Neville Matjie on KwaZulu-Natal’s investment master plan

KwaZulu-Natal, a province in South Africa, is paving the way for economic growth and development with the launch of a bold 50-year master plan centered around the Durban Aerotropolis. Neville Matjie, CEO of Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN), shared insights on the province's investment opportunities and infrastructure projects at the KZN International Investment Summit in Durban. The summit showcased the potential of the Durban Aerotropolis and introduced the Durban Aerotropolis Visitor Centre, aiming to attract local and international investors to the region. The master plan revolves around the Kingshark International Airport and the Dubitrade port, which serves as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Matjie highlighted the successful occupancy of phase one within the SEZ and the upcoming development of phase two. Beyond the port, the plan envisions a comprehensive aerotropolis comprising infrastructure, housing, new industries, and reinvestment sectors spread across a 100-kilometer radius from the Dubitrade port. The integration of Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) further expands the plan, spanning from heavy industries in Richards Bay to services and light manufacturing in Durban, extending inland to areas like Peter Maritzburg and Port Shepstone. Matjie emphasized the province's proactive approach to investment follow-up and implementation, citing a concrete example where TIKZN facilitated a 100-million-dollar deal resulting from last year's presidential conference pledges. This swift turnaround underscores KwaZulu-Natal's commitment to translating commitments into tangible projects, culminating in the forthcoming launch by the president in October. Addressing concerns raised by potential investors, Matjie highlighted the province's efforts to improve visa regulations and combat challenges such as mafia interference in projects. The establishment of a business rapid response team, led by the provincial government in collaboration with business stakeholders, aims to eradicate such obstacles and ensure a conducive investment environment. Additionally, community engagement strategies have been developed to address local challenges and foster harmonious relationships between communities, workers, and industries. The KZN International Investment Summit serves as a platform for showcasing KwaZulu-Natal's investment potential and inviting global investors to participate in the province's economic development journey. With a clear focus on action-driven initiatives, the province aims to move beyond mere strategies and plans to tangible implementation, under the decisive leadership of Premier Sihle Zikalala and MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube. As KwaZulu-Natal positions itself as a business-friendly destination, the province's commitment to realizing its ambitious master plan signals a promising era of growth and prosperity.