Issue 9 | GATEWAY TO WORLD MARKETS - Richards Bay Industrial ...
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Issue 9 | GATEWAY TO WORLD MARKETS
Page 2 The Zone News
FROM THE FORMER EDITOR
Zodwa Zikalala
BRAND AND MARKETING MANAGER
Dear valued reader. After four years as Editor of The Zone News, it is with great joy that I hand over this baton to
my colleague, Ms Choice Sihiya.
It has been a beautiful journey since we launched
the first issue in April 2013, and from this issue going
forward please welcome Choice to continue the
I have enjoyed reading your comments, some
commending the publication and the company at
large via different platforms, including social media
race. Ms Sihiya joined the RBIDZ in October 2016 as and some even taking pictures of it to share with me
Stakeholder and Communications Manager and she that they have gotten a copy.
has vast experience in the field.
It has also been great to get enquiries on the projects
Over the last four years, we have witnessed significant we are working on coming from the articles in this
growth of The Zone News editions, and over these platform. Your support is what kept us on our toes in
years we’ve enjoyed your tremendous support, which ensuring that we bring you the best we can in each
I am certain you will continue affording us. issue.
I have had the unique opportunity of working with the
great editorial team that contributed with different
The Zone is a newsletter stories, and that has kept improving the quality of our
newsletter.
published by the RBIDZ
My sincere gratitude to the team and each
Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone department that has believed and supported this
(SOC) Ltd communication tool.
I am not leaving the scene but from now on will be
Captains Walk Building, Pioneer Road working from behind it. Your continued support is
Tuzi Gazi Waterfront, Richards Bay envisaged, and enjoy the read in this issue.
Private Bag X1005, Richards Bay 3900
Tel: +27 35 788 0571 Fax: +27 35 788 0578
Zodwa
Email: info@rbidz.co.za
Website: www.rbidz.co.za
Editor-in-Chief:
Gugu Zwane
Editor:
Choice Sihiya
Contributors:
Zodwa Zikalala,
Nomcebo Cebekhulu
Gateway to World Markets Page 3
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Choice Sihiya
STAKEHOLDER AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
We deliver yet again our 9th issue of our good read – The Zone News. This edition shares with you who we
are, what we do and our horizon. It will take you to our space and our aspirations towards contributing and
changing the economic landscape of the province.
A s we have started a new financial year
2017/2018, we affirm our commitment as the
Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, to sustain
upcoming game changer in the industry and the
entire growth landscape. All these developments
usher in a new era characterized by employment
the flow of information to all internal and external creation and prosperity.
stakeholders. We fully understand that as a public
entity we derive our mandate from the people that As guided by the Provincial Growth and Development
we have to serve diligently. Plan, we are committed to positioning the RBIDZ
as the gateway to World Markets. The PGDP,
We hold the key to the betterment of the lives of which is linked to the National Development Plan,
our society. Importantly, the MEC for Economic points out sectors of the economy that requires
Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs- Mr stimulation. These include maritime tourism, fishing and
Sihle Zikalala in his Budget Vote recently presented, aquaculture, chemical manufacturing, drilling of oil
described RBIDZ as a vehicle poised to drive radical and gas as well as ICT.
economic transformation.
It is also very pleasing to note that in our bigger
Consequently, all categories of staff, led by the CEO vision scale the emerging contractors are not left out
Pumi Motsoahae are inspired and are doubling their however they are part of our major focus regarding
efforts to ensure that RBIDZ becomes a catalyst for skills development, skills transfer and being fast
radical economic transformation and be a beacon of tracked into the economy mainstream. (See SMME’s
hope to the creation of employment opportunities for Training and SMME Seminar stories on Page 12).
the majority. It is very important to note that the RBIDZ
has evolved over the years, in the process, changing The RBIDZ remains focused and holding firm a promise
the face of Richards Bay and the province as a whole. of playing a major role in being the catalyst for growth
and economic development.
Local and foreign investors continue to show high
interest in the RBIDZ and this is boosted by the healthy …Read on and enjoy
investment pipeline on the score board that will see until then!
various manufacturing companies locating into the
estate in the near future, and to name just a few, will
Choice
be those manufacturing solar panels and LED lights,
kraft paper, titanium dioxide and granite slabs.
The sustained infrastructure development has ensured
that the RBIDZ develops from a quiet green fields
project into a site housing state-of-the-art buildings with
the latest technology. (See the Techno-park structure
on page 13 and Sizabantu Piping System factory stories
on page 7). The influx of congratulatory messages on
the progress made by the RBIDZ are an indication of
a groundswell of positive mood that has engulfed not
only King Cetshwayo District Municipality but the whole
province and the Republic of South Africa.
The RBIDZ is indeed moving in the right direction as
judged by the operational SPS Molecor’ factory that
manufactures PVC- O pipes, as well as the Techno
park administration building construction and road
works underway.
This is in addition to the recent Nyanza Light Metals
signing ceremony of a partnership with international
investors. (See Pages 8-10) The signing ceremony
and sod turning marked the beginning of yet another
Page 4 The Zone News
CONTENTS
02 Outgoing Editor’s 18 RBIDZ participates
Message 8 at the NAACAM
show
03 Letter from the
Editor 19 Business Day Profiles
RBIDZ
05 RBIDZ Profile
19 RBIDZ CEO
06 Gas on the Bay strengthens
relationships in
Thailand
07 Innovative R300
million PVC – O
pipe manufacturing 20 Richards Bay
plant Officials receive
high level training in
7 China
08 RBIDZ seals R4.5
billion Titanium Deal
13 21 Gas to Power World
Congress
12 RBIDZ hosts 3rd
Annual SMME
Seminar 22 Facts about Gas
13 State of the Art 23 RBIDZ Supports
Techno Park World Disability Day
Administration
16
building on higher 23 16 Days of Activism
heights
24 RBIDZ keeps the girl
13 Medway Road child at school
Upgrade
20 25 Success Stories
14 RBIDZ demonstrates
its readiness to fast- 26 New Appointments
track the Ocean’s
Economy through
32 Farewells
Operation Phakisa
34 Leisure Beyond
16 Community
Advancement
22 Work
17 RBIDZ attends the
Africa Energy Gas
Conference
Gateway to World Markets Page 5
The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone
Company (SOC) Ltd (RBIDZ)
The Richards Bay Industrial Incentives provided by The RBIDZ’s key focus
Development Zone Company
RBIDZ to investors sectors:
(SOC) Ltd (RBIDZ) is a purpose built
and secure industrial estate on the • Reduction in corporate • Metals Beneficiation
North Eastern coast of KwaZulu- income tax from 28% to 15%. (Aluminium, Iron Ore, Titanium)
Natal, linked to the international ICT (Techno–parks , Innovation
deep-water port of Richards Bay. • VAT exemption for supplies Hubs)
It is tailored for the manufacturing procured in South Africa.
of goods and production of • Renewable Energy (Solar ,
services to boost beneficiation, • Duty-free on imports for Fuel Cells, Biomass)
investment, economic growth production-related raw
and the development of skills and materials including machinery • Agro-Processing
employment. and assets used in production.
