KZN Invest 16

KZN MARCH 2022

INVEST CONNECT COMMUNICATE COLLABORATE

ISSUE 16

Entrepreneur

Going Forward

Rail Ruin

Gritty City

A small business that’s good and proper will prosper

Clean up and catch the criminals so KZN has a future says Bonke Dumisa

the rail network fast or it will collapse

See Sean Stretch’s sensational city snaps

Msunduzi Special

A D V E RTO R I A L

C

ustomise your own commercial or light industrial workspace in the booming, upmarket and conveniently positioned aerotropolis precinct.

Conveniently situated near Dube TradePort, King Shaka International Airport, the N2, service stations, public transport routes, convenience stores and proposed hotel.

Don’t get left behind.

Contact us today for the perfect location!

Where business TRANSCENDS boundaries

Project summary Investment value: R2,1-billion Development value: R2,1-billion Investor: Cedar Point Trading 2020-2030 Jobs created: 1 650 temporary and 1 000 permanent Annual revenue: R45-million (rates) Progress to date: This phase has gone through all land preparation processes, including necessary approvals and earthworks construction currently underway.

The environmental authorisation has been received and approved.

Top structure development starts in March

Whetstone Business Park is the closest private development to Dube TradePort and King Shaka International Airport.

Take your business to new heights in the elite aerotropolis precinct!

Whetstone Business Park offers you super competitive prices on

A D V E RTO R I A L

THE CLOSEST PRIVATE BUSINESS ESTATE TO KING SHAKA AIRPORT & DUBE TRADEPORT or tailor-made commercial, retail, and light industrial opportunities that are

Boasting a pristine convenience, Whetstone Business Park is just -Convenience stores

-Clothing stores -Petrol stations -Ease of access to the N2 -Public transport

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W H AT ’ S I N S I D E

MARCH 2022

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- 06 - - 08 - - 14 Guest column Professor Bonke After the riots, KZN must uphod the law

Deepening Pmb’s PPP

Pietermaritzburg’s prospects could improve through

Viable villages make great cities Architect Richard Stretton shares his view

-17Mindful

architects behind our future developments

08

- 20 - - 28 Dithering development

Special report: Rail

Open land, and the

KZN’s growing rail crisis and the future

Issue 16

KZN

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E

MARCH 2022

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INVEST EDITOR

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PRODUCTION EDITOR Lorna King DESIGNER Jon Ivins ADVERTISING Jenni McCallum 082 411 6401 GENERAL MANAGER Doody Adams CONTRIBUTORS Shirley le Guern Lyse Comins Jason Humphries Rafs Mayet Illa Thompson Jon Ivins Val Adamson Graham Gillett Copyright: All material in this issue is subject to copyright and belongs to Famous Publishing unless otherwise indicated. No part of the material may be quoted, photocopied, reproduced or stored by an electronic system without prior written permission from Famous Publishing.

Disclaimer: While every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this publication, neither the authors nor the publisher will bear any responsibility for the consequences of any actions based on information contained herein. Neither do they endorse any products/services advertised herein. Material which appears under ‘Advertorial’ is paid for.

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Published by Famous Publishing www.famousdurban.co.za Printed by Novus

COVER: DURBAN ARCHITECTS. CREDIT: VAL ADAMSON

In compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4, if you do not want to receive KZN Invest magazine for free, please email sarah.mackintosh@ famouspublishing.co.za

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For more information visit: www.famousdurban.co.za

- 38 - - 40 - - 42 - - 44 - - 46 - - 48 Trumping

Heading south

Lean and lovely

The man on a mission

Howick champs are

The success of the Ugu district

Propa – making

Sean Stretch

good

connect Bruce Robertson’s wellness advice

Pencil Club

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Issue 16

MARCH 2022

ED’S LETTER

THANKS, but...

D

ear Mxolisi, howzit!

To those who haven’t gathered, this is an open

work, the streets to be littered and the

dumb and blind not to feel the impact of corruption and maladministration, but

worked, the streets were clean and we As long as we call this place home we requires robust engagement around what our spending and development

me glide into the ICC parking before week before the ICC press conference I attended another where Premier Sihle Zikalala said his government would ensure all tenders above R5-million

satisfaction of one who doesn’t

Durban’s peak hour is a breeze

and a delightful antidote to the growing grumpiness that has been weighing

ABOVE: ETHEKWINI MAYOR, MXOLISI KAUNDA.

and other hits has made me feel like

of our roads, load shedding and then an

Singing in the Rain or Pharrell Williams doing Happy Alas not, I’ve been seething over Uninterrupted water and power

neighbourhood without power for three theme because no one likes a whiner

ED’S LETTER

improved revenue collection and waste

MARCH 2022

5

more investment, provides affordable removal, builds more decent housing, runs more reliable public transport, and

vaunted plans to turn Cato Ridge into Well done, Mxolisi, for speaking

Issue 16

I am delighted that Durban was the top-performing SA metro on News24’s

are sabotaging infrastructure to ensure hateful reminder that there’s an index Thanks too for being unequivocal about

this edition, Transnet is a shameful shell

Indeed, “we are not a banana

A month ago Durban writer Shubnum worth is that we need to agree on an

It seems like a place standing still, In a recent social media post Bonke Dumisa (who writes our guest column

arrive on time and disembark in clean,

other souls in the ANC) grave doubts

enslaved it is to its crooked patronage

morphs from its internal contestation, I being available and accountable to the

Indeed, “we can make wonders with this

heart, but outside the ICC what is the

gregarde@gmail.com

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Issue 16

G U E ST CO LU M N

MARCH 2022

Calm but still

SABOTAGE KwaZulu-Natal, recovering from the unrest, has to uphold the rule of law rather than allow criminal impunity, writes Professor Bonke Dumisa

“Ngeke ngiye KwaMashu, ngesaba amavolovolo” is a Zulu song which black students loved to sing on their school trips, which simply means, “I will never go to KwaMashu, I am afraid of guns”.

