmers on the KwaZulu-Natal
South Coast have started planting macadamias. In
one case, half of a big farm has been converted to
cultivating the popular nut. “Along the KZN South
Coast, we enjoy a subtropical climate that creates a
fertile environment that supports a variety of crops
in the agricultural sector,” explains Phelisa Mangcu,
CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment
Enterprise (SCTIE).
Regions
KwaZulu-Natal has 10 district municipalities and a
metropolitan municipality, 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. The
promenade now reaches all the way to the harbour
and the Point development will benefit.
Major investments are taking place at the Port
of Durban. The Container Terminal will be expanded
on the back of an investment by an international
port operator. 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, Margate’s airport and
Port Shepstone’s beachfront are assets.
Western region
Also known as the Midlands, this is a
fertile agricultural region which hosts the
popular annual Royal Show. It produces
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 rural, Richards
Bay is one of the country’s industrial hotspots
because of its coal terminal, port and
aluminium smelters.
The Richards Bay Industrial Development
Zone is a major economic node and mining
is an important sector. The other major
urban centre is Empangeni which has
several educational institutions. The King
Shaka International Airport is adjacent to
the Dube TradePort.
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 region is rich in Anglo-Boer
War history which includes battle sites such
as Islandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. ■
KWAZULU-NATAL BUSINESS 2023/24
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PHOTO: Meropa