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the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) and KZN Department Trade and Industry Minister, Dr Rob Davies highlighted that the MoU
of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea). would also assist in establishing strategic linkages and partnership
The signing ceremony saw the launch of the KZN Black Industrialists with key role players, provide black industrialists advocacy and
Programme in Durban recently. These developments have brought hope information dissemination and conduct Broad-Based Black Economic
to thousands of emerging entrepreneurs who stated unequivocally Empowerment research. This programme is also one of the many
that this was the dawn of a new era characterized by equal access initiatives that the government has embarked on that form the basis
to economic opportunities. for addressing unemployment, poverty and inequality to promote
inclusivity and shared economic growth.
According to the dti Minister, Dr Rob Davies, the two departments will
now establish a framework that will promote and ensure meaningful “I am delighted that RBIDZ is nominated to drive the motor-force of
participation in the advancement of the industrialists. Through this change and ensure that this programme derives the positive desired
Memorandum of Understanding, the dti is committed to working results. We commend the Province in its endeavour to accelerate
with the KZN province to ensure the establishment of the supplier inclusive economic growth and we see the programme as the solution
development Incubation Programme at the Richards Bay Industrial to the frustrations that are encountered by emerging contractors,
Development Zone and Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone for which include access to funding and access to markets, said RBIDZ
the BI (Black Industrialists) Programme. CEO, Pumi Motsoahae.”

The Programme seeks to ensure that initiatives that will accelerate the “Being identified as one of the main drivers of this critical programme is
economic transformation policies and compliance, are implemented an indication that we carry the aspirations and hopes for many millions
with the aim of empowering mainly women, youth and people with of people. We want to assure the people of KwaZulu-Natal that we
disabilities. The BI programme in the province will develop and will not disappoint them. We are inspired by being nominated as the
prepare KZN enterprises and entrepreneurs to access national Black drivers of this critical programme, we need to centralise the role of
Industrialists Programme opportunities, leverage both private and the previously disadvantaged people, promote ownership, visibility
public partnerships for KZN Black Industrialists, and further facilitate and their full participation in industrialization”, he concluded.
access to markets, as well as ensure finance and procurement
opportunities.

MEDWAY ROAD EXPANSION HAILED The R53-million investment in Medway Road will ensure an efficient
transport system that does not only facilitate the movement of goods
BY THE CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY and services but will increase production and reduce the cost of doing
The cutting of a ribbon on the 28th of November 2017 by the KwaZulu- business in the Zone.
Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental
Affairs, Sihle Zikalala officially marked the opening of Medway Road in Throughout the year, we have been aggressively marketing RBIDZ in
Richards Bay. The road expansion has been described by the captains national and international platforms through conferences, seminars
of industry as a major boost for further development in Umhlathuze and exhibitions. The fact that the Zone is earmarked as the site for
and the district as a whole. Medway Road is the side road joining from energy infrastructure has generated a great deal of interest, judging
John Ross Parkway and proceeds up to the RBIDZ Phase 1A, carrying by enquires we have received from international and potential
on to the entrance of Transnet’s southern gate. investors and role players in the energy space. The announcement of a
R4.5-billion investment by Nyanza Light Metals ahead of the World
Speaking on the day, MEC Zikalala pointed out: “I am here to personally Economic Forum on Africa boasted confidence in the Zone and put
salute all role-players who have been involved in this important project. the entire City of Umhlathuze firmly on the world map. Therefore,
Apart from strengthening our status as South Africa’s transport and the launch of Medway Road has not only further increased business
logistics hub, the importance of Medway Road lies in the fact that confidence in the Zone but has opened up new opportunities for the
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has a vision of ensuring that transport and logistics sector.
this province acts as a Gateway to Africa and the World. There is no
shadow of a doubt that the Medway Road expansion will help to ensure
that we achieve our vision.”

It is interesting to note that Medway Road (which is owned by the City)
connects the John Ross Parkway (which is owned by the Province) to
the RBIDZ (a company owned by the Province) and the Port (which is
owned by Transnet, a national business entity). This is exemplary of
excellent intergovernmental cooperation and unity amongst all role
players to display and join all efforts to bridge the economic divide.
The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone acknowledges the
role of transport in driving socio-economic development. It is for this
L-R: Mr Pumi Motsoahae, Cllr Nonhle Mkhulisi,
reason that RBIDZ deemed it fit to invest in transport infrastructure
MEC Sihle Zikalala, Mr Mel Clark and Cllr Mduduzi Mhlongo
in order to facilitate domestic and international trade.

GATEWAY TO WORLD MARKETS 9