T

have been bandied about ranging from

the cargo between South Africa and the rest of the southern African region goes

did not report to those collating this

SASRIA and other insurances; nor did

These estimates also did not cover the

whoever because of the Men’s Hostel for gun-related violence, which involved the

against township residents who were known for their resistance to apartheid

about what goes through the minds contemplating investing in KwaZuluNatal after the well-orchestrated criminal economic sabotage that was carried out with militaristic precision There have also been sporadic

economic sabotage cost the South African direct and/or indirect costs

serious damage to the race relations in

Former President Jacob Zuma’s Stalingrad tactics against the rule of of Jacob Zuma will stop at nothing

G U E ST CO LU M N

Issue 16

MARCH 2022

7

ABOVE: PROFESSOR BONKE DUMISA BELIEVES THE PEOPLE WHO SABOTAGED THE N3 ROUTE WILL STOP AT NOTHING.

appetite to take the side of the rule of

to engage in acts that disrupt and/or Under the circumstances, KwaZulu-

Stalingrad brushes with the rule of law

investing in this province until there is genuine political will and political

PROFESSOR BONKE DUMISA IS AN INDEPENDENT ECONOMIC ANALYST. CONTACT HIM ON BONKE@DUMISAINVEST.CO.ZA

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Issue 16

MARCH 2022

PA RT N E R S H I P

2

1

Deepening

PMB’s PPP If ever there was a time for meaningful public private partnerships in KwaZuluNatal it would be now. This was the nub of a conversation about property and economic development in the greater Pietermaritzburg area hosted by KZN INVEST PHOTOS BY VAL ADAMSON

A

met at the Anew Hilton

KZN INVEST

of the Pietermaritzburg Chamber

with international trends and more

value and expands the government’s

PA RT N E R S H I P

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MARCH 2022

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10 11

12 1. MELANIE VENESS (PMB CHAMBER).

2. JAY GOVENDER (OOBA).

3. MOGES PILLAY (MSUNDUZI MUNICIPALITY).

4. DREW HENWOOD (REMAX MIDLANDS).

5. CHRIS HALFORD (HALO PROPERTIES).

6. MANDISA GABUZA (MSUNDUZI MUNICIPALITY).

Botha said global best practice of developments that catered for a

“There are so

7. BRIGIT SCHEUER (REMAX MIDLANDS).

8. MTHOMBISI KHUMALO (MSUNDUZI MUNICIPALITY).

9. SIMTHOLILE MYENI (MSUNDUZI MUNICIPALITY).

10. SIBONELO ZULU (MSUNDUZI MUNICIPALITY).

11. BRUCE CAMPBELL (NATAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTS).

12. RUPERT EDWARDES (STOWELL & CO).

Botha said global trends showed a

for a quarter of an hour from their developments, but mixed developments

are prospective

Developers, often working with to tailor products for a range of end-

convenience, cost and well managed

that meets that collaborating around how to make

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PA RT N E R S H I P

MARCH 2022

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PA RT N E R S H I P

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MARCH 2022

development offerings more accessible with tools like co-ownership

The future of

deposits, and also including bond and “We all want to allow more people

Development Manager, Mthobisi Khumalo, called for a deeper focus

in exclusive, gated developments, but mixed developments in well managed public precincts

developments, suggesting experiences Chamber was the third biggest in the He said authorities had to guard against charlatans acting as informal amenities, a whole lot of heart and a concentration of some of the best to cities, leaving municipalities to provide requisite services like water, Leading Pietermaritzburg developer Andrew Barnes said there was a strong demand for secure, well-run complexes, David Patrick from Harcourts said his

She said the private healthcare huge retirement developments, a big civil service market and the fact that Pietermaritzburg served a vast area is huge potential to leverage this to

said she noticed considerable demand Rupert Edwardes from Stowell & the issuing of municipal rates clearance Consultants said pent-up demand in Pietermaritzburg could be realised if

he said, farmers were consolidating properties and looking for economies of Barnes added that Pietermaritzburg had great potential but development

to meet market expectations, reduce Chris Halford from Halo Properties said Pietermaritzburg needed space for new developments, like the ones in

13. PAUL CAMPBELL (NATAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTS).

14. PAIGE LANGENHOVEN (BARNES PROPERTY).

15. ANDREW BARNES (BARNES PROPERTY).

16. MCDONALD CHITJA (STOWELL & CO).

17. GREG ARDE (KZN INVEST).

18. NEIL PAINTER (STOWELL & CO).

19. JENNI MCCALLUM (KZN INVEST).

20. ZIA SIMPSON (STOWELL & CO).

21. JO JENNINGS (OOBA).

22. DAVID PATRICK (HARCOURTS).

23. STEFAN BOTHA (RAINMAKER MARKETING).

WINES FOR THE DINNER WERE SPONSORED BY MEANDER FINE WINES WWW.MEANDERFINEWINES.CO.ZA

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MARCH 2022

ARCHITECTURE

Viable villages make

GREAT CITIES Richard Stretton is an impassioned award-winning architect who designed the Moyo uShaka Pier at Addington Beach. He rallies against buildings without utility and despises aggrandizement and monuments to ego. KZN INVEST spoke to him

Q A

After years of experience, what is your professional credo?

of the project – of the client, the context (environmental, social and economic), and the end-user (including

environment, the people who visit or

valuable asset, our developments must

Stop viewing the world

Q A

How can we make design more relevant in Durban?

