Top300 Kwazulu Natal by Topco Media

TOP 300 KWAZULU-NATAL

ISSUE NO.1

RSA: R145.00 (INCL. VAT). | UK: £10.00 | USA: $20.00

LAUNCH EDITION

A TOPCO MEDIA PUBLICATION

OVER 1 000 of the best companies listed inside To view these companies, please visit: www.top300.co.za or www.topco.co.za with over 4 million hits last year.

KZN cover.indd 1

KWAZULU-NATAL IS A GREAT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS FINANCIAL PARTNER

WWW.TOP300.CO.ZA PUBLISHED BY

6/22/11 3:12:56 PM

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FOREMATTER

CONTENTS

Contents Forematter 5 Contributors 8 Publisher’s Letter 11 Editor’s Letter 15 A-Z of Featured Clients 16 A-Z of Top300 Companies in KZN 20 Key Sector Index 112 Industry Classification

108

Regional Focus

Messages of Support 12 First National Bank 13 Durban Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Growth Through Sustainability

Indians in Business

Features 22 The gateway to Africa Alan Cooper 32

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Growth through sustainability Kristina Davidson & Sukaina Walji

6/22/11 11:16:51 AM

A Golfer’s Paradise

Gateway to Africa

BRICS Alan Cooper

108 Regional focus Alan Cooper

Sector Introductions See Key Sector Index on page 20 for a full listing of sectors covered.

Hosting of COP 17-CMP 7

Durban to host COP 17-CMP 7 Leon Dempers

A golfer’s paradise Natanya Mulholland

Contents.indd 4

TOP300 KZN

Energy

Employment

Mining

Manufacturing

Engineering & Construction

Health

Retail

Tourism

Media

Transport & Infrastructure

Banking

Investment

Telecommunications

Education & Training

104 Government

SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE NOW NOW

To subscribe to the Topco Publications: To to the Topco Publications, Tel:subscribe 087 353 6485 go to page 60 or contact Luvuko Mayekiso on Fax: 086 720 2450 Email: topco@buzzline.co.za +27 (0)21 791 7100 or email: luvuko.mayekiso@topco.co.za BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT 12 EDITION

SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP EMPOWERMENT COMPANIES

South Africa’s best managed companies

TOP WOMEN IN BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT

TOP PERFORMING COMPANIES INCORPORATING THE PUBLIC SECTOR

LAUNCH EDITION OVER 1000 OF THE BEST COMPANIES LISTED INSIDE

enGIneeRInG & ScIence

Raymond ackeRman

eXcLUSIVe

TURnInG The aUcTIon IndUSTRy on ITS head

THE COMPANIES TO DO BUSINESS wITH

OVER 1400 EMPOWERED COMPANIES TO DO BUSINESS WITH

8 EDITION

The contribution of Indians to business and culture Fatima Asmal

TOP WOMEN IN BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT

Agriculture

TOP PERFORMING COMPANIES 11th EDITION

8 EDITION

VOLUME 1

6/22/11 11:24:17 AM

FOREMATTER CONTRIBUTORS & CREDITS

Contributors A freelance journalist

An experienced editor and

teeth in the magazine world as deputy editor

based in Durban, Fatima

writer with a business and

of Fairlady and thereafter published books

Asmal is an aspiring

development background,

for Sunbird. In her free time, she enjoys

documentary filmmaker

Kristina Davidson

either hiking or rock climbing, playing golf or

who is presently studying

believes that, while creati-

paddling.

towards a Masters in Culture, Communica-

vity has a place in the business world,

tion and Media Studies at the University of

creative writing is best reserved for novels.

KwaZulu-Natal. She also directs ILM-SA, a

Her forte is combining practical, logical

non-profit organisation which she founded

thinking with visual creativity and plain lan-

in 2006.

guage, She speaks French as well.

Sukaina Walji is a communications specialist with expertise in digital media and technology-enhanced

Alan Cooper has

Troye Lund is a journalist

learning, and is studying towards a Masters

covered business and

who is based in parliament

in Online Education. She is an advocate of

politics in KwaZulu-Natal

for Finweek magazine.

the power of technology to promote social

for more than 20 years.

