2010-03-01
According to the State of the Province Address by Dr Zweli Mkhize, Premier of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal (24 February 2010). KwaZulu-Natal has recorded positive growth at 1.3% compared to the national average rate of 0.9%.
Manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, transport and logistics still constitute the strength of the provincial economy. The latest data suggests that the sectors that have recorded positive growth are the following: manufacturing (+7.7%), government services (+4.8%), construction (4.1%), community and social services (3.5%). The wholesale, retail trade, hotels and restaurants showed a decline (-1.3%) and agriculture, forestry and fishing (-7.4%).
The Small Business and cooperative sectors have been affected by the economic recession. Government will deepen the support needed by this sector to survive; to improve the participation of street traders, primary and secondary cooperatives and small business in the mainstream economy and monitor progress in this regard.
Tourism
The province acknowledges that the tourism sector has much potential for future growth. The estimated total economic impact of tourism on the economy of KZN was about R26bn in 2008.
The opening of the new King Shaka International Airport, with direct landing flights (mostly from the East) will provide an opportunity for growth. Since the commissioning of the Emirates to fly into Durban, there were 9 000 international passenger arrivals in December 2009 alone who came through on the Dubai-Durban flights. Tourism KwaZulu-Natal has forged a cooperative working relationship with both Emirates Airlines and Emirates Holidays. This, year KwaZulu-Natal will receive a special profile and additional brochure pages focusing on the province in Emirates Holiday Guide.
Partnership between the public and private sector will assist in steering a path towards growth and job opportunities.