Designers need to consider the things that make their buildings or structures kinder, friendlier, more the real needs of buildings and their

zone and start seeing the actual mechanics

Buildings transcend trends and cities

required

streets and public spaces around our buildings that provide the experience

designed for the positive experience of

ARCHITECTURE

Issue 16

MARCH 2022

15

cities have supported their citizens for

Looking forward requires that we

the uMhlanga Ridge, do cars dominate the environment while pedestrians walk on sand paths cut through the landscape, in mud when it rains,

ABOVE: RICHARD STRETTON.

time, designers are going to produce built for the long-term support of all their inhabitants, rather than short-term

comfort zone and start seeing the

functional neighbourhoods, mixed-use It's not hard to formulate a vision Buildings of similar proportion line have been wasted and the biggest

Q A

What is the future of better design in Durban?

Buildings work together to form a

purpose – these serve spreadsheets with are researched rules that support this, which is universal, not a Eurocentric We should concentrate on smaller buildings with high impact, those that

more responsible to all residents of the

Q A

What should a vision for Durban look like?

with the incredible natural environment

Modern stand-alone buildings in an exclusive neighbourhood have little use

People investing here are making decisions that have a major impact on the future public space network of

focus on serving people where there is and grow local precincts and establish an interconnected network of strong

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Issue 16

MARCH 2022

S E R A B E L L A – M E A N I N G A B E AU T I F U L E V E N I N G I N I TA L I A N – I S A N E W D E V E LO P M E N T I N T H E H E A RT O F I Z I N GA I N U M H L A N GA C O N S I ST I N G O F M O D E R N C O N T E M P O R A RYI N S P I R E D V I L L AS T H AT E M B R AC E A S E N S E O F S PAC E A N D E L EGA N C E A N D F E AT U R E STAT E - O F -T H E -A RT F I N I S H ES W I T H I N I TS AU T H E N T I C BA L I N ES E A EST H E T I C S .

No transfer duty payable Stunning architecturally designed modern contemporary / balinese inspired homes embracing a sense of space and elegance situated in a prime position in the prestigious Izinga open suburb, Umhlanga making it one of the most sought after addresses in the area.

Gated with an electrified perimeter fence and surveillance cameras with a 24 hour security guard manning the access control from the guardhouse providing residents with absolute peace of mind.

The guardhouse area will also incorporate domestic help washrooms, change rooms and toilets.

Only a few kilometres away from the famous Gateway Theatre of Shopping complex, as well as in close proximity to some of KwaZulu Natal’s most prestigious schools and hospitals. A short drive to the Umhlanga coastline beaches.

Location, security and privacy translates to peace, happiness and a coveted lifestyle that only SeraBella can provide.

Peace of mind: Situated within a double gated security precinct, in addition to patrolled security and tactical presence, Sera Bella also has an electrified perimeter fence with surveillance cameras and a 24-hour security guard manning the access control from the guardhouse.

Location is key: Sera Bella is ideally located to Gateway Theatre of Shopping, hospitals, prestigious private schools, King Shaka International Airport, restaurants and beaches.

Privacy is paramount: Ranging from two- and three-storey villas to three-bedroom apartments, each villa’s garden is totally private and fenced off, offering total seclusion. Within the complex there is also a communal pool and braai area.

TO FIND OUT MORE Website: www.serabella.co.za / Email: sales@serabella.co.za Mobile number: +27 83 786 8999 / Address: P.O. Box 22115, Glenashley, Durban 4022

A D V E RTO R I A L

Issue 16

MARCH 2022

Mindful

MATTERS Leading city architects are calling for more conscious welcoming spaces

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MARCH 2022

A D V E RTO R I A L

recognition as fundamental contributors to built environment upliftment at all have challenged norms and created new benchmarks for design solutions our bigger projects include the Ocean Terminal at the Point; the Oceans project under construction in uMhlanga, the Inara Precinct in Luanda, Angola, and

societal perceptions, and be allowed to demonstrate our expertise and to use our skills as leverage to promote change

FOR MORE INFO where environmental challenges at

UPLIFTING EPA is a contributed to the built environment in

issue in our built environment and to allow for multiple vendors, each

desperate need for architects to respect the environment and adjacent properties

of detail and thought went into this project, each area and vendor having also designed the Lighthouse Quarter refurbishment, rejuvenating a wellpositioned existing shopping centre making it relevant to the uMhlanga

TIMELESS Sphere Design

FOR MORE INFO

is a small but important project that showcases how a modern aesthetic

and Architecture has a clean-lined and

designed a pool pavilion next to an exquisite listed residential home, one

We specialise in solving complex spatial

but warm entertainment space that modernises the home and preserves its

companies are looking to expand into Africa and are looking for partners to be reinforcing our existing Johannesburg

engineering and project management services provider that oversees a project presence in 45 countries and our projects include industrial manufacturing facilities, logistics and distribution

ensure we can have the right balance of

FOR MORE INFO

PARTNERSHIPS Melissa Truscott is the Civil Design Lead

investing in South Africa and growing our team because we recognise the skills of local architects, engineers and

