Page 6 - KZN Business Sense 10.4 - Jay Patel - Ebook

DURBAN’S BRIGHT FUTURE

A VISION OF GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY

ussell Curtis, head of Invest Africa (BLSA), plus provincial Rand investments in this sector,
Durban, recently expressed private public partnership with some expected to “be buying
Rhis unwavering optimism facilitation through the KZN sites before the end of this calendar
about the city’s future. According Growth Coalition, and the year.” On the tourism front,
to Curtis, Durban is on the Presidential eThekwini Working Durban’s coastline is a major
cusp of a new era of growth and Groups at Metro level, which are asset. With “600 kilometres of
prosperity, driven by a significant beginning to show “meaningful KZN Provincial beaches,” Curtis
shift in business confidence and progress”. Curtis is particularly compares it to Portugal in size,
a robust pipeline of private sector encouraged by developments noting that Durban alone boasts
investments. He firmly believes in the energy sector, where “the “100 kilometres of warm Indian
that the worst is behind the city, lights are staying on a lot longer,” Ocean frontage.” He acknowledges
and the road ahead is paved and the Metro is poised to see that the city is working hard on
with opportunities. “utility-scale independent power “fixing some of the infrastructure
production coming online soon.” challenges that partially tarnished
Curtis states, “Durban’s future
looks brighter than its past, and International Investors our image,” and as these
improvements take hold, “we’re
I’m absolutely convinced we’re seeing big investments coming in.”
past the worst.” This optimism, In terms of transport and One such project is the Club Med
he explains, is not based on logistics, Curtis highlights that
“blind faith and hope” but is “Transnet is realising the need beach resort development coming
out of the ground just north of
instead “supported by visible for private sector investment” Durban, which Curtis believes will
measurements and indices.” He and has already advanced various “make a significant impact on our
highlights a significant milestone: equity plus operating partnerships
“For the first time in two to with both international and tourism sector, attracting more
international flights to boost
three years, the Durban Business local investors. These range our economy.”
Confidence Index has tipped from smaller concession rail line
above the 50% mark, reaching a slots to large equity investments Curtis is clear about the path Russell Curtis, head of Invest Durban
net positive at 55%.” In contrast, from international players like forward for Durban: “Now is the
the National Bureau of Economic the Philippines International time for us to dust off the past
Research’s business confidence Container Terminal Company. and set a clear partnership vision
still lingers around 35%. Curtis He stresses that these critical for the future.” He stresses the
sees this as a “significant turning areas, previously identified as importance of collaboration,
point,” indicating that businesses weaknesses, are “now getting the urging the city to “pull in
in Durban are becoming significant attention they need at partners, both international and
increasingly optimistic about the highest levels of Business local, and engage directly with
the future. and Government.” public sector regulators to craft
Interestingly, Curtis observes solutions that will accelerate
Meaningful Progress that “the rest of the world our progress.” For Curtis, this is
A key factor driving this often sees more opportunity in about “building the future we all
newfound confidence is a South Africa than we do in our hope for – a future where Durban
substantial pipeline of flagship own backyard.” He notes that is a thriving, dynamic city
investments. Curtis reveals that international investors have offering opportunities for All.”
“we’ve got a fantastic pipeline of already established a presence Kerry Foods
flagship investments coming in, in Durban, particularly in the Opportunities For All
totalling around R250 billion manufacturing, transport, In conclusion, Curtis reflects
in private sector investments.” logistics, and distribution on the broader mission:
These investments are not merely sectors. For example, these are, “Ultimately, our mission is to
theoretical; they are already being “one of the global leaders in food source, unlock, and leverage
realised across the city. He cites and beverage manufacturing accelerated investment growth
the Whetstone development in (PepsiCo.), plus one of the for the benefit of all, in a globally
the north Aerotropolis, which has top three global flavourant connected, sustainable, and
attracted R2.5 billion in private companies (Kerry Foods) have flawless manner.” He expresses
sector investment, in addition recently expanded into Durban, joy in being part of this journey,
to the +/-R500 million already along with new foreign direct helping to “shape a brighter
invested by the industrial park investment (FDI) from top five future for Durban and beyond.”
developer. Curtis emphasises shipping and logistics groups, Curtis firmly believes that “the
that these are “not just numbers like CMA-CGM.” work we do today will determine
on paper but immediately the Durban of tomorrow,” and
Additionally, South Africa has
visible nodal projects that are been rated as “the best place on by staying focused, determined, From left Deputy City Manager of Economic Development Lihle Phewa,
creating 1700 new jobs there, the planet for contact centres for and united, the city can “build eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba, Russell Curtis and Farah
driving economic activity, and the last five years, with Durban a city that offers opportunities Goolam from Invest Durban with the five awards the City received at the
laying foundations for future for all its residents and serves Diamond Arrow Awards.
Aerotropolis growth.” leading in several aspects.” as a model for sustainable
These opportunities are not
However, Curtis acknowledges just limited to customer service development in Africa.”
that Durban has had its but also include “legal process He closes by invoking the
challenges, particularly in outsourcing, digital animation official motto for KwaZulu-Natal,
areas such as energy, industrial and film processing, digital “Masisikume Sakhe,” drawn from
logistics, and water. These have health diagnostics, plus consumer the isiZulu Bible, meaning “Let us
often been considered as “Achilles’ protection tech,” highlighting the arise and build.” Curtis declares,
heels”. Yet, Curtis notes that these diverse opportunities available “Now is the time again.” 
issues are “now getting the fullest in Durban.
attention they deserve at national www.invest.durban
plus local levels.” He points to A Significant Impact
National Partnership initiatives Agriprocessing, Curtis asserts,
such as “B4SA” by National “will always be a cornerstone of
Business bodies, Business our economy, and the continent.”
Unity South Africa (BUSA) He reveals that significant global
and Business Leadership South investors are eyeing multi-billion Promenade early morning, from Ushaka Pier to Umhlanga, Durban-Tourism

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