Page 17 - KZN Top Business Portfolio 2024/5 - ebook
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and consumer protection technologies. This diversi-
fication further solidifies KwaZulu-Natal’s position as a
leading player in the global BPO landscape, attracting
both investment and skilled talent to the province.
Manufacturing Sector
KwaZulu-Natal’s manufacturing sector is the second
largest in South Africa, after Gauteng, contributing
19.1% of the country’s manufactured exports. The
sector is a cornerstone of the provincial economy and
plays a vital role in creating employment opportunities,
which are crucial for inclusive economic growth.
The province’s top five manufacturing industries, in
terms of employment, are:
Clothing, textiles, and footwear
Food and beverages
Basic iron, steel, and metal products
Chemicals and plastics
Paper and publishing
The agricultural sector through agro-processing acts
as a catalyst for downstream industries, creating
business and employment opportunities in sectors
such as food, beverages, and the wood and paper
industries, all of which are crucial for the provincial
economy through employment and exports.
Recent expansions by PepsiCo, a global leader in food
and beverage manufacturing, and Kerry Foods, one of
the top three global flavour companies, into Durban
highlight the growing importance of KwaZulu-Natal as
a hub for agro-processing and food production.
As global demand for processed foods and natural
products continues to rise, KwaZulu-Natal’s position as
a major agro-processing player strengthens its export
profile. With increasing interest from international
investors, the province is poised for multi-billion Rand
investments in agriculture and agro-processing, which
will enhance the sector’s contribution to GDP growth
and job creation.
The Durban South Basin serves as a key manufacturing
and industrial hub, contributing significantly to
Durban’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounting
for 10% of South Africa’s manufacturing jobs.
The automotive industry is South Africa’s largest
manufacturing sector. Currently, KZN’s automotive
manufacturing sector is concentrated in the south
of Durban, contributes about R21 billion to the local
economy per year, and employs some 20 000 people.
The Durban Automotive Supplier Park (ASP), to be
located south of Durban, is currently in advanced
planning, aims to attract more automotive component
manufacturers and car assembly firms, further
cementing KwaZulu-Natal as a leader in the automotive
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