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.
MASISIZANE FUND A
MASISIZANE FUND A JOURNEY TO SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS FOR UMZIMKULU SMALLHOLDER FARMERS The Masisizane Fund was established in 2007 as an initiative of the Old Mutual Group with a mandate to contribute measurably to job creation which in turn helps eradicate poverty in South Africa. Its success is driven by a focused approach on high impact industry sectors, coupled with a comprehensive SMME finance solution that includes business support and loan finance in the following sectors: Agribusiness Franchising Supply Chain Cluster Development Flagship initiative in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape In 2015/16 more than just a new planting season started for five co-operatives in uMzimkulu, in the Harry Gwala Municipal district. This season was different as they worked in partnership with the Masisizane Fund, adopting a cluster development approach in order to address the agricultural challenges faced in the rural areas and to ensure socio-economic transformation. With 76% of the 180 302 people in uMzimkulu living below the poverty line, Masisizane together with KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development were prompted to address the challenge and have been working systematically toward changing this shocking statistic. This initiative is funded on a 50% grant, 50% loan basis and co-operatives are responsible for repaying the loans once they have harvested. During the first phase of the initiative soya and dry beans were planted, the next phase was to bring about mechanisation. Each co-operative received one mechanisation combo comprising a tractor, planter, trailer, boom sprayer disc, and plough. A single harvester was bought to be shared by the five co-operatives. As this initative grows, Silos will be installed in a central place to support grain production in the district. Drak Oil Mill, the off-taker and processor of soybean for all the farmers involved is a valued partner in this cluster development initiative. Old Mutual is a Licensed Financial Services Provider
“Success can be interpreted in different ways but when you see optimal use of rural infrastructure to support production, more people employed, learning opportunities, dignity, pride and harmony restored in a community, it is worth working through all the daily challenges” Newly planted land Sifiso Myeni, Provincial Manager, KwaZulu-Natal. Beans growing well Mechanisation in action Final produce ready for market Masisizane provides non-financial, value adding, post investment services including capacity development, business management and technical support, financial education, market development as well as product/ service quality standards and compliance. Masisizane has its head office in Gauteng (011 217 1746) with regional offices in: Eastern Cape 043 704 0116 KwaZulu-Natal 031 335 0402 Limpopo 015 287 4279 Western Cape 021 509 5074 A flagship office has been established in Kokstad (039 727 3100) to oversee all activities in the Eastern Cape Flagship Programme. More information on Masisizane can also be accessed from our website: www.masisizane.co.za An initiative of the Group