• Marine Industry Development
The RBIDZ is deemed to be a • Location in a secured and
Special Economic Zone (SEZ) that Customs Controlled Area Vision
aims to encourage international (CCA)
To be the preferred Special
competitiveness through world- • World–class industrial Economic Zone for quality
class infrastructure as well as tax, infrastructure. investments while delivering value
VAT and duty-free incentives to
to our stakeholders.
qualifying investors.
The RBIDZ’s objectives:
The RBIDZ strategy is geared to Mission
• To attract local and foreign
provide significant contribution to
direct investment; To utilise the competitive
the country’s economic growth
advantage of the Richards
through creation of employment • To attract advanced Bay area to attract sustainable
opportunities, upgrading the skills, foreign production and investments that stimulate
technology transfer, deepening technology methods in economic growth, job creation,
economic empowerment of order to gain experience in beneficiation of resources and the
historically disadvantaged global manufacturing and empowerment of people.
individuals and broadening of production networks;
South Africa’s basket of export
• To develop linkages between
Company profile
products.
domestic and zone based Company Name:
industries; Richards Bay Industrial
Development Zone SOC Ltd
• To provide world–class
(RBIDZ)
industrial infrastructure.
Industry sector: Manufacturing
Date established: Year – 2002
Key personnel:
CEO – Pumi Motsoahae
Physical address: 150A Pioneer Road, Captains Walk Building, Tuzi Gazi, Waterfront, Richards Bay, 3900
Postal address: Private Bag x 1005, Richards Bay 3900
Telephone: +27 35 788 0571 | Fax: +27 35 788 0578 Email: info@rbidz.co.za | Website: www.rbidz.co.za
Page 6 The Zone News
Gas on the Bay
In March, the RBIDZ in partnership with Financial Mail held an
interactive panel discussion on the prospect of Liquefied Natural
Gas (LNG) coming to Richards Bay.
A s South Africa embraces the new energy
alternative, Financial Mail Private Lounge
created a platform for dialogue between the RBIDZ,
He confirmed that the Independent Power Producer
(IPP)) tender process is intended to commence with
the issue of a Request for Qualification (RFQ) around
legal advisers, financers, engineering consultants September.
and local suppliers.
“Following Supply Chain processes the
Sandra Coetzee - Head of Risk Strategy and commencement of the construction of the plant
Combined Assurance at the Department of Energy’s will then depend on how long bidders are given
IPP office highlighted that the R45-billion gas-to- to respond to the RFQ. Construction should take
power plant in the pipeline for Richards Bay will not approximately three years, and we hope the plant
only be a security blanket for the industrial hub’s would be operational in 2022” he concluded.
energy intensive smelters, but it will also create more
than a million full-time jobs and make a significant
contribution to South Africa’s GDP over the next 25
years.
Sandra was joined by Sasol’s Business Development
Manager Jabulani Sithole and the RBIDZ’s CEO
-Pumi Motsoahae on the panel.
Pumi Motsoahae indicated that the envisaged
2000-megawatt facility will be comparable to the
Pembroke Power Station in Wales which is the largest
natural gas-fired plant in Europe supplying electricity
to over 3.5 million homes and businesses. He also
assured the public that the Gas-to-power project will
never be shelved.
Below from left: Mr Jabulani Sithole, Business Development Lead - Gas and Power, SASOL; Sandra Coetzee, Head-
Risk, Strategy and Combined Assurance, IPP Office, Department of Energy; PumI Motsoahae – RBIDZ CEO and Dylan
Rogers – Moderator
Gateway to World Markets Page 7
Innovative R300 million PVC-O pipe
factory in operation at the RBIDZ
T he RBIDZ is very conscious of its mission to attract
investments and is focused on driving socio-
economic development.
It also aims to be a catalyst for job creation and
foreign direct investment, which is yielding positive
results that can be evidenced by the projects
taking shape on the ground. In pursuit of this
objective and guidance drawn from the Provincial
Growth and Development Plans which is linked
to the National Development Plan, the RBIDZ is
doubling its efforts of attracting new investments
into the Zone.
Presently the RBIDZ prides itself on being home Inside the 300 million PVC-O plant
to a R300 million PVC-O pipe plant - Sizabantu
Piping Systems factory, which is a leader in the
manufacturing and distribution of a comprehensive
range of high pressure PVC pipes and drainage
solutions using Molecor’s proprietary technology.
The factory is still in the process of commissioning
some of its operational lines however it witnessed its
first Molecor production in December 2016 and will
soon officially open and be fully operational. The
factory’s target markets are the agricultural, civil
and industrial sectors locally, as well as in southern
Africa and the sub-Saharan region. Plastic pipes
have the advantage of being non-corrosive which
enables a longer lifespan and unlike traditional
metallic pipe, no cathodic protection is required.
Additional advantages include better hydraulic
performance, lower pumping costs, and better
surge or water hammer capabilities. Plastic pipe is
a tried and tested product, well-suited for Africa
and the infrastructure sector. In addition, the
demand for potable water in Africa is enormous
and its user-friendly products will assist in speeding
up the supply of much-needed reticulation systems,
particularly in urban centres where the trend
points to exponential expansion. This is due to rural
communities increasingly migrating to towns and The Sizabantu Piping System Plant located in the RBIDZ
cities in search of better prospects. Phase 1A Industrial Estate
“Recognising all the industrial infrastructure on
the ground nearing completion accompanied by
the strengthened investment pipeline, the RBIDZ
is adamant that this milestone will trigger a large
flow of foreign and domestic investments which will
lead to generation of additional socio- economic
development, skills transfer and the creation of job
opportunities”, emphasised Pumi Motsoahae CEO
of RBIDZ.
