New developments in KZN Midlands pose excellent opportunities for investors

By: Dylan Naidoo

With developments mentioned in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) North and South Coast, there is also the KZN Midlands to discover. Namely Pietermaritzburg and Howick, both areas showing exciting developments in the coming years. Whilst property is not a factor, there are other developments in the KZN Midlands that can attract potential investors.

Upgrade to Howick Falls

Situated around 24km away from Pietermaritzburg is Howick Falls, a tall waterfall that brims with history. The waterfall holds significant historical value to the Zulu people, often referring to it as “KwaNogqaza” meaning "Place of the Tall One". This has made the waterfall a popular tourist attraction for the KZN Midlands. As such, it was good news to hear the announcement that the tourism site at Howick Falls was undergoing a major upgrade.

The uMgungundlovu Economic Development Agency has indicated many key factors for the upgrade to the tourist spot at Howick Falls, including:

●      The upgrade is intended to “revitalise” the area, further enhancing the destination as a tourism hotspot. These enhancements refer to the improvement in facilities, safety and environmental conservation.

●      Further improvements suggest the construction of walking paths, viewing platforms, interpretive signage, and other tourism infrastructure.

●      The project is still under the construction phase, with funding at R15 million from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) according to Lauren Anthony from TimeOut Durban.

●      Expectations for the upgrade is high, with the upgrade expected to make it a top tourist destination, benefiting the local economy and uplifting the image of the KZN Midlands.

Major Investment boost set to transform the Msunduzi Municipality

Thami Magubane from IOL has reported on major developments that are scheduled to transform the Msunduzi Municipality. It was estimated that over a billion rand was pledged at the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference. Should the pledges follow through, then the KZN Midlands are set for a major overhaul in infrastructure, with another estimated 2000 job opportunities. According to the Msunduzi Municipality, the R1.1 billion invested is expected to reinforce the KZN Midlands as a growing hub for both development and economic opportunity. This large investment is expected to be used in various projects, including:

●      The creation of the “Kwa-Mncane Shopping Centre”, a R100 million invested expected to create 370 direct and indirect job opportunities.

●      Development of the “Mpumuza Shopping Centre”, a R140 million investment expected to create 610 direct and indirect job opportunities, especially in the rural area Msunduzi.

●      The development of the “City Centre Mall Expansion and New Shopping Centre”, a R370 million investment expected to create 770 direct and indirect job opportunities.

●      Creation of the “Solar Hybrid Park”, a R480 invested expected to create 250 direct and indirect job opportunities.

Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla claimed that the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference yielded great results, with Pietermaritzburg being recognised as an area of potential growth. Along with the upgrade to Howick Falls, once funding follows through with the Msunduzi Municipality, these new developments are excellent opportunities for potential investors.

Howick Falls - KZN Midlands