Page 6 - Business Sense-11.3 Rajesh Lutchman eBook

STRENGTHENING INDUSTRY THROUGH

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

he KwaZulu-Natal South African Capital Equipment “These partnerships elevate the 48 years, consistently bringing Equipment Export Council)
Industrial Technology Export Council (SACEEC), exhibition from a standard trade current industrial technology and judged by Eric Bruggeman,
TExhibition (KITE) 2025 the Society for Automation, show to a dynamic knowledge- to the local market. Visitors CEO of SACEEC – the
isn’t just an exhibition – it’s Instrumentation, Mechatronics sharing platform, where the will not only be able to find awards recognise excellence
a powerhouse of industry and Computer Engineering latest industry trends, regulatory solutions that will improve and innovation in both local
collaboration. By aligning with (SAIMC), and the Production updates, and technological productivity; increase worker and international industrial
reputed and recognised industry Technologies Association of South advancements take centre satisfaction, wellbeing technology product design.
bodies such as the South African Africa (PtSA), KITE ensures that stage,” says Charlene Hefer, and safety; and increase
Institution of Mechanical visitors and exhibitors gain access portfolio director at specialised sustainability efforts in an ever- “There is so much to see at KITE,
Engineering (SAIMechE), the to authoritative insights, technical exhibitions – a division of changing economy, but various and with exhibitors running
Lifting Equipment Engineering expertise, and high-impact Montgomery Group. visitor attractions make a visit ongoing live demonstrations,
Association of SA (LEEASA), the networking opportunities. For exhibitors, this alignment to the expo a priority. visitors can see solutions in action
enhances credibility and ■ Free-to-attend SAIMechE before making a purchasing
decision. We encourage visitors to
exposure, offering direct Seminar Theatre – A well- pre-register on the KITE website
engagement with decision- rounded three-day seminar – www.kznindustrial.co.za – to
makers, industry influencers, programme provides a wealth avoid queues at the expo. The
and regulatory leaders. Visitors of information on current website is also a valuable source
benefit from exclusive access industry trends and regulations. of updated information on the
to seminars, conferences, ■ LEEASA Lifting Conference seminar sessions,” says Hefer. 
and live competitions that – This one-day conference is
provide practical solutions, a valuable source of information
expert guidance, and hands- for people working in the lifting To book a stand or a sponsorship package at
on experience with the latest industry. KITE 2025, speak to Steven Burmeister –
innovations. “By fostering these steven.burmeister@montgomerygroup.com
strategic relationships, KITE 2025 ■ LEEASA Forklift Operator
solidifies its position as a must- Competition – Launching
attend event where industries this year, this event focuses
don’t just showcase progress – on the skills of leading forklift
they shape the future together,” operators.
adds Hefer. ■ New Products and Innovations
Awards – co-hosted by
KITE has been serving the SACEEC (South African Capital
KwaZulu-Natal region for

DURBAN DIRECT SET TO SOAR

waZulu-Natal is charting Development, Tourism and infrastructure development,
an ambitious new course to Environmental Affairs, Reverend industry growth and the expansion
Kposition itself as a premier Musa Zondi, underscored the of tourism.
global destination with the launch airport’s critical role in the
of Durban Direct, a strategic province’s development goals. Of note, KwaZulu-Natal boasts
air access initiative designed to more than 1,200 accommodation
boost tourism, trade, and the “King Shaka International Airport venues, four UNESCO World
film industry through enhanced remains a strategic asset, and we are Heritage Sites, Big Five game
connectivity at King Shaka pursuing partnerships with global reserves, adventure tourism, diverse
International Airport (KSIA). carriers, including efforts to secure cultural experiences and growing
a direct route from Air France, cinematic appeal rooted in rich
Spearheaded by the KwaZulu- as well as exploring new routes to Zulu history and heritage.
Natal Route Development India and the United Kingdom,”
Committee, Durban Direct is said MEC Zondi. Drawing inspiration from
backed by a powerful alliance of case studies like New Zealand’s
government entities and industry To complement the international transformation after The Lord
stakeholders. The initiative aims push, the initiative also supports the of the Rings, the region’s stories,
to transform KSIA into a globally revitalisation of regional airports from the Bhambatha Rebellion
connected aviation hub, capable to enhance domestic connectivity. to the enduring legacy of King
of catalysing economic growth By prioritising secondary airports Shaka Zulu, are being used to
and expanding the province’s in Newcastle, Ladysmith, Ulundi, create immersive cultural tourism Durban Direct representatives at the 2025 Africa Travel Indaba
international footprint. This is more Mkuze, Margate, Dundee, Vryheid, experiences that resonate with
than just route development, it’s a Pietermaritzburg, and Richards global audiences. By developing
movement to reposition KwaZulu- Bay, Durban Direct aims to make these sites as permanent attractions,
KZN’s diverse regions – from the
KZN aims to attract filmmakers
Natal as a destination of choice Midlands and Drakensberg to and tourists alike, unlocking long-
for global travellers, investors, and Zululand and the South Coast – term economic value and global
filmmakers.
more accessible. This will unlock interest.
The coalition driving this regional tourism circuits and
initiative includes the KZN stimulate investment in emerging With high-level coordination
Department of Economic economic corridors. from the KZN Provincial
Cabinet, strategic input from the
Development, Tourism and According to the MEC, current Tourism Business Council of
Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), plans include a new expanded South Africa, and engagement
Airports Company South Africa airport Richards Bay in keeping with the Airlines Association of
(ACSA), eThekwini Municipality, with the industrial developments in Southern Africa, Durban Direct
Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Invest the area, and repairs to the Prince exemplifies the power of public-
Durban, and Trade & Investment Mangosuthu Buthelezi Airport in private collaboration in unlocking
KZN, alongside key private sector Ulundi’s terminal. economic potential.
partners in aviation, hospitality, and
logistics. Durban Direct is also aligned with KwaZulu-Natal is ready to
the province’s broader economic take off – and the world is
In his 2025/2026 Budget Policy agenda, which includes job creation, invited aboard.  The Tourism Business Council of South Africa has allocated R5 million to
Speech, MEC for Economic support route development under the Durban Direct air access initiative.

6