VISION
To be a World Class African Destination, with excellent services and quality of life for its people.

An Effective Competitor in the 21st Century

Situated on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, iLembe is set to become a major economic hub in the province. The N2 national highway running from Durban 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:

High value manufacturing
Business and logistics parks
Research and technology parks
Warehousing and distribution centres
Entertainment and shopping
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 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 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 effective manufacturing hub, offering cost-effective production space to prospective investors.

On the international sporting front, Zakumi the Soccer World Cup 2010 mascot originates in iLembe along with the production of a large number of 2010 souvenirs made at the Albert Luthuli Centre at Groutville through the KwaSiza-Bantu project.

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 scheme was 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.

Developments such as the Palm Lakes, Hilltop Zimbali and Simbithi Estates show the potential in the region for high-end residential accommodation and entertainment. The IFA Hotels & Resorts Fairmont Zimbali Hotel & Resort offers the ultimate in luxury accommodation. With the newly developed Hampshire Hotel, inviting the business, trade and conference meetings market opportunities to experience the North Coast lifestyle.

The commerce and services sector are found in all the main urban centres throughout the district especially in KwaDukuza and Ballito. These incorporates:

Wholesale / retail trade
Transport / storage
Communication
Financial / insurance
Real estate
Business / community / social / personal services
Government services.

Enterprise iLembe
Enterprise iLembe is the Economic Development Agency for the iLembe District Municipality responsible for Trade & Investment Promotions and Local Economic Development in the region offering the following services;

General Economic Information
Trade & Investment Promotion
Local Market Analysis
Opportunity Identification and Development
Site Evaluation & selections
Introduction to key suppliers, financiers and customers

The key sectors focused on are;

Agriculture
Manufacturing
Tourism
Retail/ Services

The vision of Enterprise iLembe is to make the iLembe District an Investment Destination of choice.

Enterprise iLembe is a one stop shop for any investors in the municipality to ensure that all business activities are as effortless as possible. Public and private partners are invited to participate in the development of iLembe.

Municipal Demarcation Board Code: DC29
Location of Head Office: KwaDukuza
Municipal Area (km²): 3 259.66 km²
Population (estimated): ± 614 000
Local Municipalities: Mandeni; KwaDukuza; Maphumulo; and Ndwedwe

Physical Address: iLembe House, 59/61 Mahatma Gandhi Street, KwaDukuza, 4450
Postal Address: PO Box 1788, KwaDukuza 4450
Tel: +27 (0)32 437 9300
Fax: +27 (0)86 647 7773
Websites: http://www.ilembe.gov.za

Full Name of Company: Enterprise iLembe
Nature of Business: Economic Development Agency

Physical Address: Cnr. Link Road & Ballito Drive, Ballito, 4420
Postal Address: PO Box 593, Ballito, 4420
Tel: +27 (0)32 946 1256
Fax: +27 (0)32 946 3515
E-mail: info@enterpriseilembe.co.za
Web: http://www.enterpriseilembe.org.za

Integrated Development Plans (IDP)

Click here to Download the IDP for iLembe - 1.8 Mb

iLembe District Municipality

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