She was born and bred

change and believes that African

He believes that, after

in KwaZulu-Natal and has

businesses have a great opportunity to

decades of playing second fiddle to Gau-

been covering South African politics since

teng and the Western Cape, the province is

the country’s first democratic election in

emerging as an economic powerhouse in

1994.

its own right, thanks to strategic thinking by

leverage ICTs for exponential growth.

Natanya Mulholland

political and business leaders and ambi-

is a freelance journalist

tious development projects like the new King

based in Cape Town. She

Shaka international airport and the planned

began her career as a

multi-billion rand upgrade of its ports and

reporter for the Sunday

logistics network.

Times followed by four years at Cape Talk / Radio 702. She cut her

CREDITS General Manager Guy Chicken

CEO Ralf Fletcher

Project Manager Christine Dempers

Group Production Manager Van Fletcher

Business Development Coordinators Jeanette Nicholson Sibongile Somdaka

Group Editor Tania de Kock Managing Editor Shaheema Albertyn-Burton

Research Manager Haley Fletcher

Head Designer Jayne Macé

Researchers Edna Hamilton Mishqah Slamdien Nazreen Dramat

Designers Kyle Collison Stephen Alfreds

Distribution & Subscriptions Ingrid Johnstone Ursula Davids

Traffic Coordinator Raeesah McLeod

Human Resources Manager Janine Salick

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Financial Administrators Bernadette Theron Deidre Daniels Sharon Tockley Themba Gaga Printers Paarl Print Contact Details Topco Media (Pty) Ltd The Pinnacle, 5th Floor, Cnr. Strand & Burg Streets, Cape Town 8001 PO Box 16476, Vlaeberg 8018 Tel: +27 (0)86 000 9590 Fax: +27 (0)21 423 7576 Email: info@topco.co.za Website: www.topco.co.za

Disclaimer All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Topco Media (Pty) Ltd Reg. No. 2007/002190/07. While every care has been taken when compiling this publication, the publishers, editor and contributors accept no responsibility for any consequences arising from any errors or omissions. ISBN: 978-0-620-50711-0 ©company company

Chairman & Group Publisher Richard Fletcher

6/23/11 2:03:59 PM

8th Annual

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Brought to you by:

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FOREMATTER

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to show off my unique personality and that of the company I keep.”

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Publisher’s Letter I recently spent a productive afternoon in the warm, welcoming interior of Café Mozart, one of the gems belonging to the Madame Zingara group. I was surrounded by the delicious coffee aromas of this charming daytime café when a small brochure with the Madame Zingara credos inspired me so much that I immediately requested permission to adopt it as the mission statement for Topco Media. It epitomises the guiding principles that each and every employee of any organisation should subscribe to: 1.

FAMILY: I am able to build strong and loving relationships with all the staff at Topco Media, and to extend this to my clients and make them, too, a part of this family. It is my service to my family that allows me to express my true self in everything I do. As I let my own light shine, it gives others permission to do the same. SERVICE: I am committed to confident and efficient service for every guest who enters our organisation. This is what I would expect for myself and anyone in my Family. I am the change that I want to see. UNIQUENESS: I feel blessed to have the opportunity to show off my unique personality and that of the company I keep. I respect all opinions and value each and every contribution that others make. Through listening and growth, my uniqueness shines through. We are all children of the universe and playing small does no justice to who I am or to those around me. COMMUNITY: By being part of this Family, I acknowledge my community each and every day. My presence allows us to contribute to the upliftment and development of our country and our people. We acknowledge others needs and give with kindness and love. Karma is everything that we achieve. POSSIBILITY: I strive to continually seek opportunities to improve myself, which in turn improves the experience for my co-workers and my guests. My growth is an indication of the endless possibilities I am able to achieve. What we focus on inevitably grows. ACCOUNTABLITY: I have been empowered with the tools to understand and to perform my duties. I accept responsibility for my errors and my choice to facilitate change. Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to the error that counts. TEAMWORK: I work with all my Family and carry my share of the load as I know that they do theirs. My team is my everything, for both our weaknesses and our strengths. It is my Family and together we work to create the success we all deserve. Namaste... the divine in me recognises the divine in you. GROWTH: I challenge myself to learn something new as I am aware that knowledge is power. It is my commitment to that power that will in turn take me forward. I am not just

