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KwaZulu-Natal Business 2021-22

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The 2021/22 edition of KwaZulu-Natal Business is the 13th issue of this unique guide to business and investment in KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa. Launched in 2008, this annual journal has established itself as the premier business and investment guide for the province. In addition to the regular articles providing insight into each of the key economic sectors of the province, there is a special report on the prospect of increasing exports on the back of the signing of a continental free trade agreement. The province’s export infrastructure is examined and the diversity and export successes of several companies in a wide range of sectors are noted. The increasing importance of the Oceans Economy to the future of the provincial and national economy is relevant to any examination of the economy of KwaZulu-Natal. This applies as much to trade and ship-repair as it does to the exciting gas discoveries which have been made off the coast of Mozambique and South Africa. 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.globalafricanetwork.com

REALISING DREAMS THROUGH

REALISING DREAMS THROUGH QUALITY EDUCATION Standard Bank’s commitment to education in South Africa The power of education to drive change in South Africa remains undeniable. Unfortunately, many in our country, because of their personal circumstances still struggle to access a quality education. Standard Bank takes an active role in helping these young people realise their dreams through financial support and training initiatives. We believe that all South Africans deserve a quality education. Standard Bank invests in improved educational outcomes and skills development in multiple ways. We prioritise education in our corporate social investment (CSI) programmes and invest in work readiness programmes through our internal learnership and graduate programmes. We work with partners in government and the corporate sector to address the challenge of affordable and accessible student finance. ECD and Foundation Phase In 2019 we developed a refreshed CSI strategy, which focuses specifically on Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Foundation Phase education. Extensive research demonstrates that developmental stimulation during the early years of childhood are critical to future intellectual, emotional and physical wellbeing. In 2020, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, we supported our existing ECD partners and we worked closely with NGO partners identified by the Department of Basic Education. Feenix crowdfunding Standard Bank South Africa launched Feenix Trust in 2017 to make tertiary education more accessible for economically disadvantaged students. In its first three years, Feenix raised over R35-million, providing support for over 1 000 students. The platform enables university students to create profiles and request donations toward their education journey and enables individuals and businesses to take meaningful action to solve social problems. To qualify, students need to be registered at a South African public university and have an annual household income of below R600 000. Academic achievement is not a criterion. Bursary Programmes In South Africa, the Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) is part of the effort to solve the funding challenge faced by “missing middle” students. The programme funds the tertiary studies of students from households that earn up to R600 000 per year. ISFAP focuses on students studying toward jobs in high-demand sectors, scarce skills, and professional degrees. It covers the full cost of study, together with “wrap-around support”, which includes additional academic, social and psychological support such as mentoring and life-skills training. ■ Image by Ben White on Unsplash

CONGRATS TO THE CLASS OF 2020 The work is done and the results are in – now it’s time to build the future you want. After waiting so long to find out how you did in the exams, it’s nice to know that it only takes a few minutes to secure your future with a Student Loan. Drop the stress and start the dream. Apply online today at standardbank.co.za to find out if you qualify, and access affordable repayments and low interest rates*. #LetsPush *Ts&Cs apply. Standard Bank is an authorised financial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP15). The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited (Reg. No. 1962/000738/06). GMS-17909 02/21

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