KwaZulu-Natal Business 2016-17 edition
The 2016-17 edition of KwaZulu-Natal Business is the eighth issue of this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2008, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide to the KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa. The province is unique in terms of its abundant natural and human resources, and is also one of the key drivers behind the South African economy. To complement the extensive local, national and international distribution of the print edition of the magazine (15 000 copies), 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.globalafricanetwork.com, in addition to our other business-to-business titles that cover all nine provinces, complemented by our flagship publication, South African Business.
The 2016-17 edition of KwaZulu-Natal Business is the eighth issue of this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2008, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide to the KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa.
The province is unique in terms of its abundant natural and human resources, and is also one of the key drivers behind the South African economy.
To complement the extensive local, national and international distribution of the print edition of the magazine (15 000 copies), 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.globalafricanetwork.com, in addition to our other business-to-business titles that cover all nine provinces, complemented by our flagship publication, South African Business.
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SPECIAL FEATURE<br />
found to dig it up and let the sea in. Durban's conference<br />
facilities are well-utilised, but many opportunities<br />
still exist in chemicals and industrial chemicals,<br />
food and beverages, infrastructure development<br />
and tourism. Further south, plans are in place to<br />
upgrade Margate’s airport and Port Shepstone’s<br />
beachfront.<br />
Western region<br />
Also known as the Midlands, this is a fertile agricultural<br />
region, producing sugar cane, fruit, animal products,<br />
forestry and dairy products. Pietermaritzburg<br />
is the provincial capital and is home to a major aluminium<br />
producer, along with several manufacturing<br />
concerns, including textiles, furniture, leather goods<br />
and food. The city has good transport links along<br />
the N3 national highway, excellent schools and a<br />
lively arts scene. The Midlands Meander is a popular<br />
tourist destination.<br />
Eastern region<br />
Although most of this area is very rural, Richards Bay<br />
is one of the country’s industrial hotspots because of<br />
its coal terminal, port and aluminium smelters. The<br />
Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ)<br />
is a major economic node in itself: the 62-hectare<br />
first phase is almost fully subscribed, with the investment<br />
value of the two phases (some having already<br />
been secured for phase two) at R6.8-billion. Mining<br />
is an important sector in this region. The other major<br />
urban centre is Empangeni, which has several educational<br />
institutions. The newly completed King Shaka<br />
International Airport is kick-starting massive new investment<br />
in the area. The Ilembe District Municipality<br />
is particularly active in seeking out new investors.<br />
Northern region<br />
The economic powerhouse is Newcastle in the<br />
north-west: coal-mining, steel processing and<br />
manufacturing are major activities. Some old coal<br />
mines are being reopened by new coal companies<br />
to cater for the demand for the fuel from the country's<br />
power stations. Game farms, trout fishing and<br />
hiking are part of an attractive package for tourists,<br />
and Zululand is a popular destination for cultural<br />
experiences. The whole region is rich in Anglo-Boer<br />
War history.<br />
15 KWAZULU-NATAL BUSINESS <strong>2016</strong>/<strong>17</strong>
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