Ballito, in the iLembe District Municipality, is the fastest growing node in the country. Rapid growth followed the establishment of the nearby King Shaka International Airport and significant investment in property development, both commercial and residential, had spawned generated growth and economic development in this area. In uThungulu, Richards Bay's port, coal terminal, aluminium smelters and mining houses drive the local economy. In addition the Richards Bay Industrial Zone assists in attracting investment to the region.

In Amajuba, the town of Newcastle is the third largest urban centre in KwaZulu-Natal. Located in the north-west of the Province, Newcastle's major activities are coal mining, steel processing and manufacturing The KwaZulu-Natal Clothing and Textile Cluster has established a Sector Business Support Centre in Newcastle, aimed at regenerating the area's clothing and textile industry.

The economies of the municipalities along the South Coast are focused on agriculture, tourism and retail. The scenic coastal surroundings and the Margate airport in the Ugu District Municipality makes it an ideal spot for conferencing, and the steam train in the Sisonke District Municipality is another tourist attraction.

Zululand is a popular destination for wildlife and birding tours and rich in Anglo-Boer War and Zulu history. Ulundi, in the north-east of the province, is the administrative capital of the province. Approximately half the Municipal area consists of commercial farms and the area supports a substantial agricultural community. It is also offers significant tourism growth opportunities, with rich Zulu cultural sites, including the KwaZulu Cultural Museum, the partially reconstructed royal homestead of King Cetshwayo, the Ophathe Heritage Park and King Dingane's Royal Palace.

A Better Life for all People in KwaZulu-Natal

The development of job opportunities is vital for economic growth, and almost 90 000 full-time employment opportunities and 325 000 work opportunities have already been created in KwaZulu-Natal, many of these through infrastructure projects in health and education. In addition, more than 100 000 homes have been provided since 2009, in both urban and rural areas, by means of new housing units, upgrades and slum clearances and subsides for low and middle income earners.

Electricity, water and sanitation have all been extended throughout the province; as of the end of 2012, 76.7% of KwaZulu- Natal residents have access to electricity at home, 83.5% have access to piped water and 80.4% have access to sanitation.

The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone has reached agreements with two investors who will be investing over R3.5-billion in infrastructural development, and the Tata Steel manufacturing plant are committed to a R1.2-billion expansion operation which will provide another 400 jobs. An additional pipeline of potential investors will come on stream as soon as the earthworks and infrastructure development is complete.

KwaZulu-Natal was selected for Nationwide Broadband Network pilot project and preparation for this project has already completed for 10 districts, which will offer broadband wireless facilities to 80 schools, contributing to the development of IT skills so essential to the growth of the economy.

These developments not only enhance the quality of life of the citizens of KwaZulu-Natal, they also foster a new, economically active market sector.

Rural Development and Agriculture

Many rural areas are rich in natural resources including coal and other minerals, game and a rich cultural heritage. Rural development aims to create a vibrant rural economy and sustainable lives for people in rural areas by providing them with appropriate technology, skills development and building an asset base.