ILEMBE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
AN EFFECTIVE COMPETITOR IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Situated on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, the iLembe District is set to become a major economic hub in the province. The N2 national highway running fromDurban up through Richards Bay to Swaziland and Mozambique dissects the district.
Three distinct development zones exist: the coastal strip with its residential and tourism components; the inland corridor which is influenced by the existence of major commercial agricultural activities, and the rural hinterland.
The newly developed King Shaka International Airport and Dube TradePort is pivotal to the district's future success. The development has created immense opportunities for growth and stimulation of economic initiatives. Spinoffs include:
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High value manufacturing
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Business and logistics parks
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Research and technology parks
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Warehousing and distribution centres
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Entertainment and shopping
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Hotels and residential development
The diverse culture of this region has been shaped by people from three continents; Africa, India, and Europe, offering a unique vibrancy to the municipality.
The main drivers of the economy are the agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and services sectors.
The excellent climate with lots of sunshine and plentiful rain allows for a variety of year round agricultural activities. In a pilot
project for the province, a focus on agriculture in the rural areas will ensure that iLembe will enjoy receiving carbon credits.
Sugar Cane farming is the dominant agricultural business. Supporting agricultural activities include forestry, fruit and vegetable farming, tunnel farming, and fresh cut flowers.
Potential crops include grapes, pineapples and palms to name a few. The palm nuts can be used in the processing of bio-diesel. The high value fishery sector has potential for the establishment of fish farms with technically sound partners.
These successful pilot projects have emphasised the need for an integrated agri-processing facility for processing products such as sub tropical fruit, vegetables and grains, fresh cut flowers, dairy, meat, cotton, wool, sisal, leather, wood and medicinal plants.
The manufacturing sector comprises of heavy industries such sugar and paper mills.
The Compensation / Ballito area north of the new King Shaka International Airport has been identified as a likely economic
opportunity zone. Developments such as Imbonini offers high quality mini factories and stand alone factory ware-house
developments for lease or purchase.
Isithebe Industrial Estate continues to be an effectivemanufacturing hub, offering cost-effective production space to prospective investors.
iLembe is at the heart of South Africa's logistics platform.
The submarine telecoms cable systems connecting South Africa to the rest of Africa has two landing points - Mtunzini in iLembe and the Western Cape. The connections to the submarine cables foster a sustainable call centre industry and the development of ICT hubs.
The tourism sector is consistently growing and offers cultural, heritage, beach and nature based tourism.
Blythedale Coastal Resort an integrated resort schemewas recently launched. Accommodation ranging from 450 social houses to very up market houses to be developed. The associated Sporting School of Excellence will offer soccer,
cricket as well as rugby, with training by the Dolphins or Sharks coaches for future sporting stars.
