The City of uMhlathuze
The City of uMhlathuze comprises the economic powerhouse of Richards Bay and Empangeni, and its supporting areas of Esikhawini, Ngwelezane, Nseleni, Felixton, Vulindlela, and rural areas. Some 796km2 falls under the jurisdiction of one of South Africa’s most sophisticated local authorities, which is focusing on attracting more industrial, commercial and tourism investment to the region on the north coast of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal. uMhlathuze Municipality is not only financially sound, but also offers investors and visitors first class facilities, services and infrastructure.
The dynamic City of uMhlathuze boasts a dedicated and competent management team, which is focused on service delivery and economic growth. The municipality's vision for the metropolitan area is that of a city that ensures sustainable development and one that is renowned for trade, tourism, coastal recreation, commerce, industry, forestry and agriculture. The depth of institutional support is one of the City of uMhlathuze's strengths and an essential requirement for investors. The municipality has a long and successful record of providing world class, efficient and reliable service to industrialists - and is regarded as one of the country's most sophisticated and capacitated authorities. Key challenges for the municipality include community upliftment and empowerment of rural areas, economic development and attraction of investment, and maintenance of development standards in urban areas.
Economy
A comprehensive infrastructure network serves the City of uMhlathuze, which is specifically designed to facilitate efficient exporting. A good internal road network links the commercial hub of Empangeni to the industrial and tourism hub of Richards Bay, with an intense movement of people, goods and services taking place. Situated close to the Richards Bay Central Business District, the regional airport remains an important access point serving the whole of Zululand. Industrial land is situated in proximity to the deepest port in South Africa, and is accessible by road or an extensive rail network. Zoned industrial land can be made available for immediate sale at competitive prices. The City of uMhlathuze offers an agreeable working and living environment. The social and community infrastructure is comprehensive and includes sport, recreational, health, educational and cultural facilities.
The city is the home of pioneering industry, boasting two world class aluminium smelters and the world’s largets export coal terminal. The Main industrial plants locatd within the the immediate surroundings are:
BHP Billiton i.e. Bayside and Hillside; Mondi Kraft; Bell Equipment, Central Timber Company; Silvacel; Foskor; Portnet; Exxaro Sands; Tata Steel and Richards Bay Coal Terminal.
The availability of raw materials in the area for further beneficiation such as aluminium, titanium, zirconium, iron, steel, sugar, timber and fertilizer has resulted in recent initiatives to develop small and medium sized businesses using primary products and raw materials to generate jobs and wealth. A prime example is the downstream aluminium project, which encourages the development of small business to manufacture aluminium products using primary material produced by Billiton smelters. The project is strongly supported by BHP Billiton and the Chamber of Business Foundation, who encourages corporate social investment programmes on behalf of big corporations.
The Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) also encourages international competitiveness through duty free incentives. The IDZ is a one stop for advice on business information, incentives, funding, human resources and development costs.
Tourism and Lifestyle
The geographical location of Richards Bay on the end of the uMhlathuze and Mzingazi Rivers, forms a natural hub and oasis for tourism activities. The area's lakes and indigenous forests are of great recreational significance which, along with conservation areas such as the Southern Mzingazi Nature Area, The Sanctuary and the coastal dune zone, provide excellent opportunities for nature observation, environmental education and protection. The natural attraction of the area is promoted by the extension of the city’s municipal open space system, a coastal management plan and strategic environmental assessment.
Wide expanses of beaches form a relaxing backdrop to the bustling City of uMhlathuze. The cry of the fish eagle is regularly heard as the many sporting and recreational activities on offer add quality of life. Facilities include all the usual and more adventurous sporting disciplines, as well as anything related to water or nature. The city’s all- encompassing appeal is set to be boosted further by the development of marina and waterfront facilities in the sheltered bay at Pelican Island, turning the bayside area into a vibrant tourist playground.
