UTHUNGULU DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

WHERE OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND...
The magnificent uThungulu District is located in the north eastern region of the KwaZulu-Natal Province on the eastern seaboard of South Africa.

The district has the third highest population in the province and stretches fromthe agricultural town of Gingindlovu in the south, to the uMfolozi River in the north and inland to the mountainous beauty of rural Nkandla.

The numerous accolades andachievements bestowed on uThungulu speak volumes of the district's our commitment to excellence. uThungulu has always been at the forefront of service delivery and implementing best practices.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
The N2 highway links the district to other significant economic centres in the country such as Durban and Johannesburg. It also offers a direct route to Maputo in Mozambique. In addition, the development of the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone within the vicinity of the Richards Bay Harbour (largest deepwater port on the African continent), is serving to boost economic activity and attract international investors wishing to take advantage of the investment incentives on offer, the competitive electricity price and the availability of affordable labour.

Richards Bay, as a harbour and industrial town, offers a unique combination of a laid-back coastal lifestyle combined with an abundance of career opportunities and economic activity within a variety of sectors, from large-scale global industries such as BHP Billiton's two aluminium smelters, Tata Steel and Foskor to the burgeoning small and medium business sector.

IMPORTANT SECTORS IN UTHUNGULU
The local economic development strategy of the district focuses on its comparative advantages in the agriculture, tourism and manufacturing sectors.

MINING
The district is home to two mining giants who have capitalized on the mineral-rich land in uThungulu. Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) is a leading producer of titanium minerals, high purity iron and zircon, found in the coastal sands of the region. It supplies most of SA's needs and exports the remaining products across the globe. Exxaro KZN Sands is SA's flagship empowerment mining company, involvedin the mining, beneficiation and smelting of mineral sands, mainly to produce titanium slag from smelting ilmenite. Other products include zircon, rutile, leucoxene and low manganese pig iron.

FORESTRY
The commercial forestry sector is well-developed with large plantations owned by private companies such as Mondi and Sappi. Small-grower timber production occurs mostly in the tribal areas.
 

AGRICULTURE
The major land uses in the district are:

Commercial agriculture: the main crop is sugar cane, grown largely in the lower-lying coastal belt. The production of horticultural crops includes citrus, sub-tropical fruits and vegetables. Subsistence agriculture: this is associated with the majority of the tribal areas, which are characterised by under-development and high levels of poverty.

The Nkandla Essential Oils project is the major out-grower scheme in the area and the second largest producer of geraniumoil in the province. uThungulu is looking for investment to roll the essential oils programme project out in various local municipalities and regions. Expansion of the local economy should focus on introducing new agricultural crops increasing timber and cane production, expanding the cut flower industry, and establishing apiaries. Agro processing ventures such as dry fruit, juices, and wood crafts have much possibility.

TOURISM
The temperate climate and warm seas off the coastline make uThungulu an ideal location for tourists. uThungulu forms a gateway to some of the country's finest game reserves and is rich in cultural heritage, offering a unique Zulu Kingdom experience. The uThungulu District also has a number of wetlands, the most notable being Lake Cubhu and the Greater uMhlathuze Wetlands to the south of Richards Bay at Esikhawini. A variety of over 350 bird species and approximately 75 waterbird species are found in Mtunzini in the uMlalazi Municipality, including the rare Palmnut Vulture, making it one of the best bird-watching locations in South Africa.

The Tuzi Gazi Waterfront is an ideal playground for yachting and water sport enthusiasts, where you will find upmarket office complex, shops, restaurants andwalk onmoorings at the small craft harbour. In particular the potential for cruise tourismto be developed is also evident. The KwaBulawayo Tourism Development project was constructed by uThungulu as a means for uplifting the local communities in the culturally rich Umlalazi region. The region is home to King Shaka's
KwaBulawayo Military Capital, and is recognised as being one of the key sites of Zulu heritage.

uThungulu pursues partnerships with the private and public sectors, as well as international investors, to provide equitable and sustainable services that will lead to sustainable economic development for the communities involved.

Opportunities include:

• Airport
• IDZ
• Sport centre
• Agriculture and agriprocessing
• Manufacturing

We welcome you to invest in uThungulu District Municipality's future.