KwaZulu-Natal Business 2023-24
A unique guide to business and investment in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The 2023/24 edition of KwaZulu-Natal Business is the 15th issue of this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2008, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide for the KwaZulu-Natal Province. In addition to the regular articles providing insight into each of the key economic sectors of the province, there is a special feature on the growth and importance of the recycling sector, with increasing activity covering cover paper, board, e-waste and rubber. The overview of the regional economy notes the importance of energy and the steps being taken by KwaZulu-Natal to turn Richards Bay into an energy hub. The fact that the province is also angling to create additional Special Economic Zones suggests that the two existing zones, at Richards Bay and the Dube TradePort at King Shaka International Airport, are living up to expectations in terms of attracting investment and boosting employment. The creation of a joint venture by Transnet and a private operator of ports is a significant step for the Port of Durban. To complement the extensive local, national and international distribution of the print edition, the full content can also be viewed online at www.globalafricanetwork.com under ebooks. Updated information on KwaZulu-Natal 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, our flagship South African Business title and the latest addition to our list of publications, Journal of African Business, which was launched in 2020.
A unique guide to business and investment in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.
The 2023/24 edition of KwaZulu-Natal Business is the 15th issue of this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2008, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide for the KwaZulu-Natal Province.
In addition to the regular articles providing insight into each of the key economic sectors of the province, there is a special feature on the growth and importance of the recycling sector, with increasing activity covering cover paper, board, e-waste and rubber.
The overview of the regional economy notes the importance of energy and the steps being taken by KwaZulu-Natal to turn Richards Bay into an energy hub. The fact that the province is also angling to create additional Special Economic Zones suggests that the two existing zones, at Richards Bay and the Dube TradePort at King Shaka International Airport, are living up to expectations in terms of attracting investment and boosting employment. The creation of a joint venture by Transnet and a private operator of ports is a significant step for the Port of Durban.
To complement the extensive local, national and international distribution of the print edition, the full content can also be viewed online at www.globalafricanetwork.com under ebooks. Updated information on KwaZulu-Natal 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, our flagship South African Business title and the latest addition to our list of publications, Journal of African Business, which was launched in 2020.
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FOCUS<br />
advanced tools for risk assessment, intelligence analysis<br />
and strategic planning. Computational modelling plays<br />
a pivotal role in analysing complex geopolitical landscapes,<br />
simulating potential scenarios and assessing<br />
the impacts of various policies. By integrating diverse<br />
datasets and employing sophisticated algorithms we<br />
can enhance our ability to detect emerging threats,<br />
formulate effective defence strategies and safeguard<br />
national interests.<br />
ESG practices<br />
The integration of ESG principles is vital for organisations<br />
that are committed to long-term sustainability<br />
and responsible business practices. Computational<br />
modelling empowers decision-makers to evaluate the<br />
impact of their actions on environmental conservation,<br />
social wellbeing and corporate governance. By incorporating<br />
diverse variables and quantifying the potential<br />
outcomes, organisations can identify sustainable investment<br />
opportunities, optimise resource allocation and<br />
enhance transparency and accountability.<br />
Manufacturing<br />
Next-generation manufacturing industries can push<br />
the boundaries of innovation by adopting modelling<br />
tools. Computational modelling supports innovation in<br />
product and process design, reduces the need for physical<br />
testing and prototypes, defines complex process<br />
parameters and leads to quality products and robust<br />
manufacturing processes.<br />
Smart infrastructure and sustainable urban<br />
planning<br />
The efficient utilisation of resources, resilience to climate<br />
change and the development of smart cities are critical<br />
components of a sustainable future. Computational<br />
modelling enables us to design and optimise infrastructure<br />
systems, integrating renewable energy sources,<br />
transportation networks and waste management systems.<br />
By simulating the interactions between these<br />
components, we can identify strategies that minimise<br />
environmental impact, enhance energy efficiency and<br />
improve the quality of life for urban populations.<br />
Crisis response and disaster<br />
Management in the face of natural disasters, disease<br />
outbreaks or humanitarian crises, computational<br />
modelling offers crucial support for emergency<br />
response and resource allocation. By simulating<br />
different scenarios emergency planners can identify<br />
optimal strategies, assess the potential impacts<br />
and allocate resources effectively. Furthermore,<br />
modelling the spread of infectious diseases aids in<br />
understanding transmission dynamics, evaluating<br />
the effectiveness of interventions and formulating<br />
proactive healthcare strategies.<br />
As computational modelling revolutionises our<br />
understanding of complex systems, it becomes a<br />
powerful tool for driving social impact. By leveraging<br />
its capabilities in poverty alleviation, unemployment<br />
mitigation, national security and ESG<br />
practices, we can foster a more inclusive, secure<br />
and sustainable future.<br />
I am committed to pushing the boundaries of its<br />
application in various domains, working towards a<br />
world in which technology is harnessed for the betterment<br />
of society. Let us embrace computational modelling<br />
as a catalyst for transformative change, shaping<br />
a future that leaves no-one behind and prioritises the<br />
wellbeing of both people and the planet. ■<br />
This thought leadership article was written by Dr Regina Maphanga. Dr Maphanga is the Research<br />
Group Leader for the Design and Optimisation research group at the Council for Scientific and Industrial<br />
Research (CSIR) in Pretoria. She has a PhD in physics from the University of Limpopo.<br />
Email: RMaphangai@csir.co.za<br />
Unlock new frontiers<br />
Now is the time to seize the tremendous opportunities offered by computational modelling. By<br />
partnering with the CSIR, a thought leader in computational modelling and sustainable business<br />
development, you can unlock new frontiers and drive innovation at a reduced cost and time. Our<br />
expertise will empower your organisation to harness the full potential of computational modelling,<br />
optimise operations, embrace sustainable practices and position your brand as a leader in the market.<br />
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