Page 7 - KZN Buisiness Sense - Page One - Susan Abro

DURBAN DIRECT STRENGTHENS UK–KZN TIES

urban Direct has enhance engagement outcomes The return of the direct route
reaffirmed its strategic and investor reach. is expected to deliver multiple
Dcommitment to Aligned with the KwaZulu-Natal advantages, including reduced
strengthening international air Route Development Strategy, travel time between Durban
connectivity and deepening and London, increased tourist
economic ties between KwaZulu- the activation advances Durban arrivals from a high-value
Natal) and the United Kingdom Direct’s mandate to strengthen source market, enhanced cargo
through a high-level UK In- international air connectivity, and export opportunities, and
Country Activation. The initiative stimulate tourism demand, and stronger people-to-people and
promote trade and investment
forms part of the KwaZulu-Natal through coordinated institutional business connections between
Route Development Programme partnerships. The initiative is the two regions.
and a broader airline, tourism, strategically positioned to elevate
trade and investment mission KZN as a hub for investment, Positioning KwaZulu-Natal for
aimed at positioning the province innovation and cultural exchange. UK Investment
as a globally competitive Beyond aviation, the mission is
destination. Reinstatement of the Durban– positioning KZN’s high-growth
Durban Direct is a route London Direct Route sectors, including renewable TIKZN Chief Executive Officer Sihle Ngcamu and South Africa’s High
Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo
development committee A core focus of the mission is energy, electric vehicles,
mandated to enhance air access advocating for the reinstatement logistics and the creative for the reinstatement of the and the establishment of
into Durban via King Shaka of the direct Durban–London industries, to UK investors. It direct Durban–London service, sustainable trading relationships.
International Airport. Led by air service which is an essential also promotes the province as a stating: “The demand is there
the KwaZulu-Natal Department catalyst for tourism growth, trade safe, modern and investment- and the destination is ready.” The UK remains one of South
friendly destination aligned
of Economic Development, expansion and investment flows with global sustainability and Africa’s most important source
Tourism and Environmental between KZN and the UK. In support of investment markets, with more than
Affairs (EDTEA), the committee innovation trends. promotion, Durban Direct 400,000 UK visitors travelling
brings together key government In 2018, British Airways As part of the programme, also partnered with the Red to South Africa annually. With
departments and agencies to drive launched a direct London– Durban Direct participated Carnation Group, which new tourism infrastructure
economic growth, tourism and Durban service with the support in a UK Activation hosted at provided a complimentary coming on stream and the
transport through improved air of Durban Direct. The route the University of Westminster. venue for the 27 February 2026 anticipated restoration of direct
connectivity. achieved a 70% load factor in its The engagement was addressed Investment Breakfast at Hotel 41, air connectivity, Durban Direct
first year and contributed to an by South Africa’s High Buckingham Palace Road. expects significant growth in UK
The UK activation leverages 11% increase in international arrivals to KwaZulu-Natal, further
Durban Direct’s multi-stakeholder passenger traffic at King Shaka Commissioner to the United To further promote trade reinforcing Durban’s position as
model to maximise opportunities International Airport. Although Kingdom, Jeremiah Nyamane and economic collaboration, a leading gateway to the province
for economic cooperation, suspended during the Covid-19 Mamabolo, who emphasised the a diverse group of KwaZulu- and the African continent. 
destination marketing and pandemic, renewed demand importance of strengthening Natal businesses participated in
knowledge exchange. Strategic bolstered by major developments bilateral economic relations. structured business-to-business
partnerships were secured with such as the anticipated 2026 Presenting the key note meetings, networking sessions
the South African Chamber of opening of a R2 billion Club Med address as head of the delegation and partnership discussions
Commerce in the UK, Africa resort on KZN’s North Coast has for Durban Direct, TIKZN with UK counterparts. These
Events Limited (AFSIC), and the significantly strengthened the Chief Executive Officer Sihle engagements enabled market
University of Westminster to business case for reinstatement. Ngcamu strongly advocated exploration, knowledge sharing

WINNING 16-UNDER PAR AT THE

JONSSON WORKWEAR DURBAN OPEN

outh African golfer Oliver securing a two-stroke victory in dedicated his victory to his late Having recently relocated development opportunities by
Bekker claimed victory the weather-shortened 54-hole friend. “I dedicate this trophy to Australia with plans to exposing young local golfers to
Sat the Jonsson Workwear tournament. He finished with to my late best friend whom I gradually scale back his professional competition and
Durban Open after finishing a total score of 200 (65, 68, 67), lost recently. He was one of my career, Bekker’s winning form inspiring the next generation of
16-under par at Durban ahead of Sweden’s Christofer biggest supporters until the very continues to defy that intention. talent.
Country Club. Blomstrand on 14-under par. end,” said Bekker. He added: “It This marks his second victory EThekwini Mayor Councillor
makes you realise how short life on the HotelPlanner Tour and
Bekker sealed the win with The South African-born golfer, is and how special moments like follows a recent triumph on the Cyril Xaba welcomed the
an impressive final-round 67, who now resides in Australia, this are.” PGA Tour of Australasia. success of the tournament,
stating: “This championship
The tournament, held from once again showcases
19 to 22 February, attracted Durban as a premier sporting
leading South African and destination. It not only
international professionals stimulates our local economy
to eThekwini. The event was through tourism and job
played on the newly refurbished creation but also inspires our
course at Durban Country young people and strengthens
Club, which hosted the Investec the development of golf in our
SA Open Championship. City.”
The Jonsson Workwear The Mayor also expressed
Durban Open once again appreciation to Nick Jonsson
highlighted eThekwini’s ability and tournament partners for
to host world-class sporting their continued investment
events. The tournament in world-class sporting
contributed positively to the infrastructure and for
local economy by boosting contributing to the City’s long-
tourism, hospitality and term sports tourism strategy.
small business activity, while
also enhancing the City’s The City extends its
reputation as a leading sports appreciation to all sponsors,
destination. The event further partners and organisers who
Nick Jonsson CEO and Chairman of Jonsson Workwear and eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba congratulated Oliver Bekker created important youth contributed to the success of
on his 16-under par win at the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open. the tournament. 

7