Comprehensive range of high-pressure PVC -O pipes
Page 8 The Zone News
RBIDZ seals R4.5-billion
Titanium Deal
The plant will extract titanium from 45 million tons of waste slag, stockpiled
by Evraz Highveld Steel and Vanadium to produce titanium dioxide pigment
A Mountains of waste will turn into fountains of
wealth because Nyanza Light Metals and New
Zealand Company Avertana officially sealed their
The plant will extract titanium from 45 million tons of
waste slag, stockpiled by Evraz Highveld Steel and
Vanadium to produce titanium dioxide pigment used
technology partnership in ink in April. in various products such as paint, toothpaste and food
colourants.
Amongst the guests witnessing this prestigious
ceremonial signing were: The massive piles of steel slag, which have been
dumped for more than 45 years in a bushveld complex
• MEC: Economic Development, Tourism and as feedstock, equates to 200 years of project life.
Environmental Affairs, Hon. Sihle Zikalala South Africa consumes around 35 000 tons per annum
(tpa) of pigment, mainly in paint manufacturing.
• New Zealand High Commissioner, Mike Burrell
SA also has the second largest titanium reserves in the
• CEO: Nyanza Light Metals, Donovan
world and produces approximately 19.5% of global
Chimhandamba
titanium slag, according to the Department of Trade
• Director: Avertana, Sherif Ibrahim and Industry and for this reason, investors eagerly
signed up to tap into the market that is not only
• King Cetshwayo: District Mayor, Cllr Nonhle Mkhulisi lucrative, but also environmentally friendly.
• uMhlathuze: City Mayor Cllr Mduduzi Mhlongo “Nyanza aims to build a complex that will produce
100 000 tpa of titanium dioxide pigment, which will be
• RBIDZ: CEO, Pumi Motsoahae equally split into what we call sulphate pigment and
chloride pigment”, Nyanza Light Metals CEO Donovan
The deal will culminate in the construction of a R4.5-
Chimhandamba said at the signing ceremony.
billion titanium dioxide pigment production factory in
the RBIDZ’s Phase 1F site in Alton in 2019.
Pictured at the signing ceremony are (from left) Nyanza Light Metals CEO, Donovan Chimhandamba; Department
of Trade and Industy Deputy Director General, Sipho Zikode;Leader Of Government Business and MEC for Economic
Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Hon. Sihle Zikalala; New Zealand High Commisioner,Mike Burrell
and Avertana Technical Director and co-founder, Sherrif Ibrahim.
Gateway to World Markets Page 9
T he RBIDZ has been successful in creating 1 100 jobs in the financial
year 2015 / 2016 and another 1 346 jobs in the previous financial
year. The construction companies are encouraged to create job
opportunities, with particular focus on the youth and women.
“We plan to implement the
project in three phases. The first will
commence with the construction
of a 50 000 tpa plant in 2018,
which should be in production by
the end of 2019 or beginning 2020.
This will be followed by the
second phase, which will see the
Avertana front-end plant come
into production by 2021 – all for a
combined R4-billion.
The third phase will then focus on
beneficiation capacity produced
by Richards Bay Minerals”.
About 550 permanent jobs and 1
200 indirect jobs are anticipated
to be created when the plant is
fully operational, with 800 being
created during construction. The
massive titanium beneficiation Pictured at the Sod Turning event are RBIDZ Board Chairperson, Mel Clark;
King Cetshwayo District Municipality Mayor, Cllr Nonhle Mkhulisi; New Zealand
plant will be built in Alton north.
High Commissioner, Mike Burrell; MEC - Economic Development, Tourism
World first and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala; Nyanza Light Metals CEO, Donovan
Chimhandamba; Avertana Technical Director and co-founder Sherriff Ibrahim
The overall manufacturing process and Umhlathuze Municipality City Mayor, Cllr Mduduzi Mhlongo.
will reportedly be a world’s first,
largely because conventional He further highlighted that New Zealand places a huge degree of
processes use feed stocks such emphasis on environmental sustainability - if it’s not green, it doesn’t get
as rutile and ilmenite, which have built. Avertana emerged out of this context with incredibly high standards
titanium content ranging from 50% and we recognise that South Africa is a resource-based economy making
to 96%, while Nyanza’s feed stock significant progress in this direction as well.
has a titanium dioxide pigment
content of 32% or less. “Many of our countries’ competitive advantages are complimentary
and working together in these areas of mutual benefit rewards both
Since 2012, Avertana has sides. We will continue supporting this project, because it is innovative
developed a proprietary process and represents international cooperation with what we consider to be
to extract titanium from steel slag a leading New Zealand technology. We hope to see this project set a
and refine titanium and other global benchmark for the wider titanium industry for both sustainability
industrial minerals and chemicals and profitability, paving the way for a new generation of industrial
with a lower carbon footprint than technologies that deliver economic growth and create jobs without
existing processes. sacrificing the environment to do so.”
Through their method, Nyanza Continue...
Light Metals would also be able
to produce aluminium sulphate,
magnesium sulphate and gypsum “We plan to implement the project in three
as co-products. New Zealand
High Commissioner Mike Burrell phases. The first will commence with the
commended the partners on
joining hands for a project that will construction of a 50 000 tpa plant in 2018,
not only benefit both countries,
but utilise technology in an which should be in production by the end
environmentally and socially
responsible way. of 2019 or beginning 2020.”
Page 10 The Zone News
What sealed the deal ‘We will unlock the value of the titanium mineral
beneficiation space and see this country becoming a
Chimhandamba said a number of plus points came serious competitor in the global market!”
into play for the investors to pick ‘the Bay’, particularly
the fact that it is the closest port city from its Witbank Power in partnership
operations, 120km east of Johannesburg.
The Kwa Zulu Natal, MEC for Economic Development,
“Acid is the biggest cost driver in our business and Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala
locating it far from the necessary sources is expensive described the project as ‘historic’ and ‘a major boost’
and can make the business not viable. for the province.
