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KwaZulu-Natal Business 2019-20 edition

  • Text
  • Africa
  • Investdurban
  • Opportunities
  • Regional
  • Development
  • Partnership
  • Ppp
  • Businesstogovernment
  • Businesstobusiness
  • Propertydevelopment
  • Tourism
  • Southafrica
  • Investment
  • Business
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  • Province
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A unique business and investment guide to KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa. The 2019/20 edition of KwaZulu-Natal Business is the 11th 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 is a special feature on the surge in investment in new tourism projects, from casino expansions to the building of a dedicated cruise-liner terminal. Another special feature surveys other large investments in a wide variety of sectors, showing the diversity and strength of the provincial economy. For monthly updates about the region, subscribe at https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/subscribe/ or visit our portal at https://www.globalafricanetwork.com/category/regions/kwazulu-natal/

INTERVIEW Enterprise

INTERVIEW Enterprise iLembe Nathi Nkomzwayo, CEO of Enterprise iLembe, reveals how this east coast region is packed with opportunity, from agriculture and manufacturing to tourism, commerce and services. Nathi Nkomzwayo, Chief Executive Officer BIOGRAPHY Nathi has more than 18 years’ experience in the manufacturing industry, 10 of those at senior management and executive level. With a degree in engineering and an MBA, his career highlights include the successful implementation of a R400-million project for a large smelter and the design and execution of a range of programmes from skills transfer to asset care strategies. As a board and executive committee member, Nathi has experience in company policy formulation, corporate governance and relationship management. What is Enterprise iLembe? We are the Economic Development Agency of the iLembe District Municipality and our mandate is to drive economic development as well as to promote trade and investment in the region. We do this through the development of the economic development strategy that guides economic activities and programmes. The philosophy that drives Enterprise iLembe is built on promoting a participatory process where local people work together to stimulate local commercial activity, resulting in a resilient and sustainable economy. With our partners such as Trade and Investment KZN and the iLembe Chamber we aim to position the district as the investment destination. Programmes include biannual business confidence reports and an overall business outlook. Where do you operate? The iLembe District is made up four local municipalities, KwaDukuza, Maphumulo, Mandeni and Ndwedwe. They are different in terms of their economic outlook and their developmental needs with the coastline on one end and agricultural space on the other. Our strategy needs to zoom in on the development needs of the individual local municipal areas while ensuring broader alignment and integration. We need to be conscious of the unequal business environment. How does Enterprise iLembe identify and develop projects? In most cases we are guided by our strategic geographic location and economic sectors that are most viable in our region. These sectors are Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism, Oceans economy, Renewable energy as well as Commerce and Services. Being strategically located between the two major South African harbours in Durban and Richards Bay, iLembe District is the highest-priority development corridor in the province. The close proximity to the King Shaka International Airport and the Dube TradePort also connects the district directly to international markets. We have established a Business Incubator Facility. The objective is to provide assistance for SMMEs. Working in the partnership with Invotech and Africa Ignite, the project assists with access to technical and business-related skills. It is the one-stop shop for all business information and facilitating access to funding for SMMEs. Enterprise iLembe has also finalised a Broadband Masterplan. KWAZULU-NATAL BUSINESS 2019/20 22

INTERVIEW How has tourism contributed to economic development and job creation? The past year saw a record of over 800 000 tourists visiting the iLembe District, contributing over R3-billion to the economy of the region. Attractions such as the Ballito Junction Mall remain key drivers. The mall attracted 12-million visitors during its first year of operation. There are many other tourist offerings besides shopping. These includes the beaches, cultural, history and adventure tourism. How do you work with investors? We continuously engage with potential investors through various platforms and sign MOUs that lead to direct investment across all sectors with key focus on job creation, skills development and the overall contribution to the economy. More recent investments are focused in the renewable and green energy sector. The investment opportunities are outlined in the iLembe investor prospectus for the region. As Enterprise iLembe, we believe that collaboration and partnerships with key stakeholders is key. It is to this end that we work closely with partners such as Trade & Investment KZN, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, local municipalities as well as private-sector partners. Other partners such as Dube TradePort and the Isithebe Industrial Estate have also created immense opportunities for growth and stimulation of economic initiatives. Our focus is to work with potential investors to facilitate and ensure that their investment in the iLembe District is not only seamless and smooth, but also sustainable in the long term. CONTACT INFO Tel: 032 946 1256 Email: info@enterpriseilembe.co.za Website: www.enterpriseilembe.co.za Facebook: Enterprise iLembe | NORTHCOASTKZN Twitter: EnterpriseiL How does the flagship National Schools Nutrition Programme benefit farmers and learners? As per our mandate, Enterprise iLembe procures vegetables from farmers to supply to schools for the National Schools Nutrition Programme (NSNP). Currently approximately 63% of the 180 tons required for the programme are procured from local farmers. A total of 119 farmers supply fresh produce to the 406 schools in the district. This has been achieved through the setting up of agrihubs in Mandeni, Maphumulo and Ndwedwe. This is a key programme for Enterprise iLembe as it talks directly to the empowerment of local communities. Agriculture has been proven to be one of the most sustainable sectors provided there is a market for SMMEs to supply their fresh produce, and the NSNP creates that market space. 23 KWAZULU-NATAL BUSINESS 2019/20

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