Dube TradePort attracts multi-billion investments

Millions of rands have been invested into making the Dube TradePort (DTP) South Africa’s premier air logistics platform. Despite critics labelling the DTP a “white elephant” chief executive officer Saxen van Coller believes big things are in store for the North Coast because of the DTP’s ground work.

The DTP was recently named one of South Africa’s new special economic zones (SEZ), a move van Coller said would contribute greatly to the northern corridor.

“Dube TradePort was developed, as the catalyst for economic development in KZN and being a SEZ will prove crucial in our organisations ability to fulfill that mandate. Operating as a SEZ will certainly help fast track the number and quality of investments secured within the Northern region.”

She said while it was an initial challenge generating activity around the King Shaka International Airport terminals, DTP is engaged in discussions with airlines to attract new carriers to Durban.

“The DTP cargo terminal has exponentially increased the cargo moving through the province, while our AgriZone has been successful in its first phase and is working on phase two. The property side has been a phenomenal success story with the TradeZone attracting over R700m in private investment.”

Van Coller said the DTP is working on a 60-year master plan and has made great strides despite having a long way to go, contributing significantly to private and international investment on the North Coast.

She also hinted at new investments and developments spearheaded by DTP, but would not provide details just yet.

Van Coller could not comment on the construction of a multi-billion rand Samsung factory at the DTP.

National media recently reported that outgoing finance minister Pravin Gordhan had been in talks with the South Korean electronics and technology giant, finalising the R3,5bn deal.

Sources confirmed the factory would focus on the production of appliances for the local and African export market but could expand in the future.

The Samsung Electronics South Africa media desk had not responded at the time of going to press.