We use a lot of sulphuric acid so with Foskor in Richards On behalf of the Premier, we are moved by this
Bay, it was an easy decision. investment and I would like to express our appreciation
for the cooperation between the private sector and
Another important reason is the Port of Richards Bay government. The collective efforts to bring Nyanza
and the real infrastructure that allows easy access for Light Metals as an industrial tenant in the RBIDZ will
the exporting of final product and the rail network that boost socio economic advancement in surrounding
will bring in waste slag from Witbank. communities.
With Richards Bay being a special economic zone, we We will continue to advocate and call on all entities
have also received a lot of government support for to not only focus on industrialisation, but also research
the project, including incentives such as an investment and training of people”.
allowance of R900-million and a tax allowance.
Nyanza Light Future Home
This project will have a flat income tax rate of 15%
for being in the Industrial Development Zone, as The official signing ceremony ended off with the Sod
compared to 28% for outsiders. Turning held in the RBIDZ’s 110 hectares Phase 1F site in
Alton North, to mark the start of a new building project
We were also allowed to accelerate depreciation where Nyanza Light Metals will be located.
for major capex (capital expenditure), plant and
equipment – instead of having 10 to 15 years, we can It was noticeable and exciting that civil and electrical
have four years. work had already commenced on the site in
preparation for the plant construction to commence
These incentives were all critical in our decision to in 2019 and this on its own brought a beacon of hope
come here”. and commitment to the new era.
He concluded by reiterating that the partnership Respective dignitaries joined in to commemorate the
with Avertana is a milestone for the advancement of extensive relationship between the RBIDZ and Nyanza
industrial technology in SA. Light Metals with Avertana.Gateway to World Markets Page 11
Page 12 The Zone News
RBIDZ hosts 3rd Annual
SMME Seminar
The Strategic Objective of this event was to provide a platform for dialogues
between SMME’s, the RBIDZ Investors and funding institutions
In March, the RBIDZ hosted the 3rd Annual SMME
Seminar at the Hlanganani Hall in the Esikhaleni
township. The event was a partnership between the
opportunities within the value chains of the investors.
It further allowed for SMMEs to get information of
RBIDZ and uMhlathuze Municipality with the purpose funding and development opportunities in order to
of uplifting Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises properly align themselves to the demands of the
(SMME) within the region. respective companies.
Mandated to ensure appropriate investor attraction The RBIDZ and attendees welcomed a testimonial
and thus generating job creation the RBIDZ from Mr Thobani Ntombela, Managing Director of
presented an exciting opportunity for local SMMEs Yomndeni Sons – an emerging civils and construction
to engage with some of the newly signed investors company situated within the local district.
who will be locating within the RBIDZ demarcated
Mr Ntombela shared his empowering testimonial
industries zones.
of how Yomndeni Sons benefited from the RBIDZ
The strategic objective of this event was to provide a through the information and opportunities shared in
platform for dialogue between the SMMEs, the RBIDZ the previous SMME engagement sessions. His project
Investors as well as funding institutions involved in the highlights included the brickwork, plastering and
financing and development of SMMEs. paving at SPS as well as brickwork at the Richards
Bay Techno Hub.
The investors which the RBIDZ identified for this
seminar were those manufacturing electrical cables, Officiating at the event was RBIDZ CEO - Pumi
solar panels, industrial pipes and granite slabs. Motsoahae who concluded the session by stating,
The investors gave an in-depth breakdown of their “As the Richards Bay IDZ we envisage a propelled
organizations as well as projected timeframe for increase in nature of these type of events as
when their factories will be set up and operational. they create self-sustaining entrepreneurs who will
contribute and assist the government in fighting
This then allowed for SMMEs to acquire adequate dependency and the epidemic of unemployment in
knowledge of the operational requirements and our country.”Gateway to World Markets Page 13
State of the Art Techno – park
Administration building on higher heights
T he Richards Bay Techno – park in Phase 1A has
hit yet another project milestone when the roof
construction was completed. The roof sheeting
The others are Pietermaritzburg, Newcastle
and Port Shepstone. The RBIDZ is privileged
to be amongst less than ten in the Country.
is now fully installed with electrical cabling now This technology invention will benefit self-
underway. The brickwork and plastering is also governing, educational and industrial institutions
nearing completion, whilst the window works with information technology, research,
and plumbing works are both on track. The experimentation and design facilities.
construction is progressing well and is currently on
55% completion. The progress on the RBIDZ Technology Park is
evident as the internal finishes are on-going and
There are four Techno – parks being rolled out in the anticipated time frame of project completion
KZN; with the RBIDZ the most advanced in terms of may even have moved closer than the estimated
construction activities. 31st of August.
Medway Road
Upgrade
F ollowing long delays and a slow start Medway
Road has experienced a hive of construction
activities which have been duly welcomed by the
RBIDZ as well as numerous industries that will benefit
from its widening.
Project overview:
The layer works on the Medway Road South Bound
carriageway (new carriageway to Port) have been
completed and the contractors are currently on the
black topping process. Expected project completion
is end of August.
Works on the NW/SW quadrants of the John Ross/
Medway Road intersection have commenced and
are also expected to be complete by the end of
August.
The Construction Team have operated tirelessly
to speed up the project process and are working
around the clock to fulfil the projected completion
period.Page 14 The Zone News
RBIDZ demonstrates its readiness to fast-
track the Ocean’s Economy through
Operation Phakisa
T he African continent is renowned for its
abundance of natural resources and minerals
which are mined and exported all over the globe.
Recently awarded a 2000 Megawatt Liquefied
Natural Gas (LNG) plant to the value of 45 billion
rands, the RBIDZ displayed its eagerness to capitalize
on the platforms presented by Operation Phakisa to
Some of the commodities found in South Africa (SA) ensure that the region of Richards Bay is positively
include platinum, gold, diamonds as well as various influenced.
minerals such as iron ore and titanium. It is however
unsatisfactory to note that one of SA’s largest natural Over and above the LNG gas-to-power project,
resource which is the ocean’s economy is not fully the RBIDZ also cited it’s readiness to host investors
taken advantage of. through its customs controlled fully serviced industrial
parks that are in close
The SA coastline stretches more than 2,500 kilometres proximity to the deep
from the desert border of Namibia on the Atlantic water port of Richards
Ocean (western coast) to the eastern border line of Bay.
the Indian Ocean in Mozambique.