building something Good, I am committed to building something Beautiful. 9. INVOLVED: I am constantly looking for ways to better myself and my workplace to make it easier for everyone to enjoy. It is my contribution to the environment that determines the success of myself and others. I can only achieve when I am truly involved. 10. PRIDE: I make an effort in my personal appearance and manner to showcase myself because I am proud of who I am and the people with whom I stand. The past is over, it is the future that counts. It makes no difference the journey that I have taken, it is the journey forward that will be my greatest gift and will become my thread of shining light. 11. ENVIRONMENT: I am aware of my environment and endeavour to keep it as safe as possible. Our environment is our precious asset, as it is this which provides for myself and my Family. By protecting what I have, I allow these foundations to encourage the growth that we all deserve. 12. SUCCESS: I am successful in all that I say and do. It is my right to be successful – and it is our combined success which gives others permission to do the same. What I sow is what I will reap. I hope you are as inspired as I am to believe in and live the principles listed above. Best wishes

Richard Fletcher Chairman & Group Publisher

TOP300 KZN

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FOREMATTER

EDITOR’S NOTE

Editor's note KwaZulu-Natal, also known as the ‘garden’ or ‘banana’ province, is home to 10.2 million people and one of South Africa’s more popular holiday destinations. The area’s rich biodiversity and efforts at conservation have been recognised with tourist gems ranging from Marina Beach (blue flag status) and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the Valley of a Thousand Hills, the Midlands Meander and the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), it is not difficult to see why. KwaZulu-Natal’s capital is Pietermaritzburg, but Durban is the province’s biggest city – and its Zulu name, Thekwini, appropriately means ‘the place where the earth and ocean meet’. It might be known as one of the more ‘laid-back’ cities in South Africa with leisure activities such as surfing and fishing high on the agenda, but Durban has a fast-growing urban area and has the largest of South Africa’s 7 ports, with approximately 65 percent of all South African cargo moving through the port of Durban. It is also the busiest port on the African continent! To the north of Durban lies Richards Bay, which is the centre for South Africa’s aluminium industry with large smelting plants. Richards Bay can also boast with the second-largest sand mining and mineral processing operation in the world. As with the rest of the South African provinces, KwaZulu-Natal can pride itself on a diverse population with the majority of the inhabitants being of Zulu descent. KwaZulu-Natal is home to the Zulu monarchy and is the only province in South Africa that has the name of its dominant ethnic

launch issue of Top300 KwaZulu-Natal, a business discovery resource which will promote the cream of KwaZulu-Natal throughout the country, the continent and the world.

group as part of its name. Last year the Indian community in the province celebrated 150 years since the first Indian labourers

Best wishes

came to South Africa to work in the sugar cane plantations. The Indian community has added an exciting cultural element to South Africa and the full impact of this can be seen at each year’s beachfront festivities marking their November 1860 arrival. It really is an extravaganza of sacred music and dance, exquisite

Tania de Kock

traditional dress and aromatic culinary delights.

Group Editor

Please join me in toasting the rich and diverse culture and sunny people of KwaZulu-Natal. I’m also proud to present the

TOP300 KZN

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Foreword FIRST NATIONAL BANK

* FINANCIAL PARTNER *

Preggie Pillay

Regional Chairman KZN

At FNB Commercial, our relationship model is key to our business. Our clients can enjoy walking into any FNB branch and talk to one of our knowledgeable staff members who can guide and assist your enquiry. When you walk into the bank you get to talk to someone who knows about banking, knows about structuring deals and knows what the customer wants. That’s the first part of it.

Due to the recent recession and the unemployment rates faced in KwaZulu-Natal, as a bank that believes in giving back to the community, we collaborate with local government and municipalities in an attempt to create opportunities and jobs for upcoming entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is at the heart of FNB, as that is the foundation upon which FNB was created.

We strive to offer your business innovative products and services that will save you time and money. These products allow you, the business owner, to effectively manage your business. One such example is should you require a VAT account and a bank account for a tender, FNB has linked up with Shelf Company Warehouse to assist you with your VAT requirements. We also attend to the opening of a bank account that has a linked accoun-ting package called FNB Instant Accounting. This accounting package is one of our many value adds that we offer our clients and allows them to keep track of and be in control of their business financial affairs.

