Page 21 - KZN Top Business Portfolio 2024/5 - ebook
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part of a strategy to address infrastructure challenges,   provincial economy. The industry is concentrated
         investments are being made to restore and improve  around the mining of coal, titanium dioxide, zircon,
         key facilities.                     and aggregate. Efforts to promote mineral benefi-
                                             ciation, particularly in aluminium, iron, steel, and
         One of the most notable projects is the Club Med beach
         resort at Tinley, just north of Durban. Developed by local   phosphates, aim to enhance the sector’s economic
         company Collins Residential and operated by Club Med,   impact.
         this R2 billion resort, expected to open in July 2026, will   Beneficiation initiatives focus on increasing the
         generate over 800 direct jobs and 1,500 indirect jobs,   value  derived  from  minerals  by  processing  them
         significantly contributing to the local economy.  locally rather than exporting raw materials. This is
         Olivier Perillat, general manager of Club Med SA, said   especially relevant in sectors such as aluminium
         the R2bn resort project, which is due to open in July   and steel production, where KwaZulu-Natal has
         2026, would be a force for regional growth.   the potential to develop greater downstream
                                             industries.
         The Durban International Convention Centre (ICC),
         along with the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International   Future Prospects
         Convention Complex, plays a pivotal role in business   One of the most significant initiatives is the KZN
         tourism, attracting major conferences and events that   Energy War Room, established to address the
         contribute significantly to the local economy.  province’s energy challenges. Part of this strategy is
                                             to transform Richards Bay into an energy hub, with
         The Durban ICC was named South Africa’s Best
         Convention Centre 2024 at the World MICE Awards.  The   plans for a 3,000MW gas power station and several
         World MICE Awards recognise and reward excellence in   renewable energy projects. These initiatives aim
         meetings, incentive, conference, and exhibition tourism   to  mitigate  energy  constraints while positioning
         worldwide. CEO of Durban ICC Ms Lindiwe Rakharebe   KwaZulu-Natal as a leader in clean energy production.
         said winning awards is a visible demonstration of all   Overall, KwaZulu-Natal’s commitment to developing
         the behind-the-scenes hard work from the Durban   infrastructure, promoting industrial diversification,
         ICC  teams  and people  whose  principal  focus  is  to   and investing in emerging sectors like renewable
         continuously provide world-class customer service to   energy  and digital  services is expected  to position
         clients, both local and international.  the province as a key player in both the national and
         Mining and Beneficiation            regional economy.
         While the mining sector contributes less than 2%   Undoubtably, KwaZulu-Natal has fantastic opportuni-
         to KwaZulu-Natal’s GDP, it remains a key part of the   ties and great potential for growth!




























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