Emphasis to fast-track
Research conducted indicates that if fully exploited, the ocean’s economy
the oceans economy in SA has the potential was also made through
to contribute up to 177 billion rand to the gross the establishment of the
domestic product (GDP) and create just over one Richards Bay Techno-
million jobs by 2033. hub which is situated
in the RBIDZ Phase 1A
In order to materialize these figures the SA
industrial estate that
government designed a policy frame work to RBIDZ CEO- Pumi
will facilitate for greater Motsoahae and Deputy
fast-track the implementation of solutions on
exploration into ICT and Minister of Transport Ms
critical development issues to yield concrete
Maritime studies. Sindisiwe Chikunga
results or deliverables through Operation Phakisa.
The term “Phakisa” stems from the (Sesotho)
language meaning accelerate. In line with the
National Development Plan (NDP), Operation
Phakisa therefore aims to accelerate the country’s
economy in order to address issues such as poverty,
unemployment and inequality
In April, a team consisting of various government
entities from the Department of Transport (DoT),
the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) and
Department of Economic Development, Tourism &
Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) profiled the RBIDZ on
its readiness to accelerate the growth in the ocean’s Deputy Minister of Transport Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga with
economy. Richards Bay Port Manager Mr Preston Khomo (2nd left)
alongside other stakeholders.
Deputy Minister of Transport
Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga addressing the audienceGateway to World Markets Page 15
Page 16 The Zone News
Community Advancement
I n the interest of recognizing female talents and
upskilling local people the RBIDZ has confidently
backed the employment of Nkosingiphile Goodness
“It is very interesting to note the reactions of my
male colleagues when they realise that a female
is skilled in operating such machinery. My ability to
Luthuli. Goodness is a female back-tip operator conduct myself professionally as well as efficiently is
currently on the Medway Road project. Traditionally what ultimately wins their respect” she said. “This job
viewed as a male industry due to the intense manual is like any other, it is not gender that determines your
labour, Goodness has demystified those folk-tale success but it is skill and composure under strenuous
stereotypes by thriving in a male-dominated sector. situations”. My employers are very accommodative
of me, the have allocated separate changing
Goodness began her career in the construction areas and I also enjoy full benefits such as adequate
industry in 2011 and has since never looked back. maternity leave etc.”
She was introduced to the field of heavy duty
vehicles when she worked as a general worker, The RBIDZ recognizes that although significant
cutting and pruning trees in the Port-Dunford forest. progress in female empowerment has been made in
Realizing that only men were operating such heavy numerous fields, much still needs to be done.
machinery, Goodness enquired as to how she could
also become an operator. She was advised to
acquire a driver’s license and once certified to drive,
the company would oversee the necessary training “It is very interesting to note the
needs. Through sheer determination Goodness
acquired the necessary accreditations and was able
reactions of my male colleagues
to fulfil her dream of operating heavy construction when they realise that a female
machinery.
is skilled in operating such
As a black female driver Goodness explained
that she has faced vast challenges, such as being
machinery. My ability to conduct
undermined due to her gender but encourages myself professionally as well as
more females to consider the field of construction.
efficiently is what ultimately wins
their respect”Gateway to World Markets Page 17
RBIDZ attends the Africa Energy
Conference
T he African Continent being the continent
of opportunities with a lot of natural energy
resources like coal, oil, solar, wind, gas and
This was followed by the RBIDZ being awarded a
2000MW LNG to power plant. The RBIDZ’s Choice
Sihiya, Stakeholder and Communications Manager
others is always on the mission of creating future and Zodwa Zikalala, Brand and Marketing Manager
opportunities around the energy space. were privileged to attend the conference and
believe that it not only equipped them with more
The 9th Annual Africa Energy Conference held in knowledge of the sector but also enlightened them
February in Johannesburg was one platform that on the high interest displayed by the continent
aimed at debating ways of developing enough and mainly the investors towards the state of the
interest and ways to utilise the capital resources liquefied natural gas in Africa.
that enrich the continent and further to utilise those
resources for good use of alternative power mix.
From the debates and panel discussions by various
energy experts it was clear that the continent is in
dire need of energy alternatives which will ensure
that there is enough supply for households and
industries. Hence Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has
been identified and seen as a natural complement
that requires nurturing.
The various panel members debating these critical
needs were from across the continent and amongst
them were:
• Minister for Energy – Namibia
• Minister for Mines and Mining Development –
Zimbabwe
• Department of Trade and Industry – Director Up-
and Mainstream Oil & Gas (SA) - Kishen Pillay
• Southern African Gas Association Director –
Eddie Cook
• African Rainbow Energy Power – Brian Damos
• NEPAD Agency Director - Dr Mayaki
• COEGA – Sandisiwe Ncemane
• RBIDZ CEO - Pumi Motsoahae
All those present agreed that there was a critical
need for the alternative energy but also a lot of
work still needs to be done in terms of market
research, stabilising the market, working out policies,
strategies and implementing them, integration of
technology and significantly the government has to
strongly support and advocate this cause to create
capability and assurance to the investors who
intend to invest in the energy sector.
In his remarks Motsoahae emphasized,
“industrialization, economic transformation, skills
transfer and job creation are what drives the vision
of unlocking different LNG strands”.Page 18 The Zone News
RBIDZ participates at the
NAACAM show
E stablished over 36 years ago, the National
Association of Automotive Component and
Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) Show is one of
RBIDZ recently participated at the 2017 NAACAM
show which was held from 5 to 7 April at the
Durban ICC. The strategic alignment for RBIDZ to
South Africa’s premier exhibitions for showcasing the partake in the two day exhibition was to promote
capability of the South African component industry. the organisation as premier investment destination
through its value proposition and relevant incentives
Recognized both nationally and internationally and offerings for import of raw materials and export
as the voice of the South African component of finished products through the Port of Richards
industry, the NAACAM show provides members with Bay.
a dynamic forum to formulate policies and take
actions that benefit the automotive sector. Further the RBIDZ is not limited to the already existing
five (5) focus sectors being metals beneficiation,
On a global scope the South African automotive ICT(Techno –parks), Agro-processing, renewable
industry does not have a dominating presence in energy and marine industry development but is
production hence numerous obstacles arise when forever ensuing the spectrum of other possible
competing on a global scale. sectors to grow its already existing ones.
