THE Dube TradePort Corporation (DTPC) has officially launched the second phase of the highly successful industrial precinct and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) adjacent to the King Shaka International Airport – the Dube TradeZone 2.

The business entity of the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government recently hosted a ribbon-cutting event where they also previewed two factories worth over R180 million which are currently under construction within the precinct.

DTPC board chair Mpumelelo Zikalal, said that despite the constrained economic environment over the past two years, the corporation has secured seven private sector investors for Dube TradeZone 2.

Four of these investors have begun constructing their facilities.

Also read: Billions set aside for development of SA airports

The total private sector investment value secured in Dube TradeZone 2 amounts to R1.8 billion and is expected to create 600 jobs within the next five years.

Dube TradeZone 2 will target investors in the manufacturing, logistics and automotive sectors while facilitating the planned expansion of several phase one-based enterprises.

The launch of the second phase of the TradeZone follows the successful implementation of Dube TradeZone 1, which has 50 investors and full tenants. These include international companies such as Samsung, Mahindra, DHL, Chem Energy and PepsiCo-Futurelife.

Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Siboniso Duma, welcomed the investment as he reflected on the 30 years of freedom and democracy.

Also read: R390 million set aside for Moses Mabhida Stadium refurbishment

The MEC said SEZs are effective instruments in resolving ‘disturbing’ levels of inequality, poverty and unemployment, which are strongly marked by spatial, racial, class and gender factors.

To date, the 26-hectare TradeZone 1 has attracted more than R2.8 billion in private-sector investment from enterprises focused on air-related logistics, distribution and light manufacturing.

It includes the Dube TradeHouse, a dedicated facility for freight forwarders and shippers with airside access via an overhead conveyor air bridge to the adjacent, state-of-the-art Dube Cargo Terminal.

Dube TradeZone 1 is home to notable exporters that service the sub-Saharan African market as well as markets in Asia, Europe and the United States.

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.