Improving the landscape in KZN is all about partnerships, understanding and are different models for building and

We believe that Africans know

A D V E RTO R I A L

Issue 16

MARCH 2022

19

with the landscape, but through One example was a high-end uMhlanga residence we designed in the

through careful consideration without home was designed where the structure arrangement of structural elements FOR MORE INFO

HARMONY of the landscape, be it man-made

Another project – a large-scale food near the airport – was designed with human scale in mind rather than being a

principles is to create a positive culmination of experiences, both tangible and intangible, not competing

Architects ought to think more about prioritising people rather than making

of buildings and other built capture reports and the report into the the prosecutorial response to these will

considering how the perpetrators of

of assets but a combined cultural, ethical

violence, theft and corruption into one that embraces kindness, peace and

TRUTH We are at the cross-

FOR MORE INFO

engagement amongst ourselves and our

We should be the just had reports from separate bodies published that describe in some detail

the destruction

Architects have to work with cutting-

We can improve lives through good design and sustainable practice, keeping function has been designed and engineered for growth and to adapt to to promote built environments that pride ourselves in giving the end-user practical solutions, to design buildings that are multi-faceted and have FOR MORE INFO We designed a home on the South

PRACTICAL Our buildings are designed to blend

than oppose the shape and form of environment through eco-buildings and

centre in Stanger for an international

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Issue 16

MARCH 2022

D E V E LO P M E N T

Development

ABOVE: AN UNDER-UTILISED PARKING AREA ADJACENT TO THE DURBAN EXHIBITION CENTRE.

D E V E LO P M E N T

Issue 16

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21

DITHERING

eThekwini Municipality wants to sell the city’s strategic Virginia Airport for re-development while acres of plum real estate lie vacant. What is the city’s plan for this land that could revitalise the city?

Lyse Comins reports

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MARCH 2022

E

conomists, developers and concerned stakeholders have questioned the logic of the

for cargo and passengers operate from there, as does a pilot training school and a helicopter that inspects the fuel line between Durban and Johannesburg

D E V E LO P M E N T

Town is in the process of developing the

Schussler said the airport could be used to attract foreigners for pilot training and expanded to offer tourists helicopter

The Durban Centrum site near the ICC is another example, as is the old Stables

Economist Mike Schussler – who located municipal-owned properties The Pavilion site and the former Star Seaside Children’s Home on the beachfront, as well as the former

report entitled The KZN Barometer – said it did not make sense to shut down a focus rather on improving its facilities Johannesburg has Lanseria and Cape

of jobs – as well as being an alternative

thinking about how I can make use of this infrastructure and improve it to invest in capital and the future, but for

Schussler said the airport could be used to attract foreigners for pilot training and expanded to offer tourists was possible that a potential developer had set its sights upon the plum real estate that runs along the North Coast

D E V E LO P M E N T

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passionate about ensuring Durban gets

However, he said the pace of

to focus on getting its development processes functional before tearing “I want Durban to get its fair share of development but if we can’t get plan

something that is working to propose a

“I have sites with millions invested

LEFT: THE OLD NATAL COMMAND SITE. BELOW: THE STABLES MARKET AND CYRIL GEOGHEGAN VELODROME CYCLE TRACK.

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MARCH 2022

D E V E LO P M E N T

ABOVE: THE OLD DURBAN DRIVE-IN SITE.

capital investment to be recovered over from the council about what we could

He said one example was a development in the CBD in Maud Mfusi

“We get a lot of lip service from the council about what we could do but when it comes to

this and set about weakening these

seem to be interested

Children’s Home on North Beach was

to make alternative arrangements and

improvements, the club was forced to

responded to questions regarding the

Market and evict hundreds of trader

despite being pressed for answers over a

site remains undeveloped, although a municipal spokesperson told the Daily News

Liverpool Football Club was proposed

According to earlier media reports

Dlamini precinct and would be calling

Rovers Club which occupied part of the site, raised concerns about the demise of “Sporting clubs were formed to

engagement between the public and private sector in terms of prioritising nature, to uplift communities through

D E V E LO P M E N T

ABOVE: THE PAVILION SITE AT NORTH BEACH.

Issue 16

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25

projects department had helped to

He suggested a closer working relationship to facilitate partnerships “Roads are a major issue where we as developers are having to fund a lot

are spending a lot of Capex upfront on

CUSTOMISED DESIGN

Int Tel: 031 705 2640

Cell: 082 570 1399

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Issue 16

MARCH 2022

BUY LOCAL INVEST LOCAL Let’s come together and heal as a nation.

Let’s focus on renewing, restoring and rebuilding successful partnerships and investment opportunities so we can get back to promoting our city as the ideal destination for business and pleasure to the rest of the world.

Your support coupled with our world-class infrastructure, innovative business environment and ever evolving investment opportunities, means we can get back to ‘connecting continents’ in no time.