The NAACAM show therefore facilitates for Taking into consideration the strength of various
collaboration of various stakeholders within the resources around Richards Bay and its well
industry collectively interrogate the status quo positioning, RBIDZ has intentions to advance
and actively pursue opportunities to advance the the auto manufacturing sector, particularly
industry’s competitiveness agenda. components.
Below: Brand and Marketing Manager Zodwa Zikalala interacts with a delegateGateway to World Markets Page 19
Business Day TV Profiles RBIDZ
It was lights, camera and action as Business Day TV
recently shone the light on the RBIDZ’s CEO, Pumi
Motsoahae and other executive members during
The overview and background of the IDZ
programme was communicated by Mr Motsoahae
followed by a brief outline of the RBIDZ’s 50 year
an interview which put the RBIDZ on the map by master plan highlighting the progress of the RBIDZ
highlighting the RBIDZ as a booming powerhouse. and also focusing on the industrialization and
economic development opportunities it has created.
Mr Motsoahae also shared his remarks on the
completion of the Phase 1A Complex Gate as well as
what the CCA (customs control area) status means
for investors.
The RBIDZ’s Executive Manager for Business
Development and Support, Mr Ntwanano
Mtungwa echoed the CEO’s enthusiasm for rapid
development elaborating on the investment
attraction plan and investor pipeline for RBIDZ.
Zone Development and Operations (ZDO) Executive
Manager, Joe Muller was then interviewed on the
locators already established at Phase 1A issuing in-depth
insight of the companies as well as their product line.
Touching on RBIDZ governance and supply chain
management process was the CFO, Mzamo
Executive Manager – Zone Development and Khuzwayo who spoke on Supply Chain Management
Operations – Mr Joe Muller and governance and compliance processes.
RBIDZ CEO strengthens relationships
in Thailand
S outh Africa and Thailand
cementing co-operation by
signing the MOU.
The MoU therefore created a platform for engagement,
exchange of information and trade intent that SA wants to
explore significantly to attract investments.
South Africa’s Investment The RBIDZ being the prime destination for local and foreign
promotion agency, Invest South direct investments is strategically poised and has intentions
Africa aims to identify potential to attract and stimulate Thailand automotive component
foreign investors and attract them manufacturers to invest in the RBIDZ adding to its investment key
to invest in South Africa (SA). focus sectors being metals beneficiation, renewable energy, ICT
Together with a delegation from SA (techno- parks) , agro-processing and the marine industry.
which included the RBIDZ’s – CEO
Pumi Motsoahae, the team visited
Thailand in January and signed a
Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with the Board of Investment
Thailand.
The MoU aims to promote and
facilitate cooperation between
the two countries on investments in
the automotive, agro-processing
and electronic sectors. It is also an
effort to enhance foreign direct
investments in SA as Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) is a strong source
of economic growth, skills transfer
and employment opportunities.Page 20 The Zone News
Richards Bay Officials receive high level
training in China on special economic zones
development, management and operation
T he RBIDZ senior management will partake in the
fourth capacity building programme on Special
Economic Zones which took place in Tianjin - China
Significantly, it should be noted that it is the
government’s vision to have fully and competently
operational SEZs in South Africa and such can only
from 24 May to 13 June 2017. be derived by ensuring that the pool of officials that
are tasked to manage the SEZs are assisted with
The team join other Special Economic Zones (SEZ) the technical knowledge and skills to deliver on the
practitioners and other sector specialists from the mandate.
Department of Trade and Industry (dti), provincial
departments and agencies responsible for the SEZ The government is seriously committed in ensuring
Programme. that industrialisation is accelerated as means to curb
the many socio economic ills facing the country such
The programme seeks to equip the participants as the high unemployment rate, poverty and under-
with skills and capabilities to understand the SEZs development.
operations and how to implement sound and
strategic objectives around the development and It should also be noted that the critical mandate
management of SEZs. amongst others, for the SEZ’s is to promote
beneficiation, value addition to the countries
The Department of Trade and Industry –Dr Rob minerals and natural resources, develop world-class
Davies, highlighted that the programme is part of infrastructure necessary to support the targeted
the five year agreement that was signed by South industrial sectors.
Africa and China in 2014 and its intention is to train
about thirty officials per year on the planning, It is by this notion that Minister –Dr Davies believes
development, management and operation of the that the officials who have been afforded this
SEZ’s. unique training opportunity will add value to the
implementation of strategic objectives that will boost
The strategic intent of the programme is to ensure that the performance of the SEZ’s and further contribute
practitioners in the SEZ’s are fully capacitated with to the development of the country’s economy.
critical skills on operating the SEZs to ensure that they
are able to utilise the acquired knowledge to plan
and operate fully fledged and functional SEZs that will
be able to execute strategic objectives as mandated.Gateway to World Markets Page 21
Unlocking Gas to Power market dynamics,
financing and investment at the World Congress -
Cape Town (16-17 May 2017)
V arious stakeholders from across the world join
heads in a two day Gas to Power - World
Congress taking place in Cape Town to unpack and
Remarkably the Richards Bay Industrial Development
Zone represented by CEO – Pumi Motsoahae shows
optimism and commitment towards the 2000mw
address challenges around the energy space. allocation for the LNG gas to power plant. The
allocation for RBIDZ was announced by the Minister
Significantly, it has been noted that gas and the of Energy in October 2016.
renewables are the solid partners that could help
address the outages and lows of energy. Admittedly
so, the experts in the energy space have a huge
role to play in unpacking various issues that require
attention whilst they exercise options to eradicate
the energy shortages across the globe.
Whilst exercising options to tackle the energy
dynamics, it is evident that there are critical issues
that still require intense interrogation before various
countries can fully claim that the natural gas is
indeed the future energy alternative and that it is an
alternative that will be well received by the markets
and be profitable for the investors.
Intensely the audience formed by institutional
investors, fund managers, regulators, developers,
energy companies, banks , engineering companies
debated and shared ideas on topics revolving
around the off takers of the alternative energy,
opportunities in the emerging gas markets,
affordability, innovations in LNG and power delivery,
lessons learned by other countries that have already
developed power plants .