We pride ourselves in banking the top businesses and entrepreneurs, and continuously strive to develop the business community of the region. We help entrepreneurs to empower themselves and put them in the driver seat of their businesses. FNB’s recent strong focus on Commercial Property Finance and Leveraged Finance has helped many businesses to grow strategically, own their own buildings and improve their balance sheets. Many businesses were able for the first time to do well structured BEE transactions and improve their empowerment status. This is another way in which we assist businesses to create employment opportunities for themselves, as well as the business community within which they reside.

FNB Commercial Banking believes that as a business, we do not operate in isolation. We are surrounded by a community of businesses that can assist each other. Our clients have great opportunities to network with and receive much value from our partnerships with organisations such us Biznetwork and the Durban Chamber of Commerce. Biznetwork is there to support and guide you on the industry best practices when managing your business, while the Durban Chamber of Commerce will provide access to all new FNB account holders to the Chamber and the services they offer. FNB Commercial Banking has a range of tailored solutions to suit the unique needs of the various sectors within KwaZulu-Natal. We are the first bank to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the eThekwini Municipality. Several months later, other banks followed suit. FNB is intrinsically linked to the Municipality’s Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) desk. This is another means by which we assist our clients with the correct platforms and networks to do business.

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TOP300 KZN

We believe in developing long-standing business partnerships that will help businesses reach their financial potential. This is achieved through our staff’s specialised business knowledge and the support that is provided, which helps business owners to be liberated and in control of their businesses financial affairs. FNB Commercial Banking is proud to be part of the thriving business community and salute the Top 300 companies. We also commend all the KwaZulu-Natal businesses that contribute towards uplifting the lifestyle of families and businesses in KwaZulu-Natal. It is through this combined effort that the region is seen to be of world-class standards.

Preggie Pillay Regional Chairman KZN

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DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY Foreword

ANDREW LAYMAN

CEO: DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

The Durban Chamber of Commerce & Industry is proud to be associated with the Top300 KwaZulu-Natal publication featuring the leading KZN companies. It is an admirable showcase for our corporate community as well as the province, which has a more vibrant and dynamic business constituency than is sometimes thought to be the case. It is valuable too, in that it represents something of a united face of the province’s business community. It has often been levelled against the business community that it is unable to present a united view. This criticism is not unjustified considering that we are continuing to wrestle with the divisions created by the apartheid past. Moreover, despite the obvious advantages to be gained by a cohesive functionality between the small and large business sectors, there is still much work to be done before it is universally recognised that they are both part of the same economy. Indeed, there is also the matter of the so-called ‘second’ economy to be considered. There is no doubt that optimal growth will be possible only when everyone is pulling in the same coordinated direction.

country’s economy. They are among the most significant employers and are the custodians, more than others, of the reputation of South African business. In view of our past and the consequent challenges that exercise us still, there is a great deal more to business than making profit for shareholders. Environmental and social expectations of business are far beyond apathy and indifference. Companies must meet contemporary demands if they are to thrive. A great many do, and hopefully all those profiled here are deserving of respect in this regard. It is not an idle claim that if the country is to prosper and meet the challenges it has, business must accept a leading role.

Andrew Layman Chief Executive Officer

It is not the objective of this magazine to cover the full spectrum of business. What it does in highlighting those in the top 300 contributes towards the achievement of some solidarity. This is also an objective of organised business, as well as other business associations, both sectoral and otherwise. It is important that companies have an identity within the context of a community, for not only does this promote each one’s status and value, but it also presents a collective profile for the appreciation of readers. The companies featured in the Top300 KwaZulu-Natal deserve admiration and praise for their contributions to the

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TOP 300 KWAZULU-NATAL

A-Z LISTING OF TOP 300 COMPANIES IN KWAZULU-NATAL

Top 300 KwaZulu-Natal – Research Criteria

The criteria for appearing in Top 300 KwaZulu-Natal were developed in partnership with the KZN Chamber of Commerce and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government. Topco Media’s internal research department vetted a list of over 7 000 companies within KwaZulu-Natal and then focused extensive research on the resulting top 1 000. In drawing up the criteria, cognisance was taken of the fact that KwaZulu-Natal has SA’s 2nd largest population, estimated at 10.6 million in 2010. With reference to GDP, KZN outperformed the national economy because of less exposure to the mining sector and greater exposure to the transport sector. In general, the provincial economy performed well and better than the expectations of many. PMB and Richards Bay outperformed Durban, RBay and NewCastle. This stage of research resulted in a list of 350 companies, excluding parastatals, government agencies and structures, which were sent to our partners for final adjudication based on our criteria, to produce the final list, representing the Top 300 Companies in KwaZulu-Natal.