Tel: +27 31 311 4227 Email: invest@durban.gov.za web: invest.durban

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The city of Durban (eThekwini Municipality) is South Africa’s second most important economic region

Extensive first-world road, rail, sea and air

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Dube TradePort and King Shaka International Airport - 60year Master Plan - driving growth of aerotropolis, or airport city

MARCH 2022

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Rated in top 5 ‘Quality of Living’ cities in Africa and Middle East by Mercer Consulting in 2015

Named one of the New 7 Wonders Cities by the Swiss-based New 7 Wonders Foundation in 2014 1

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RAIL

RAIL

Ruin

L

David Williams wrote an incredible paper for the Brenthurst Foundation that unpacked the desperate

Entitled Why There Are So Many Trucks On The Road And So Few Trains On The Tracks, it is a staggering indictment of the state of parastatals in Williams begins his paper with

central Johannesburg and Nasrec near the FNB Stadium for the Soccer World

The Williams report makes for grim reading of mismanagement, deteriorating corporate governance that has resulted in broken organisations

rails is rusting, the overhead electrical equipment has vanished “apart from a

Few people are necessarily aware of the rail crisis in South Africa. They only know the highways are becoming increasingly choked and that the economy can be held to ransom if there’s a truck blockade on the N3 between Johannesburg and Durban, writes Jason Humphries PICTURES JON IVINS

The broken and deserted rail link, wrote Williams, was “an emblem of what has happened to the South African

The Williams report details the destruction of PRASA, the passenger It makes for grim reading and talks to corporate governance that has resulted

cancelled because of a spike in the theft of overhead cables with a huge knock-on effect for exporters of minerals, grain South Africa’s failure to invest and

Williams then hit fast forward to

RAIL

causing a multitude of problems, not least of which is the strain it has placed

He makes interesting observations about South Africa’s lack of a formal

reliant on trucks for the transportation of goods, and increased trucking – along with overloading – means the lifespan

recommended that a substantial

The Williams report quotes a Sanral expert who notes that if a truck is

Issue 16

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29

SHOCKING STATE OF AFFAIRS Annual commuter train trips

Line closures, poor maintenance, at least 7%, “a single trip can do more

Mbalula said, “Overloaded vehicles remain one of the biggest threats to The maximum load in South Africa for a truck (or a truck-tractor and trailers) is Africa, 55% higher than in the USA and

“Overloaded vehicles remain one of the biggest threats to South Africa’s national Fikile Mbalula, Transport Minister

tonnes of goods were transported

theft, vandalism and crime are just some

started long before the ANC took over rail protection to the corruption and

of a perfect and sustained storm

or part privatisation as the government

notes that then Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s report entitled Derailed, found that at least R2-billion had been

incoherent administrative structures, blurred reporting lines, managerial incompetence, skills shortages, corruption, unfair road competition

a full revamp of a decrepit, failing rail

which were then found to be too tall for

response to decades of government

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RAIL

MARCH 2022

With an average of 4 000 metres of rail cable being stolen every day in KwaZulu-Natal, economic development researcher Glen Robbins offers a grim view of the future of rail PICTURES JON IVINS

RAILS

I

n recent months Transnet has started to issue what is called

Estimated failures in South Africa’s

of 8 452m was stolen on the main rail

have been costing the

rail cable was removed – an average of The fact that Transnet even issues such reports is suggestive of the scale

ABOVE: GLEN ROBBINS SPECIALISES IN REGIONAL AND LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

cancelled services seem to have become those who use Transnet’s freight rail services have, with some growing desperation, sought to bend the ear of Molefe or the somewhat distractible Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula,

the loss of around two million tonnes to road cargo, all new growth in freight cargo transport is now being carried to those transport operators that have managed to respond to this demand, but a far from optimal solution for those with cargo best suited to rail and

It is no surprise then, that over These problems are such that some have estimated failures in South Africa’s

RAIL

that happen to also fall under Transnet –

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31

from the burdens of the pandemic, a well performing rail sector would have advantage of recent growth in demand

chain disruptions, it is critical that the improved so as to ensure we do not add

much of the past decade, it is clear how so dependent on its transport linkages commitments to secure major changes

GLEN ROBBINS IS AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESEARCHER AND HEAD OF RESEARCH AT THE TOYOTA WESSELS INSTITUTE FOR MANUFACTURING STUDIES. HE WRITES IN HIS PERSONAL CAPACITY.

MINI FACTORY UNITS IN A PRIME LOCATION

AVAILABLE NOW!

LIGHT MANUFACTURING MINI FACTORY UNITS APPROX 260sqm

CONTACT: INVEST@DUBETRADEPORT.CO.ZA

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Issue 16

RAIL

MARCH 2022

Running out of

TRACK

Train enthusiast and Durban photojournalist Rafs Mayet recently caught a ride on the Blue Train, which was once at the pinnacle of passenger rail services in South Africa. Mayet shared his experience with us

Q A

How long did the ride from Cape Town to Tshwane take?

Q A

What was the highlight of this once in a lifetime trip?

The state of our concern as it could changer for the

beautiful vistas from the observation around, reading or watching the ever-

Q A

How did you sleep?

coach, and I was in one of the deluxe

ABOVE: WATCHING LIFE PASSING BY – RAFS MAYET RELAXING ON BOARD THE BLUE TRAIN.

Q

On your ride 39 passengers were pampered by 23 staff, and you wrote

RAIL

Issue 16

MARCH 2022

ROVOS RAIL Rovos Rail run nine journeys, with seven of them to destinations outside of South Africa. A great opportunity to boost tourism, but the challenges far outweigh the opportunities. alarming decline has a ripple effect

Rovos Rail had a close working relationship with Transnet whose staff were working under investment in rail meant Rovos had

substantial cost, and we’ve applied for permission to use our own about how disturbing it was to chuff past in a bubble of luxury while people languished outside in poverty. Is there still a space for luxury train travel in South Africa?