RBIDZ CEO shares a moment with Karen Breytenbach
from Department of Energy – IPP Office.Page 22 The Zone News
FACTS ABOUT NATURAL GAS
What is Natural Gas? 5. Consistent and Reliable
• It is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas • It comes from pipeline underground and is
mixture consisting primarily of methane, but always there when you need.
commonly including varying amounts of
other higher alkalines and sometimes a small • Gas appliances work even when there is no
percentage of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, electricity.
hydrogen sulphide or helium.
• Outages when you are using gas are rare.
• It is colourless and odourless and is a mixture of
6. Future Possibilities
hydrocarbons.
• Once your home is connected to natural
• It is a flexible fuel which is used in many ways in
gas it is easy to convert appliances or add
our homes and businesses.
additional gas appliances.
• It is usually found in underground reservoirs
7. Environmental Benefits
and comes deep under earth.
• It is clean energy and homes using natural
What are the benefits of using Natural Gas?
gas produce 50% less carbon emission than all
1. Convenience electric homes.
• You never run out of fuel. • It has fewer impurities, less chemically complex
and its combustion generally results in less
• There is no disruption of supply due to storms or pollution.
power outages.
• It burns cleanly than other fossil fuels, emitting
• It is instant. lower levels of harmful emission such as
carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrous
2. Versatility oxides.
• It can do more than heat your home. • It limits the effect of climate change and
pollution.
• It can be used for water heating, clothes
drying, cooking, braais, lighting, heating pools, • There is improved air quality.
setting fireplace etc.
8. Abundant Domestic Production
3. Saving
• There is a secure supply of natural gas.
• It can save you money as it is cheaper than
electricity. 9. Easier and more Affordable Maintenance
• Gas appliances are cheaper. • The clean burning natural gas heating
equipment means less equipment
• Gas appliances use less energy than electric maintenance and repairs on appliances.
appliances.
• Gas appliances heat water twice as fast as
electric appliances.
4. Safe
• It is safe to heat homes and businesses using
Natural Gas.
• There are strict safety regulations and
standards required for natural gas production,
transportation, distribution and storage.
• Because natural gas has no ordor therefore
natural gas companies add a strong smelling
substance called marcaptan to the natural
gas so that people will know if there is a leak
somewhere.Gateway to World Markets Page 23
COMMUNITY
RBIDZ Supports World Disability Day
T here are over 600,000 children living with disabilities
in South Africa. The majority of these children face
enormous economic, political, and social barriers
This was evident for the RBIDZ when Mr Pumi
Motsoahae and his team took time off and
celebrated Christmas with children living with
that have an adverse impact on their physical, disabilities at the Lower Umfolozi War Memorial
social and intellectual development as well as their Hospital (LUWMH) in December 2016.
wellbeing. Many of them do not have access to
the most basic needs such as health services and The RBIDZ donated various gifts and provided
education. lunch for over two hundred children as well as their
guardians.
Although it is every company’s drive to reach
targets, make profits and celebrate achievements, The day also embraced the International Day of
it is also a huge and humbling achievement when persons living with disabilities which is celebrated
organisations take a break and celebrate with their globally on the 3rd of December.
communities especially those less fortunate.
Mr Motsoahae remarked that it is important for us
as citizens to acknowledge that those living with
disabilities are special, unique and also deserve
our understanding to their disabilities, and mostly
they should be integrated to all spheres of life be
it politically, socially, economically , culturally or
otherwise.
Concurring the sentiments of Mr Motsoahae was
Ntokozo Mbatha, a Speech Therapist at Umfolozi
War Memorial Hospital who concluded that these
children require society’s special attention, love and
care so that they are able to live normal lives and be
self - sufficient in their own rights.
16 Days of Activism against Violence
T he 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign challenges South
Africans to declare a truce on violence against women and children. With the theme “Count me
in: Together moving a non-violent South Africa forward” the campaign ran from 25 November to 10
December 2016.
In line with the 16 days of
Activism against women
and children abuse, Life
Line Zululand challenged
the RBIDZ alongside other
local institutions, schools and
members of the Zululand
community to join in and take
a stand against rape, abuse
and violence against women
and children 365 days of the
year.
This was accomplished
by a series of awareness
campaigns staged throughout
the 16 days of activism
including the “Thursdays in
Black Campaign” which
promotes awareness by
wearing black or badges that
promote the curbing of abuse.Page 24 The Zone News
RBIDZ keeps the girl child at school
More than three thousand female scholars will now never have to miss
a day of school due to the valiant contribution by the RBIDZ
T he RBIDZ donated an amount of R50 000 towards
the procurement of sanitary towels. The RBIDZ
identified 10 High Schools within the King Cetshwayo
School Names
Mcuthungu Primary School
Regions
Empangeni Rail
No. of Girls
87
District who will be provided with a years’ supply of Lizwi High School Mandlanzini 351
sanitary towels (as illustrated on the table across).
Birdswood High School Birdswood, Richards Bay 231
On International Women’s Day in March, the RBIDZ,
Caring4Girls and Ukhozi FM personality Thembeka Ikusasalethu High Mtuba 878
Zondo teamed up for a massive activation at Ntongande High Kwa Mbonambi 423
Ntongande High School in Mzingazi where over 1 269
sanitary towels were distributed with each learner Magqama High School Nkandla 144
receiving a three months’ supply. Mavumengwane High School Mbongolwane(Eshowe) 400
Over and above the sanitary packs the learners also Dlemudlemu High School Kwasokhulu 378
received inspirational words from the RBIDZ’s Brand
Mawombe High School Mtubatuba 131
& Marketing Manager, Zodwa Zikalala as well as an
address from the key note speaker Thembeka Zondo. Umbiya High School Kwa Mbonambi 215
Caring4Girls is a sanitary towel distribution
programme which was started in 2012 by Richard
Mabaso of Imbumba Foundation to keep young girls
in school during their monthly cycles. The programme
focuses on creating awareness on puberty
education and adolescence and, in the process,
demystifies all menstrual related myths.
