The Province of KwaZulu-Natal continues to live up to its strategic commitments to position itself as a model for socio-economic transformation. Through partnerships with various social partners in the province’s economy and of course our public entities we have initiated programmes that are geared towards stimulating growth in different sectors of our economy with an ultimate goal of broadening the economic cake that could be equitably sliced to benefit all our people.

Flowing from the National Development Plan and the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, we have pioneered programmes that not only focus on the creation of employment opportunities, but we have also strengthened our resolve on the facilitation of an amenable environment where historically marginalised sections of our society could actively and meaningfully participate in the economy through ownership, management and control.

Indeed, since the dawn of democracy, 23 years ago, our government has developed attractive empowerment policies and legislative frameworks. But such instruments haven’t been reciprocated by tangible economic benefits filtering down to ordinary citizens with respect to implementation. This is instigating public discontent, hence we are delighted to note that the province was now intent on vigorously activating empowerment policies under the auspices of Radical Economic Transformation across the diverse sectors of the economy.

The multi-sectoral economic programme, Operation Vula has been initiated as a vehicle to unleash change in the province’s economy â€" using massive state procurement to affirm the historically disenfranchised people into the economic mainstream. Agriculture under the banner of Radical Agricultural Socio-Economic Transformation (RASET) has been positioned as one of the practical sectors to accelerate socio-economic transformation.

We are also grateful that our social partners in the private sectors are committing themselves to the transformation of the economy as we all believe that unless we have equitable access to opportunities, the stability of our democracy would be jettisoned. The content of this publication reveals practical initiatives where the industry is partnering with government in the promotion of
an entrepreneurial culture especially in the formerly neglected communities.

The continuous investments by private sector organisations particularly in the property and construction industry around the fast growing Dube TradePort industrial precinct and the recently announced manufacturing and processing business operations within the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone are a demonstration of the province’s rising star. Amid difficult global economic conditions, it is pleasing that KwaZulu-Natal remains on course with respect to investments which are crucial to the reduction of poverty, unemployment and levels of inequality.

Meanwhile, tourism has become one of the key contributors to our economy where the province’s combination of its natural beauty, favourable climatic conditions, strategic location, cultural diversity and world class travel and hospitality facilities make us the preferred destination for tourism and top-notch events. The recent upsurge in the number of airlines establishing base at King Shaka International Airport confirms the province’s improving status as a regional tourism hub.

Certainly, the prevailing spirit, peppered with our determination to propel KwaZulu-Natal into an economic miracle, becomes a source of confidence for both local and international entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities where
amongst other things they could enter into partnerships with government in transforming the province’s economy. We are hopeful that the content of this publication would assist in unveiling many other opportunities that should appeal to potential investors whilst reflecting a plethora of tourism attractions for visitors wishing to taste what the province could offer to the world.