Durban Automotive Supplier Park

A strategic goal is to provide the logistics to ensure that the province's automotive industry doubles its size in the next decade, and that KZN becomes a leading exporter of vehicles. An investment of R 400m into an automotive supply park - the Durban Automotive Supplier Park (DASP) - has been planned. eThekwini Municipality, working with Toyota SA and various multi-national component manufacturers, plans to site the new development close to Toyota SA's plant in the Prospecton area.


Dube TradePort
Recent research on the maritime shipping industry has focused upon the emergence of more integrated logistics chains, both within the maritime industry itself and between maritime- and landbased transportation modes. Located 30 km north of Durban, the new Dube TradePort is a catalyst for global trade and a portal between KZN and the world. It is the only facility in Africa that brings together an international airport, a cargo terminal, warehousing, offices, a retail sector, hotels, and an agricultural area. The King Shaka International Airport (KSIA), comprising an international passenger and cargo airport, is intrinsic to KZN's growth.

KZN Economic Development and Tourism MEC Michael Mabuyakhulu said, "This new Airport City will create a worldclass physical and operational environment geared towards attracting trade, investment and infrastructure built in the Kwazulu‐Natal economy. This will require mass investment by both government and the private sector, with government in the lead." Premier Zweli Mkhize said the King Shaka International Airport had resulted in the province being a preferred destination for conferencing, tourism and leisure.

However, it is the "aerotropolis" proximity to the harbours of Durban and Richards Bay that give it the edge as a transport and logistics hub. The Dube TradePort will greatly expand the capacity of KZN to import and export goods. The new approach provides a cost-effective solution to create a vast logistics platform, offering a significant means to enhance international competitiveness and job creation.

Rail and road links up and down the coast to the two major seaports will make it easy to switch cargo between different modes of transport. The TradePort is bounded on the west by the railway line between Durban and Richards Bay and by the N2 highway to the east. A new road will be constructed to link the Trade Zone to the Watson Highway. This road will provide an additional level of access for the Cargo Terminal and Trade Zone to the N2 and R102 highways. Large quantities that arrive by sea can be dispersed in smaller volumes at speed by air to various destinations in Africa. The construction of a north to south light rail link has been identified as being important to improve transport connectivity between eThekwini and Ballito.