The initiative currently supports over 350 000 girls
nationally and our ultimate goal is to reach 2 000 000
girls by year 2020, alluded Mabaso.Gateway to World Markets Page 25
Success Stories
Young Minds Collaborate to form a Legacy by
tapping into the available opportunities. SONS
“EX CEEDI N G M A R G I N S ”
A perfect model for persistence, Thobani
Ntombela, a 33 year old engineer and
Yomndeni Sons Managing Director.Originally born
Yomndeni Sons takes great pride in living out the
company’s values as embeded on the company
slogan which is Exceeding Margins. This translates
and raised in Richards Bay this capable young to excellence in workmanship, delivering on all
man has always been a visionary at core. commitments undertaken as well as offering
service beyond expectations.
Thobani qualified as a Mechanical Engineer in
2010 through an apprenticeship programme Thobani stands testament of the Richards Bay IDZ’s
with DNK Engineering and Tronox. Furthermore, mission of empowering & upskilling local SMMEs
he holds a Mechanical Engineering Diploma through actively creating jobs opportunities and
obtained from Umfolozi TVET. Prior to running his developing their talents. Since being affiliated with
own company, Thobani was employed at Bayside the RBIDZ SMME programme his company has
Aluminium Smelter where he served a period partnered with various industries located on the
of three (3) years as a Plant Operator and was RBIDZ industrial estate including Africa Civils; where
later employed for five (5) years at Tronox as a Yomndeni Sons is constructing a learning facility
Mechanical Fitter. for pre-scholars in Umhlathuze Village outside
Empangeni, monitored by Africa Civils and doing
In a mission to fulfil his dream, Thobani followed internal work for the Tronox Warehouse project
his gut instict and formed a company with his awarded to Africa Civils.
younger brothers, naming it after their father,
Nkosiyomndeni Ntombela. The idea to carry out Thobani further declared that RBIDZ has not only
his honour has now transformed into a flourishing unlocked doors for his company, but has also
family business with a rich legacy. empowered him personally in that he is now
mindful of his business environment identifying
The company is co-owned by skilful minds; Kwenza each challenge as a learning curve to enhance
Ntombela holding a BCom Accounting Degree, his business.
Lungani Ntombela holding a Public Relations
Management Diploma and the youngest Kwanele Thobani’s goal is to make solid steps in growing
Ntombela who is currently pursuing his Mechanical this business, empower the youth and developing
Engineering Diploma. the community through skills development and
job creation. “We want to engage in big projects
Yomndeni Sons is a company based and operating as our city is rapidly growing and convert to
out of Richards Bay and the surroundings of a company Richards Bay prides itself on”he
Zululand Region primarily, focusing in construction, concluded.
civil works, building supplies and plant hire both
in public and private sectors in South Africa. The
company started its operations in the year 2015.
Their first breakthrough was in 2016, where they
partnered with the RBIDZ in the construction of
Sizabantu Piping System (SPS) Molecure, a pipe
manufacturing company located in RBIDZ Phase
1A industrial estate . Since then, Yomndeni Sons
has also been contracted to carry-out brickwork ,
plastering & paving for the Richards Bay Techno-
hub also located within the industrial estate.
“We want to engage in big
projects as our city is rapidly
growing and convert to a
company that Richards Bay After delivering his testimonial speech at the SMME
Seminar, Mr Thobani Ntombela receives a token of
prides itself with” appreciation from RBIDZ ‘S CFO- Mr Mzamo KhuzwayoPage 26 The Zone News
New Appointments STAFF MATTERS
Mr Percy Langa – He is also responsible for
Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality Manager the organisation’s quality
management systems, which
Adherence and observation is what Mr Langa entails implementing the ISO 9001
distinguishes best and what compliments his new certification and working towards
appointment as the SHEQ Manager, under the certification for ISO 14001 and
Corporate Services Business Unit. 18001 standards.
Mr Langa is a safety-conscious, environmental Mr Langa expressed the following
practitioner who guarantees that protected and on his new appointment: “I aim to
sensitive species that may be threatened or rather develop and maintain the Safety,
threaten the development on site are taken care Health, Environmental and Quality
of whilst further taking priority towards the safety of Management Systems in an optimal approach and
employees and other stakeholders. ensure that SHEQ performances are conducted
and assessed within a structured management
His responsibilities include supervising and
system to ensure that the performance continues to
coordinating construction projects work systems
meet and improve the RBIDZ’s mission statement.”
to ensure that the services of the RBIDZ meet
the highest quality SHEQ standards and that The RBIDZ congratulates him on his new
the working conditions of the organisation are appointment and would like to wish him well on his
favourable and safe. new multi-division embarking.
Mr Linda Buthelezi – Mr Buthelezi expressed
CCA Operations and Zone Security Manager the following on his new
appointment, “I feel privileged
The RBIDZ applauds Mr Buthelezi on his new to have been appointed in such
position as the CCA Operations and Zone Security a critical position, I aim to apply
Manager under the Zone Development and strict compliance within our CCA
Operations Business Unit. demarcation and demonstrate
the importance of systems and to
Mr Buthelezi is an industrious watchful being having
maintain a fully secured and well
served the RBIDZ for an extensive period, ensuring
- functioning organisation and
that stringent regulations and compliance are
estate for employees, investors
adhered to.
and visitors.”
His critical responsibilities amongst others, include
The RBIDZ would like to wish him well with his new
security monitoring and CCA policy enforcement.
responsibilities and furtherance of committed
performance.
Mrs Tembakazi Koali – Prior to joining the RBIDZ, Tembakazi
Investor Support Manager was employed by SEFA (Small
Enterprise Finance Agency) as
Mrs Tembakazi Koali, a business graduate, has a Regional Manager for KZN,
been appointed as Investor Support Manager responsible for the development
at the RBIDZ, under the Zone Development and and coordination of direct lending
Operations Business Unit in April. activities. These included scanning
the operating environment and
Tembakazi is a wife and a mother who holds
producing regional business plans
a Diploma and B-tech in Management from
and strategies that enabled
Techikon Natal (now known as DUT), a Degree
sourcing business and advancing
in Management Studies from MANCOSA and
loans to SMMEs mainly start-ups, as well as
a variety of leadership courses and certificates
maintaining strong networks and building key
in mentorship, business planning and financial
partnerships with other stakeholders which its
analysis, due diligence as well as managing
highlight was growing a loan book to a substantial
turnarounds from various institutions such as
R101 million within a phase of 3 years with her
Wits Business School, UNISA and the University of
team.
Cape Town. She is currently pursuing her MBA (at
dissertation stage) through UKZN. Continued on page 27You can also read