The gap between the haves and have-nots is an ever-widening chasm with the disparities between

A

amongst other forms of travel, but the

dire as it is – I don't think it can’t be

standards, but that isn’t impossible if there is a concerted, co-ordinated education of the importance of the

rail services and expertise, coupled with the dramatic increase in the tracks for sale to scrap metal dealers,

Rail – headquartered in Pretoria

infrastructural and operational just a few metres of cable or rail that is being stolen, it is hundreds

33

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Issue 16

MARCH 2022

RAIL

Full

STEAM ahead

PICTURES GRAHAM GILLETT & ILLA THOMPSON

ABOVE: HERITAGE STEAM LOCO, WESLEY, IN FULL FLIGHT, PULLING CARRIAGES OF DELIGHTED PASSENGERS ON ONE OF THE MONTHLY USR TRAIN RIDES FROM KLOOF IN INCHANGA.

The Umgeni Steam Railway is a multisensory journey back in time.

Affectionately known as the Inchanga Choo Choo, it has all the nostalgia of a bygone era – the soothing clickety-clacking of the train on the track, the clouds of smoke, the smell of polished wood and leather, and cheerful hoots and whistles all the way, writes Illa Thompson

U

of train-mad volunteers – all hardcore ferroequinologists (lovers

We have been the oldest private

most of which remain in storage The focus of USR though, is the running of regular heritage trains from Kloof to Inchanga and back again,

operator in the Trains depart from and return to Stokers Arms in Kloof, and head towards The volunteers are the custodians of rolling stock, books and documents representing the different eras of

RAIL

Issue 16

MARCH 2022

35

LEFT: FROM LEFT, RON BELL, ROD THOMAS AND HANK RAATGEVER WITH THEIR CLASSIC BIKES, AND WESLEY THE STEAM LOCOMOTIVE AT INCHANGA STATION.

tourism route, on the Old Main Line traversing through one of the oldest operating tunnels in South Africa At Inchanga, passengers can disembark and wander through the craft market and food garden, visit the

was an important train stopping point

ABOVE: INSIDE THE OLD INCHANGA STATION MASTER’S HOUSE – NOW A RAILWAY MUSEUM.

36

Issue 16

MARCH 2022

RAIL

Peter, chairman of Umgeni Steam

For info and bookings: www.umgenisteamrailway.com; ABOVE: HAPPY PASSENGERS. THE SIGCAWU FAMILY – LUPHAWU, IMINATHI, APHELELE AND LUYOLO – AT INCHANGA HALFWAY STOP.

follow on FB and Insta: Umgeni Steam Railway; Twitter: @UmgeniSteamRail.

USR typically runs trains on the last weekend organisation run by volunteers who are always welcome – no particular skills are needed; USR is supported by 1 000 Hills Community Tourism

but USR is proud to be continuing this

things to do in the area go to: https://www.1000hillstourism.co.za/

A D V E RTO R I A L

Issue 16

MARCH 2022

37

SERVICE, passion & partnerships

I

loved – and love – where

Service. Not lip service, but supremely personal service. That’s the focus which has ensured that KZN north-coast-based SIYANQOBA Worldwide Express – SWE – couriers has stood out from the crowd for over 17 years

fastest growing express courier companies in South

important to us that, to the get it right, we get it there,

Although SWE has grown

effective communication are unswerving in our Our clients are not clients –

word meaning to win or to conquer, and the name

the phone, no matter what time, and we make things

commitment to meaningful

and with a national and

staff member has the In an era where authentic service excellence is lacking, SWE retains that

and brought extensive sales and operations knowledge to the table, while husband

conquer and grow through training programmes and

want to thank our staff for One are still there, and their heartfelt commitment absolute passion for the

same principle – nothing ABOVE: Siyanqoba Worldwide Express owners Larry and Gill Wittstock.

impressive, but perhaps even more than that, is their

ourselves an extension of SWE is an independent

established footprint throughout South Africa branches in the main centres, and dedicated agents in all areas

amazing client base for

client base ranging from A-lists to smaller clients, all of whom have been with

specialising – but not

continue to build valuable

clients/printing/retail/ Durban, province of KZN,

there are two immovable

sensitive area of express

SA courier companies have well known and respected global companies with their staff take great pride SWE’s client list is

continue to do what we do best for the next decade – deliver superior service,

single one of our staff,

031 569 6808 // swe.co.za

38

Issue 16

MARCH 2022

TO U R I S M

Trumping

TOURISM A bit of luck and a huge dollop of enthusiasm creates tourism champions able to help small towns sparkle, writes Shirley le Guern

H

owick got a boost late last

R5-million from the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs to upgrade And the region has rebranded and

pivotal in the town’s tourism reWhat started out as a promise to put up some Christmas lights in the road leading to the falls morphed into helped clean up and make decorations, and business sponsors backed the lights, Prinsloo asked local businesses

has declared that it will be the KZN

With the falls precinct upgrade as

and is courting private sector partners Sinenhlanhla Zandile Dlamini, general manager Economic Development and Planning at the uMngeni Local

Dlamini believes that investment in infrastructure with upskilling the region’s people

ABOVE: JP PRINSLOO, CHAIRPERSON OF UMNGENI TOURISM.

