The 2018/19 edition of KwaZulu-Natal Business is the 10th 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 are special features on the investment prospects of Durban (eThekwini) and on the specific attractions for investors of other regions throughout the province.
We are pleased to include a survey of the province’s economy from Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal, the dedicated trade and inward investment promotion agency that promises to be “your knowledge partner in business”.
To complement the extensive local, national and international distribution of the print edition, the full content can also be viewed online at www.kwazulunatalbusiness.co.za. 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 as well as our flagship South African Business title.
DURBAN HARBOUR DURBAN
DURBAN HARBOUR DURBAN HARBOUR IS SOUTH AFRICA’S PREMIER MULTI-CARGO PORT, HANDLING OVER 80M TONS OF CARGO PER ANNUM A catalyst for global trade in Africa that brings together an international airport, a cargo terminal, warehousing, offi ces, a retail sector, hotels and an agricultural area THE PORT OF DURBAN is South Africa’s premier multi-cargo port and is counted among the busiest ports in Africa, handling over 80 million tons of cargo per annum. The Port of Durban is the leading port in the SADC region and the premier trade gateway between South-South trade, Far East trade, Europe & USA, East & West Africa regional trade. It is the international commercial gateway to South Africa and is strategically positioned on the world shipping routes. It is one of the few ports in the world located in close proximity to the central business district. The Port of Durban occupies a focal point in the transport and logistics chain with 60% of all imports and exports passing through the port, thus it assumes a leading role in facilitating economic growth in South Africa. RICHARDS BAY HARBOUR The port is one of South Africa’s eight operational commercial ports under the auspices of the Authority with great potential to play a key role in the shaping of South Africa’s future growth and prosperity. The combination of specialised cargo handling facilities, fast vessel turnaround, deep water infrastructure, excellent rail links to the hinterland and the large greenfi eld development potential, has made the port one of the world’s leading bulk ports, handling in excess of 80-million tons annually, representing approximately 60% of South Africa’s seaborne cargo.
SHIPBUILDING SECTOR GENERATES R1 BILLION PER ANNUM THE OCEAN ECONOMY The KwaZulu-Natal province is ideally situated to capitalise on the blue economy, as it boasts two of the Sub- Saharan continent’s largest ports as well as vast unexploited inland waterways, and incorporating a 600km coastline. Studies have shown that the country’s oceans could generate an estimated GDP contribution of between R129 and R177 billion, by 2033. Freight and logistics are centred primarily around two major transport hubs, namely the ports of Richards Bay and Durban, which are in turn connected to national and regional road and rail networks. Present estimates indicate that the local shipbuilding sector currently generates in excess of R1 billion per annum of which 68% is in foreign currency. KZN is the country’s second most prolifi c boat building province and close onto 6 000 vessels visit the ports of Durban and Richards Bay, each year, thereby providing a steady stream of potential vessel repair opportunities. KZN is growing in the freshwater aquaculture sector, most of the trout farms are located within the midlands, while ornamental koi carp, catfi sh and tilapia are also evident throughout the province. The province’s large number of inland cold water tributaries is another contributing factor towards its potential status as a prominent aquaculture centre.
