uMhlathuze secures R20 billion in investment projects for economic growth
Political stability and reliable leadership were two of the reasons the City of uMhlathuze secured 20% of KwaZulu-Natal’s projected investment projects, said Deputy Mayor Christo Botha.
The city secured R20 billion out of the R100 billion total pledges made at the recent KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference.
Investors proposed 34 major projects with an estimated capacity to create 60,000 direct jobs and more than 240,000 indirect employment opportunities. Among the key investments pledged for uMhlathuze are:
- Ukhozi Vanadium Electrolyte and VRFB Manufacturing Project – R1.2 billion
- Heritage IHS Graphite Project – R16 billion
- Nkosi Phalane Retail Centre – R1.4 billion
- New Airport Development – R1.8 billion
uMhlathuze Mayor Xolani Ngwezi said, aside from the above-mentioned planned investments, several other development projects are already in the pipeline for the city, including the Ridge Shopping Centre, the Container Handling Facility, the Wilmar Company, and the Prince Buthelezi Mall.
“These investments are expected to create a substantial number of decent jobs, stimulate economic growth, and accelerate infrastructure development,” he said.
Ngwezi said the municipality will continue its commitment to maintaining a business-friendly environment to eradicate poverty, empower communities, and build a thriving, inclusive economy.
Botha said that the infrastructure is in place to accommodate these investments.
He stated that from what he witnessed while attending the conference, the world was looking to invest in South Africa.
“It was absolutely fantastic to sit in the conference. The regional airport is one of the best things ever. It will assist us in growing the economy and dealing with unemployment. We have shown that there is stability and no infighting. We are focused on clean governance and service delivery, and we were rewarded for this,” he said.
Thami Ntuli, the premier of KZN, said the summit was a defining moment towards building a dynamic, inclusive, and globally competitive provincial economy.
Ntuli stated that the investments represent declarations of confidence in the province’s future.
He said investment pledges are particularly significant because of their geographic and sectoral spread.
According to Ntuli, investments will be made in eThekwini and Msunduzi and the fast-developing centres of iLembe, uMgungundlovu, King Cetshwayo, uMkhanyakude, uThukela, Amajuba, and Ugu district municipalities.
“This balanced distribution is not coincidental. It reflects our deliberate strategy to drive inclusive regional growth and to harness the unique comparative advantages of each area, whether in logistics, agriculture, tourism, or manufacturing.”
Ntuli said that many of the projects are greenfield investments, new ventures that inject fresh capital, ideas, and energy into the economy.
He said the brownfield expansions are equally vital, fortifying the foundations of industries that have long anchored KZN’s economic resilience.
Ntuli also mentioned renewable energy initiatives, such as Colenso Power and Mulilo Energy Holdings, to large-scale mixed-use and tourism developments.
zainul.dawood@inl.co.za