Transport, Storage and Communication

Logistics and supply chain management is growing in importance and it is fast becoming the central function in companies. Boasting Africa's busiest sea port (Durban) and Africa's biggest bulk sea port (Richards Bay), combined with excellent road and rail infrastructure and global logistics service providers, it is easy to see why KwaZulu-Natal lays claim to being southern Africa's Trade Gateway. With the increase in activity at the Durban and Richards Bay harbours it is possible that the industry will continue to experience high growth rates. The number of vessel moves and the gross tonnage of these vessels, at the Durban harbour for example, have increased by 4.2% and 4.6% per month from January 2003 to June 2005, respectively. During the economically challenging 2008, the number of vessels experienced a slight decline of -4.3%, while the GT had an increase of 4.4% respectively.

The transport, storage and communication industry's contribution to the economy of KwaZulu-Natal  has stayed fairly constant at around 12% per annum from 1995 to 2007. The industry has achieved consistently high growth rates of around 5.6% per annum from 1995 to 2007. This is a fairly remarkable achievement for the industry.

KwaZulu-Natal's continued success in international trade depends on improved transport and logistics infrastructure. Accordingly, the imminent establishment of a new-generation multifaceted logistics platform will provide a significant means to enhance international competitiveness and job creation. The Dube Trade Port project seeks to provide a major economic stimulus to the economy of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa by providing world class logistics infrastructure comprising the intercontinental passenger and freight orientated new International Airport as well as the Trade Zone, a commercial orientated real estate development focusing on serving the needs of industry orientated to air/sea/land and rail logistics. The additional creation of a Cyber Port at the proposed airport north of Durban would position KZN as the country's central logistics hub, but to achieve that goal it is essential to develop a fully functioning ICT and electronics backbone.