KwaZulu-Natal provincial entity Dube TradePort Corporation (DTPC) has launched its Dube TradeZone 2 – the second phase of the industrial precinct and special economic zone (SEZ) adjacent to King Shaka International Airport.

Dube TradeZone 2 has, to date, attracted R1.8-billion in private-sector investment and this phase is expected to create 600 jobs within the next five years.

DTPC adds that Dube TradeZone 2 will target investors in the manufacturing and assembly, logistics and automotive sectors, while facilitating the planned expansion of a number of Phase 1-based enterprises.

The launch of the second phase of the TradeZone follows the successful implementation of Dube TradeZone 1, which is fully tenanted by 50 investors, including international companies such as Samsung, Mahindra, DHL, Chem Energy and PepsiCo-Futurelife.

To date, the DTPC says, the 26 ha TradeZone 1 has attracted more than R2.8-billion in private-sector investment from enterprises focused on air-related logistics, distribution and light manufacturing.

It includes the Dube TradeHouse, a dedicated facility for freight forwarders and shippers, with air side access through an overhead conveyor airbridge to the adjacent Dube Cargo Terminal.

DTPC says Dube TradeZone 1 is home to notable exporters, including Samsung, Yangtze Optics Africa, LM Diapers, Tufbag, Futurelife and Conlog, which service the sub-Saharan African market, as well as markets in Asia, Europe and the US.

In 2023/24, Dube TradePort tenants exported goods worth R610-million.

Dube TradeZone 2 opens up an additional 45 ha of industrial land for development and brings to market another 23 fully serviced sites, which range in size from 3 000 m² to 57 000 m².

Dube TradeZone 2 will include three Dube TradePort-owned warehouses, one of which will accommodate medium-sized businesses, enabling the expansion of small businesses located in the mini-factories.

Speaking at the launch, DTPC board chair Mpumelelo Zikalala said that, despite the constrained economic environment over the past two years, DTPC had secured seven private-sector investors for Dube TradeZone 2, four of which had begun building their facilities.

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Siboniso Duma welcomed the investment within the context of the national celebrations of 30 years of freedom and democracy.

He noted the establishment of SEZs as one of the achievements of a democratic government. He cited this investment as a clear indication that SEZs were instruments for job creation and economic development.

“As government, we are focusing on SEZs for a good reason. They are designed for specific developmental purposes, to develop export-orientated industries, attract foreign direct investment and technology transfer and achieve the generation of employment opportunities.

“The SEZs stand to be an effective instrument to resolve the disturbing levels of inequality, poverty and unemployment, which are strongly marked by spatial, racial, class and gender factors.

“In addition to job creation, SEZs are broadening the municipal revenue collection base to improve the quality of life in the municipal areas, as well as the quality of municipal services. This makes SEZs one of the key instruments for municipal economic growth and development,” Duma said.