The final criteria were drawn up and agreed upon between our partners, and included: • National turnover • KwaZulu-Natal turnover as a percentage of national turnover or at least 20 percent of total national revenue • Number of employees in KwaZulu-Natal: at least 100 employees or 20 percent of total national workforce • Head office location and number of satellite offices in KwaZulu-Natal • Percentage of income from exports • Planned revenue growth over the next five years • Planned staff increase over the next five years • Peer consensus through feedback on top five competitors

Assmang Manganese Limited

Other Mineral Extractors & Mines – 48

3663 First for Food Services Limited Catering Services – 571

Astrapak Limited Packaging – 460

3M South Africa (Pty) Ltd Other manufacturing – 140

600SA Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Commercial Vehicles & Trucks –263

Auction Alliance KZN (Pty) Ltd Business Support Services – 581

Aurecon SA (Pty) Ltd

Consulting Engineers – 268

Avis Car Leasing (Pty) Ltd t/a Avis Fleet Services Other Financial – 879

ABB South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Avis Rent A Car

Electronic Equipment – 253

Car Hire – 592

Aberdare Cables (Pty) Ltd

Ayanda Mbanga Communications (Pty) Ltd

Bytes Technology Group Limited Computer Services – 972

Capital Outsourcing Group (Pty) Ltd Employment Agencies – 583

Capitec Bank Banks – 810

Cell C

Wireless Telecom Services – 678

Chartis South Africa Limited Insurance Non-Life – 834

Chemical Specialities Ltd t/a ChemSpec

Electrical Equipment – 252

Employment agencies – 583

Absa Group Limited

Chevron South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Engineering – General – 267

Restaurants & Pubs – 539

Banks – 810

Access Freight International Rail, Road & Freight – 596

Adams & Adams Law Services – 573

Computer Services – 972 Pharmaceuticals – 480

Security & Alarm Services – 588

African Access Holdings (Pty) Ltd Investment Companies – 850

African Oxygen Limited t/a Afrox Chemicals – Speciality – 118

African Privity Investments (Pty) Ltd t/a Elgin Engineering Engineering – General – 267 Packaging – 460

Afripower (Pty) Ltd t/a Hytec Engineering – General – 267

Afrisam (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd

Building & Construction Materials – 132

Bearing Man Group

Citadel Investment Services Limited

Behr South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Citibank NA South Africa

Beier Industries (Pty) Ltd

City Lodge Hotels Limited

Beiersdorf Consumer Products (Pty) Ltd

Clover Industries Limited

Belgotex Floor Coverings (Pty) Ltd

Club Leisure Group (Pty) Ltd

Other Manufacturer – 140 Personal Products – 477

Furnishings & Floor Coverings – 342

Bell Equipment Co SA (Pty) Ltd Commercial Vehicles & Trucks – 263

BHP Billiton Aluminium SA Bidfreight Port Operations (Pty) Ltd Shipping & Ports – 597

Bigfoot Express Freight (Pty) Ltd Rail, Road & Freight – 596

BMW South Africa (Pty) Ltd Automobiles – 311

Air Liqiude (Pty) Ltd

Chemicals – Commodities – 113

BP Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd Oil & Gas – Integrated – 78

Albaraka Bank Limited Banks – 810

Alexander Forbes (Pty) Ltd Other Insurance – 839

British Airways

Airlines, Airports & Air Charter – 591

British Amercian Tobacco SA (Pty) Ltd Tobacco – 490

Altech Netstar KZN

Security & Alarm Services – 588

Broll Property Management (Pty) Ltd Real Estate Holding & Development – 862

Altech UEC (Pty) Ltd

Electrical Equipment – 252

Apollo Tyres South Africa (Pty) Ltd Tyres & Rubber – 317

BSI Steel Limited Steel – 188

BSN Medical (Pty) Ltd

Health Maintenance Organisations – 443

ARB Holdings Limited

Electrical Equipment – 252

ArcelorMittal South Africa Newcastle Works Iron & Steel – 188

Argent Industrial Limited Diversified Industrials – 240

Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited Pharmaceuticals – 480

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Chubb Fire & Security (Pty) Ltd

