CONSIDERATION IN THE SPEECH BY THE KWAZULU-NATAL MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND CHAIRPERSON OF DURBAN GROWTH COALITION MR S'BU NDEBELE AT THE BUSINESS CONFERENCE ON 23 SEPTEMBER 2002

PROTOCOL

 

Thank you Ladies and Gentlemen for attending this important conference.

Firstly I want to clarify the capacity in which I am talking today. I speak as the Chairperson of the Durban Growth Coalition. Having been entrusted with the Port Folio of Transport in this province, I was also tasked with developing people, economy and the infrastructure of the province all of which are integral to African Renaissance of which I am the Chairperson in this province.

I think from this one appreciates the significance of synergy when it comes to development. One also appreciates the significance of economic clusters in Government as well as the principle of public private partnerships. This basically means that development never occurs in an isolated island but is part of intersecting relationships between government and the civil society.

My input therefore will have a strong clout on development issues having dealt with them over the past eight years. Secondly, I want to thank organisers of this conference for inviting me to share some of my ideas with you today. The conference comes at a time when Durban is celebrating her diverse heritage and the status of being the world's premier tourism destination. The History of Durban dates back to the reign of King Shaka where he built his residence known as KwaKhangel'amankengane. It is also here in Durban where King Shaka ka-Senzangakhona first met the White man. Here in Durban the World AIDS Conference was held in the year 2000. The World Conference on Racism was

also held in Durban and it is also in Durban that the World Roads Congress (PIARC) will be held in the year 2003.

All these activities are further complemented by Durban's good management practices that have earned this city the status as the best-run city in Africa. To keep this momentum, therefore it became

imperative that the Public Sector and the Private sector join hands to form what has become known as the Durban Growth Coalition.

The Key focus areas of the Durban Growth Coalition include:

  • Major Projects
  • Black Economic Empowerment and Affirmative Action
  • Communication
  • Social responsibility

As the Durban Growth Coalition we believe DurbanĘs success as a global player will be become possible through the enhancement of the following economic activities:

  • Increased port capacity.
  • Building a new trade port and an airport at La Mercy.
  • Capitalizing on the Golden Triangle tourism infrastructure development, namely ICC, Point and Casino.
  • Developing the River Horse Economic Node around Effingham, KwaMashu and Redhill
  • Implementing the regeneration and Management of the Southern Basin area
  • Adopting the "smart city" approach and incubation of the IT industry.
  • Promoting an integrated non-racial society, particularly in the work place.

Established only in 1999, the Durban Growth Coalition aims to encourage economic development and realise the city's potential as a world-class port and leisure centre. The Durban Growth Coalition is proving to be a model for municipalities in South Africa as a way to harness business and Government in a partnership to rejuvenate cities and create economic growth. This economic development hinges around local and foreign direct investment (FDI). To facilitate investments, the Coalition on fast tracking and unbundling projects to demonstrate delivery. These include the port capacity with the port of Durban 2005 development, Ushaka Island, Point and Waterfront developments, extension of the ICC, River Horse Valley Business Estate economic node around Effingham, KwaMashu and Redhill and the Sun Coast Casino.

Having outlined some of the activities of the Durban Growth Coalition, I think it is necessary at this stage to state that ever since Durban became a UniCity, there has been a renewed interest from both local and foreign investors to invest in Durban. There are currently more applications for twinning with Durban than any other city in Africa. These in spite of the fact that some of our role models in economic, cultural, sports and entertainment fields have emigrated to other provinces. I would like to make this special appeal to them to come and invest in Durban while there is still time.

In the final analysis, I want to congratulate the people of Durban for all their achievements. Let each and every one of us feel part and parcel of this great heritage.

I thank you.

 

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