and just putting small interventions in place like blocking off the area to control alcohol consumption, brought

is needed to drive job creation, social

whole event helped us to begin building something that people in the Midlands

as a result of the opportunities that would arise in tour guiding,

months ago, bumping heads with a few potential and what could be achieved reviving tourism can open up sectors such as adventure, sports, cultural

Dlamini believes that investment

chairperson of uMngeni Tourism, JP Pappas, was instrumental in delivering the Light the Falls Festival that proved

The festival – which included local live musicians and a market – came together in three weeks and is expected said the morale booster provided his organisation with an important platform for brand recognition and helped

Unlike big cities such as Durban which

other private sector bodies such as the Midlands Meander in promoting the

tries to bridge the gap between tourism businesses and government, using limited resources in pursuit of a single

TO U R I S M

Issue 16

MARCH 2022

39

PICTURE: ROGAN KERR

events that have fallen off the calendar

Because uMngeni is a small

leveraged that to start delivering a brand with which people want to A two-tiered membership caters to different business needs and talks are sponsor half of the membership fees for

“We need to encourage people to invest in their businesses and provide a good

government’s Tourism Ambassador’s Programme which will allow uMngeni

uMngeni Tourism has set up a new interactive website that starts with a provides a curated tourism route based

We need to strike a at Howick Falls for those who prefer “Our approach is to ensure that the price of membership should not be a barrier for people to enter into the

We need to encourage people to invest in their businesses and provide a good

While embracing the shared spirit, it is also important to recognise the differences between communities through the creation of dedicated

Nottingham Road and Mpophomeni but need to be spread across the Howick

Then it’s on to increasing visitor numbers and bringing new tourists to is one thing but getting them back is

uMngeni Tourism wants to provide strategic direction to each tourism node and implementing this means Prinsloo is

to push boundaries and get people out

to support existing and new events,

destination in KZN and compete against

He is also working hard to bring back

40

Issue 16

MARCH 2022

TO U R I S M

Heading

SOUTH

T

Since the start of Covid, the Ugu district down the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal has been working hard to re-invent itself writes Shirley le Guern

ABOVE: RAMSGATE BEACH.

adventure experiences such as bungee jumping, diving and mountain biking,

tourism with travel bans due to Covid, alcohol restrictions and the closure of beaches both due to the pandemic and, more

as the annual Sardine Run, the world’s

provincial premier Sihle Zikalala acknowledged tourism’s trials and

Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) is organisation of the Ugu district

World Travel & Tourism Council that the

Umzumbe, Umuziwabantu and

But the province’s focus on domestic tourism made it resilient with the

A leading light has been the Ugu district where occupancies averaged 75%, accounting for a substantial portion of the province's estimated Known as the Paradise of the Zulu

showcasing the diverse offerings and ABOVE: PHELISA MANGCU, CEO OF UGU SOUTH COAST TOURISM.

But she admits that this hasn’t been

Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches

the second wave at the height of the

alcohol restrictions have impacted our

TO U R I S M

Issue 16

MARCH 2022

41

ABOVE: MARGATE – LAIDBACK AND PEACEFUL.

She notes that the approach to supporting businesses and the actual want well-ventilated, nature-based, unique experiences so we’re packaging and promoting these tourism products

portal on our website and our free-todownload Explore KZN South

“People want wellventilated, naturebased, unique experiences so we’re packaging and promoting these tourism products

launching various projects including Africa Ignite (an Airbnb Africa

Rickshaw Rides, Tourism Monitors National Tourism Information and Programme (recruitment and training), tourist guide training, and Agri-CULTURE Tours (farmland Mangcu believes tourism will

This digital transformation has also shift to digital has been a saving grace

USCT is nevertheless still looking abroad to grow the region’s tourism earnings as

services, pop-up eateries and online and desire for unique experiences, guided tours are on the rise and there’s

with hinterland experiences at and Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre as

been the South Coast’s strong point,

Through partnerships, USCT is

a global drive towards unique, authentic cultural and nature-based tourism options which we specialise seaside visitors, we feel the rural tourism initiatives will expand our

42

Issue 16

H E A LT H

MARCH 2022

Lean and

Artist Stephanie Wills started Propa in her kitchen with the aim of wanting to make healthy food taste good. Five years later her business based on the KZN North Coast is thriving because of a great family collaboration

S

LOVELY

THE PROPA TEAM: THEMBI GCABASHE, COURTNEY ASPDEN, STEPHANIE WILLS, MPUME MTHETHWA AND STHEMBILE MTHEMBU.

tephanie Wills went from

We aim to make

smoothies in her kitchen for

Wills gained invaluable experience

to work, consulted her dietician sister Kim Wilson, and tapped into the business

look amazing, be nutritious and taste delicious

Q A

Q A

natural, no preservatives, made from butters from scratch that are used in our products as well as being gluten free,

However, when we were presented have a range of smoothie-based products

other products too – cakes, date balls,

Q A

What are your absolute nonnegotiables in so far as your products are concerned?

What would you say is your unique selling point?

So what's in a name and do people get it?

Propa was meant to be a brand

A

Q

Your business has artisanal appeal.

How will you retain that and scale?

amazing, be nutritious and taste

concern and then the fact that we use all

Q

You described how you launched your business wanting to make great food; then you winged it and went big on social media. A ridiculously short summary, but what lessons have you learnt.