Non–Ferrous Metals – 186

Afripack (Pty) Ltd

TOP300 KZN

Basil Read Holdings Limited

Auto Parts – 313

ADT Security (Pty) Ltd

Chickenland (Pty) Ltd t/a Nando’s

Retailers – Hardlines – 526

Adcock Ingram Limited

Oil & Gas – Integrated – 78

Barloworld Limited

Heavy Construction – 137

Adapt IT Holdings Limited

Chemicals – Speciality – 118

Buckman Laboratories (Pty) Ltd Chemicals – Speciality – 118

Business Connexion (Pty) Ltd Computer Services – 972

Business Partners Limited Investment Entities – 890

Security & Alarm Services – 588 Investment Banks – 875 Investment Banks – 875 Hotels – 536

Food Processors – 435

Travel & Related Services – 537

Club Travel

Travel & Related Services – 537

Coates Brothers South Africa (Pty) Ltd Other Manufacturing – 140

Combined Motor Holdings Limited (CMH) Holding Companies – 851

Corobrik (Pty) Ltd

Building & Construction Materials – 132

Corruseal Corrugated KZN (Pty) Ltd Packaging – 460

Crookes Brothers Limited Farming – 433

Crossley Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Furnishings & Floor Coverings – 342

Dano Textile Industries (Pty) Ltd

Other Textiles & Leather Goods – 349

Defy Appliances (Pty) Ltd

Household Appliances & Housewares – 345

Deloitte

Accounting & Consulting – 880

Deneys Reitz Inc. Law Services – 573

Dimension Data (Pty) Ltd Computer Services – 972

Diners Club (SA) (Pty) Ltd Consumer Finance – 873

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KEY SECTORS OVERVIEW

28 30

Key Sectors Overview of the key sectors in Top300 KZN for the Resources, Manufacturing, Services and Public sectors.

RESOURCES Agriculture ......................................................... Energy ............................................................... Employment.......................................................

Mining ................................................................

MANUFACTURING Manufacturing .................................................. Engineering & Construction .............................. Health ...............................................................

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46 50 52

SERVICES

Education & Training .........................................

53 54 62 78 80 90 92 98

GOVERNMENT ..............................................

104

Retail ................................................................. Tourism .............................................................. Media................................................................. Transport & Infrastructure .................................. Banking .............................................................

28 30 31 42

Investment ......................................................... Telecommunications ..........................................

TOP300 KZN

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EDITORIAL

THE GATEWAY TO AFRICA

The Gateway to Africa With tens of billions of rands in central government cash flowing in its direction, KwaZulu-Natal is poised not only to cement its reputation as the gateway to Africa, but to significantly expand into ambitious new directions. Alan Cooper reports.

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volume of goods and commodities reaching their markets fresh and in a pristine condition.” Of course, passengers and cargo are closely related, as the MEC explains: “Cargo traffic may start small as goods in the belly of a passenger plane. But when it develops a certain critical mass, dedicated cargo flights can be added to the route.” The location of Durban is a key aspect in negotiating with cargo and passenger carriers. Flying directly to Durban brings many benefits to airlines, as Mabuyakhulu points out, “Airlines prefer departing from sea-level airports which offer better engine performance. Johannesburg’s OR Tambo’s altitude, 1 800 metres above sea-level, negatively affects aircraft take-off performance and cuts into passenger and freight loads.” Another advantage is that aviation fuel is significantly cheaper at the coast than inland, which makes Durban an even more attractive proposition, especially on a flight to London, for example, requiring some 200 000 litres of fuel.

©ACSA

“KZN is the undisputed gateway to southern Africa,” says MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Michael Mabuyakhulu. With a new international airport, two of Africa’s busiest harbours and South Africa’s primary domestic tourist city within its borders, KwaZulu-Natal has long billed itself as the travel and logistics entrance to the continent and beyond. However, “you don’t remain a leader in your field without constant re-invention, investment and growth”, continues Mabuyakhulu, who believes that a prime example of this philosophy in action is the King Shaka Airport, which opened in May 2010. The new airport has the potential to be a major driver of economic growth for KwaZulu-Natal, in particular through freight cargo services. “We’re looking to target time-sensitive goods … that are prone to a high rate of spoilage,” he says, “It’s a question of increasing the

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OVER 1000 OF THE BEST COMPANIES LISTED INSIDE

KWAZULU-NATAL IS A GREAT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS