The 2016 edition of the Gauteng Business and Investment Guide is the premier business and investment guide for the Gauteng province and the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA). In addition to detailed profiles of key provincial organisations, including the GGDA, the Automotive Industry Development Corporation Centre (AIDC), the Gauteng Investment Centre, the Gauteng IDZ, the Gauteng ICT Park SEZ and Constitution Hill, this edition includes well-researched economic and demographic data on the province, as well as insights into the province’s five development corridors and the new industries and development nodes in these corridors; a focus on Gauteng as a global city region; and key growth sectors for the province.
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SPECIAL FEATURE build 79 new schools and renovate a further 300 existing schools. Many of the numerous education institutions and research units within the province are highly rated both within South Africa and internationally. For instance, Gauteng is home to three of South Africa’s five top-ranked business schools. Technology Gauteng is a major hub for the ICT sector in South Africa and hosts the majority of the country’s largest media companies. A number of multinational technology companies — including Microsoft, IBM and Cisco — have a presence in Gauteng, where they operate alongside South Africa’s own technology firms. As the industrial and financial heartland of South Africa, the Gauteng province attracts a multitude of foreign and domestic ICTrelated investment and business. This is backed by a number of multi-billion rand support programmes directed towards ICT development by the Gauteng provincial government. Africa’s biggest subscription satellite television service provider, MultiChoice, and pay television channel provider, M-Net, are both based in Gauteng. Numerous radio stations are housed within the province, attracting millions of weekly listeners from many areas and language groups. There are four major cellular network operators in the province: Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and its partner Virgin Mobile, and Telkom. Housing Gauteng’s property market is internationally competitive. Returns on commercial property in the province currently outperform those in international business centres such as New York and London; more generally, property returns in Gauteng are favourable by many international comparisons. There is a thriving residential property market in Gauteng, backed by strong demand for housing in golf estates, cluster houses and condominiums. As one property expert remarked: “Gauteng is leading the market in high-end properties with long-term, stable returns on real estate.” Construction activity in Gauteng remains robust. General building and civil engineering are currently the largest construction sub-sectors in the province, and shopping malls and modern buildings continue to be built in every part of the province. These new buildings tend to be modern, well-built, and constructed to exacting and internationally competitive standards. The high level of construction activity has been accompanied by a concerted effort to improve inner city districts in Gauteng. These efforts have been driven by a partnership between lobby groups and the Affordable Housing Company, the JDA, and the Johannesburg Social Housing Company. In addition, the provincial government’s housing policy includes a strong focus on integrating human settlements and improving property and housing allocations. Dining out Authentic South African cuisine is available at a number of widely hailed restaurants throughout the province. Gauteng is renowned for the quality and breadth of its restaurant and fine dining options, which include Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indian, Cape Malay and authentic African cuisine. The diversity of the provincial population has a positive influence on the range of food available within Gauteng. With so many activities to keep you busy on the weekends after a fruitful week of work, Gauteng really does offer residents the best of both worlds for business and pleasure, all under the warm African sun. GAUTENG BUSINESS 2016 56
Conference Banquets Luxury Suites Epsom Bistro Chief’s Boma Mowana Spa INDABA HOTEL, SPA & CONFERENCE CENTRE YOUR AFRICAN DESTINATION IN JOHANNESBURG Just north of the fast paced business world of Sandton lies the 258 bedroom Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre. It is a compelling blend of business-like efficiency and relaxed country atmosphere within close proximity of the International Airport making the Indaba perfect for groups and leisure travellers. The hotel features 24 multi-purpose conference venues ranging from Executive Boardrooms to large Banquet Venues seating up to 500 people. Boasting 2 world class restaurants and the renowned MOWANA Spa, the Indaba Hotel is sure to meet your business and leisure requirements. W: www.indabahotel.co.za | T:+27 11 840 6600 E: indaba@indabahotel.co.za
