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KwaZulu-Natal Business 2017-18 edition

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  • Automotive
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  • Opportunities
  • Invest
  • Government
  • Business
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  • Municipality
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KwaZulu-Natal Business 2017/18 is the ninth edition of this highly successful publication that has, since its launch in 2008, established itself as the premier business and investment guide to the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The 2017/18 edition includes special features on the Richards Bay area and its increasingly important Industrial Development Zone, the investment appeal of Durban and the growing maritime economy. Up-to-date overviews on the province’s economic sectors provide unique insights. Global Africa Network Media (www.gan.co.za), the publisher of KwaZulu-Natal Business, specialises in business-to-business print and electronic publications, producing a series of region-specific, annual print journals. Every province in South Africa is covered by this unique range of journals and websites, complemented by a national business guidebook, South African Business.

PROFILE Msunduzi

PROFILE Msunduzi Municipality: City of Pietermaritzburg Msunduzi Municipality incorporates Pietermaritzburg, the capital city of the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Geography and location Msunduszi Municipality is situated strategically on the N3 highway, 80km inland from Durban – the biggest port in Africa. The N3 corridor is the busiest development corridor in South Africa, linking Durban through Pietermaritzburg to Johannesburg and the rest of Africa. The Municipality is also the economic hub for the central part of the Province. Main industries/business sectors Msunduzi has a diverse economy with a robust manufacturing sector including an aluminium rolling mill and downstream aluminium products, automotive components, leather-ware and shoes, carpets, furniture, forestry and timber, as well as one of the largest fresh produce markets in the country and a thriving agricultural sector. Emerging sectors include business process outsourcing, the private health care sector with two new hospitals under construction, food processing and the creative arts sectors. As the main commercial hub for the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands it serves a population base of approximately one-million in the city and surrounding smaller towns. It has the benefit of being the seat of the Provincial Parliament and the Provincial High Court, which facilitates easy access to all government departments. Main resources/attractions Enjoying a warm, subtropical climate, Pietermaritzburg is a green and attractive city with numerous parks, pleasant residential suburbs and is within easy reach of both beaches and the Drakensberg mountains. It is renowned for its excellent schools and health facilities, and has campuses for two universities plus several colleges, ensuring the availability of a highly skilled workforce. It has excellent road networks and an airport with five flights daily to Johannesburg plus one to Cape Town. Having numerous restaurants, museums, shopping centres and social amenities, it also hosts major events such as the Comrades Marathon, Dusi Canoe Marathon, Edendale and Mandela Marathons, the Midmar Mile swim, the Royal Agricultural Show, and it is also known as the Bike City of Africa, hosting international BMX and mountain-biking championships. Key development objectives and strategies The Municipality aims to promote investment that will take advantage of its strategic location on the N3 development corridor and close to the proposed freight dry port halfway between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in Cato Ridge. Its key sector plans are around aluminium beneficiation, the implementation KWAZULU-NATAL BUSINESS 2017/18 26

PROFILE of an airport precinct plan and an airport technology hub including an innovation centre. The rejuvenation of Imbali and Edendale township centres and a new leather hub in Plessislaer, being driven by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Economic Development, will open up further opportunities to the west of the city. Massive new commercial, residential and light industrial centres being planned alongside the N3 to the east will bring the city closer to the planned freight / logistics centre. Further commercial developments alongside the N3 are planned around the new Brookside Mall and polocrosse fields in the central area. An Integrated Rapid Passenger Transport Network is at an advanced planning and early implementation stage which, in addition to the Pietermaritzburg Urban Renewal Programme of beautification, will revitalise the city centre and connect economic zones. The sale of industrial and commercial land is being driven by a new Land Management Office, and an Investment Facilitation Committee provides a Local Government “one-stop-shop” for investors and developers. Tourism Msunduzi has something for everyone. For those interested in our complex history, major tourist attractions include several museums, the Tatham Art Gallery and historical buildings, including links with former icons President Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. It is a hub for several tourist routes including the Freedom Route, Midlands Meander, Albert Falls Amble and Boston-Bulwer Beat, where recreational activities, arts and craft outlets and fine dining restaurants abound. It has a beautiful National Botanical Garden, parks, and numerous entertainment and sporting events throughout the year, including Cars in the Park and Art in the Park, along with the nearby Hilton Arts Festival. With its Victorian architecture, township tours and rich heritage of South African Indian and Zulu culture, it exemplifies a warm, friendly, diverse yet integrated South African city. Key facts and figures District municipality: Umgungundlovu District Municipality Population: 670 000 Area covered: 650km² Key infrastructure Main roads: Excellent national, provincial and local road network Railways: On the main line between Durban and Johannesburg Airports: Pietermaritzburg Airport, with five daily flights between the city and OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg, and one daily flight to Cape Town Ports: 45 minutes drive from the Port of Durban Contact details Key personnel Mayor: Councillor Themba Njilo Municipal Manager: Mr Sizwe Hadebe Key contact people Senior Manager: Local Economic Development (acting), Ms Nombuso Hlophe General Manager: Development Services, Dr Ray Ngcobo Tel: +27 33 392 2600 | Fax: +27 33 392 2726 Email: nombuso.hlophe@msunduzi.gov.za Physical address: Professor Nyembezi Building, 341 Church Street, Pietermaritzburg 3200 Postal address: PO Box 85, Pietermaritzburg 3200 Website: www.msunduzi.gov.za 27 KWAZULU-NATAL BUSINESS 2017/18

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