A

A D V E RTO R I A L

Issue 16

MARCH 2022

100 YEARS

43

of

A

Woodhead Bigby celebrates generations of adaptation and perseverance registrations, estate planning, deceased estate and trust administration, and

built on generations of worth of invaluable practice experience has been passed down from generations

profound gratitude to all the clients and

intelligence, diligent hard work and

are excited to discover what the future holds and to uncover opportunities to gain further wisdom and to continue development, cultural inclusion, and an emphasis on being better before becoming bigger have helped forge a robust resilience to changing times, changing laws and evolving political

These times of rapid change are a bringing enticing legal challenges that proved their endurance, Woodhead

with an aim to build relationships and

offering top-tier legal advice and services across the practice areas of

services and client relationships remains

dependable foundations throughout the offerings within these practice areas include mergers and acquisitions, court litigation, dispute resolution,

FOR MORE INFO 92 ARMSTRONG AVE, LA LUCIA; MAIL@WOODHEAD.CO.ZA; 031 360 9700

44

Issue 16

P H OTO G R A P H Y

MARCH 2022

The man on a

MISSION T

he talented graphic designer, Sean Stretch, hit the road when lockdown

building the Station Drive Creative Precinct and his Open Plan Co-working Studio, Sean has begun to look

Sean has spent time stringing

break the ice and dig deeper to meet the people behind the facades and hear stories from communities we His pictures are a grave testament to life in downtown Durban, a curious perspectives and angles, splendid

Follow him and Open Plan Studio on Facebook, and Instagram @sean_stretch_durban

P H OTO G R A P H Y

Issue 16

MARCH 2022

45

46

Issue 16

5

MARCH 2022

It comes as no surprise to anyone reading this that the way we work has changed forever and possibly for the better in so far as the focus on wellness is concerned, writes Bruce Robertson

WELLNESS

Tools LIVE

W

hen Covid lockdowns came we thought that

would free up the time we used to spend on commuting

ballooned for most people instead

pandemic we have a host of services at our disposal to help us navigate life

1. Mindfulness Apps Meditation and mindfulness have long left behind their esoteric reputations

founder of the meditation app Ten Percent Happier, Dan Harris notes, “Meditation is fast approaching the no-brainer status of optimal life

ABOVE: BRUCE ROBERTSON IS A WRITER, CHEF, YOGA COACH, MASSAGE THERAPIST AND WELLNESS INSTRUCTOR BASED IN DURBAN

as coping with stress, learning to relax,

2. Online Yoga

The world’s biggest companies are using these techniques to help their staff build

executives are realising that strength

attention to one thing, on purpose),

WELLNESS

MARCH 2022

47

world-class coaches are available

sometimes getting to a class can be

coaches have made a lot of material available for free online and resources

of the world’s most experienced or Instafamous teachers from the comfort

the world, uncoupling time and location

Issue 16

popular around the world, uncoupling time

resonate with

is also a new emphasis on reaching goals but not at the expense of mental

5. IV Therapy Aimed at people who need to perform

3. Convenient And Healthy Eating starring role in our kitchens during the with the convenience of ordering other

places offering intravenous vitamin

huge range of meals (keto included), recipe kits, ingredients, groceries and

worldwide trend that was built on the intersecting needs of fast results, goal directed product offerings and

4. Coaching

choose from desired outcomes such as

shifting, coaches are trained to optimise performance and hold clients accountable for actioning decisions in a

skin and pigmentation, detox, sports performance, slimming and even a

has been helping business people

nurse, but can take place in locations

the simple pleasures of cooking a meal lives became busier again, the desire to

sector have recognised this and are offering solutions that blend health

just the right amount of ingredients and

“padstal” have curated small local farmers and

quick search on the internet will locate

48

Issue 16

MARCH 2022

BUSINESS

CONNECT It’s hard not to gush about the swish Pencil Club, one of the most talked about venues in Durban

ABOVE LEFT: GENERAL MANAGER ALBERT VAN DER WESTHUIZEN. ABOVE MIDDLE: JULIA JAMES. ABOVE RIGHT: JITEN SINGH. FAR LEFT: SAM UYS. LEFT: JOE AND LEE MPYANA.

F

or those who don’t know, the Pencil Club occupies the

The Pencil Club is modelled on clubs like The Arts Club in London, Soho

WHAT PENCIL MEMBERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THEIR FAVOURITE CLUB:

member clubs in Europe, the US

JULIA JAMES, co-owner Saint&Summer: The Pencil Club brings together diverse but like-minded people to build meaningful

to-ceiling views of the sea,

It’s a design and decor feast that

racked up an impressive resume

The club grew out of conversations boffs Renzo Scribante and Marc

has managed dozens of hotels and

SAM UYS works for a non-governmental agency: It offers its members an environment to build relationships and networks with

with super aspirational appeal that “The Pencil Club is a place of Investment specialist JITEN SINGH: The

among jet setters, and includes a for networking like-minded

mingle with like-minded individuals in a

to lounges, a restaurant, ballroom, corporate executives to entrepreneurs From the muted lights in the cigar bar to the emerald tiles in the bathrooms to the starched aprons of the waitrons and the spectacular

curves, marble and velvet that come together in an ensemble that demands

Corporate social responsibility manager JOE MPYANA: graphite, cedar and the ferrule, each manufactured in different parts of requires collaboration around a tool that has endless possibilities that can

like-minded people across different industries, religions, cultures and races accessible to each other for a round table based on a common interest, to

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You are helping thousands of women to utilise their full potential and pursue jobs that contribute to South Africa’s economic success. When you buy local, you grow local.

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