MOVING KWAZULU-NATAL FORWARD

Imraan Noorbhai, Standard Bank Provincial Head, KZN; Lalita Dhasiar- Ventura, KZN Top Business; Goolam Ballim, Standard Bank Chief Economist and Ameen Hassan, Standard Bank Head: Shariah Banking

Standard Bank believes that Africa is the best place to do business, and we are motivated by a deeply philanthropic purpose, which states: “Africa is our home, we drive her growth”. Together we continuously measure ourselves against this objective. We are progressive, pioneering and unlocking Africa’s potential.

We are excited about Africa’s possibility. With a heritage of over 154 years, we have an on-the-
ground presence in 20 countries in Africa, we are the largest bank by assets which employs over 54 000 staff. We also have a strategic partnership with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the largest bank in the world. With these dynamics in mind, it’s no exaggeration to say that Standard Bank plays an important role in driving growth on the continent.

Our vision of “Improving lives and fulfilling aspirations across Africa” reminds us that we are more than a bank, and our role is greater than the financial products and services we provide. We take our social, economic and environmental responsibility seriously. Indeed, we know that our long-term profitability depends on the stability and well-being of our continent. 

As a brand, we are passionate about making progress real. Enabling one’s progress is at the heart of why we exist. To realise this purpose, we need to make sure that we partner individuals, businesses, and communities across the continent to create shared prosperity.

We aspire for KwaZulu-Natal to become a prosperous province, with a healthy, secure and skilled population, living in dignity and harmony, acting as a gateway to Africa and the world. KwaZulu-
Natal - Durban in particular â€" has numerous competitive advantages, but in order to make the most of what this great province has going for it, we need co-ordination between government and the private sector to build economic and social infrastructure, to address regulatory constraints, and to create an attractive business environment. 

We have a lot going for us. From our natural beauty and fantastic climate, to our trade opportunities, growing transport hubs, and good governance, we are a land of possibility.

Durban is home to South Africa’s largest port, a crucial gateway into Africa. With excellent road connections into the interior of South Africa and our neighbouring economies, it is the primary port for Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

Tens of billions of rands have been earmarked by the private sector for investment in the mining, manufacturing, automotive and biotechnology sectors in various nodes across the province â€" investments with the potential to create thousands of jobs. Richards Bay, home to the world's largest coal exporting terminal, is just one example.

But, KwaZulu-Natal’s success depends on attracting local and foreign investors; investors who are looking for a clear and stable regulatory framework in general, and particularly in regard to property ownership, mineral rights, and visas for investors. All areas in which South Africa could and should be doing much better. 
There’s a great deal of construction planned and underway in the belt that stretches from Umlazi to Ballito, including retail nodes, residential developments and new business parks. Within this, there are some very bright spots â€" like Cornubia â€"Tongaat Hulett and the eThekwini Metro’s truly visionary mixed-use, mixed-income development project, representing an investment of nearly R26 billion, which will bring low-income families closer to job opportunities and contribute to the creation of a more integrated and inclusive city region.  But, much of the current investment is consumption-oriented and targeted at areas that are already affluent, and the province’s enormous housing backlog and deeply distressing unemployment rate, particularly in rural areas, remain massive challenges. 

We believe the connection between entrepreneurs and businessmen with thought leaders and trendsetters will arm local businessmen to think globally and execute locally.

Through a customer centric approach, our goal is to "collaborate" with you, to set you up for success in managing and growing your business. We take pride in understanding your needs. Whether buying your first business, remodelling your existing business or growing your business to become a multi-store owner. We match your needs by assisting you with a holistic bank offering which range from funding, custom made pricing packages, to customised payments and collection solutions.

Standard Bank has been involved in the following premier events in the province over the last six months:

• African Renaissance â€" Guest   Speaker Sim Shabalala
• Participation in the World   Economic Forum
• The Standard Bank East Coast   Radio GIBS Business Breakfast
• The Standard Bank Kearsney   Rugby Festival
• The Standard Bank Jazz Festival
• The Standard Bank Iron Man
• The Standard Bank KZN Top Business Awards.

And we are the leading sponsor of the prominent Standard Bank Durban Diwali Festival in October. We look forward to seeing you there as we continue to move KZN forward.