37 of 2019

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           Newsletter No. 37                                                     27 September 2019

 

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Durban Aerotropolis to drive investment across KwaZulu-Natal

By Shirley Le Guern

The proposed R1-trillion Durban Aerotropolis will be the hub of the KwaZulu-Natal economy and will not only connect the country’s second-largest economy with the rest of Africa and the world, but also drive billions worth of investment across the province, Premier Sihle Zikalala told guests at the launch of a visitors’ centre and high-tech scale model of the project last week.

He said the province’s plans included long-term initiatives such as the development of air routes and bulk infrastructure.

He also suggested that Durban and Stanger would rapidly be integrated into a single large city in the near future before adding that, within the next five years, development along the corridor between Durban and Pietermaritzburg would gain momentum to the point where the two cities would merge.

He said the provincial government’s development strategy was not confined to Durban. Recent meetings with business leaders in Pietermaritzburg had identified a number of projects.

Zikalala noted that progress on the development of a dry port at Cato Ridge meant that this would soon become “the Midrand of KwaZulu-Natal”.

The provincial government would also action President Cyril Ramaphosa’s plans to create a special economic zone dedicated to the clothing and textile industry between Ladysmith and Pietermaritzburg and extending to Newcastle.

He said the provincial government also intended developing light industry along the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal and would focus on property development in areas such as Port Edward and Port Shepstone.

Zululand – and, in particular, Richards Bay – would not be left unattended, he added.

Development of the industrial development zone would continue while the development of an oil refinery valued at around R7-billion as announced by Finance Minister Tito Mboweni during his Budget speech earlier this year, was also gathering momentum.

He noted that although there were plans to develop a R1.6-billion gas-to-energy plant in Richards Bay three years ago, this project had been overtaken by events.

“Investors came and said this was the only area feasible for an oil refinery. We have done the feasibility studies and are now commencing with the oil refinery…. So, we are going to see a different kind of Richards Bay in the next five years. We have investors who are clear about what they are doing and have clear timelines. Richards Bay is not only going to be an energy hub for KwaZulu-Natal but for South Africa as a whole,” he said.

The provincial government also intended promoting investment in agroprocessing to ensure the agricultural economy in KwaZulu-Natal would not be neglected, he continued.

“We want to ensure that we prioritise all areas and all districts in a plan that is comprehensive. We want to maximise the potential of KwaZulu-Natal in almost all sectors – from the oceans economy to tourism, manufacturing and industrialisation,” he said.

Zikalala pointed out that delivery of these projects would be similar to projects that were conceptualised last year and were about to launch.

Ramaphosa would open Africa’s first smart phone manufacturing facility at the Dube TradePort in October. This was first mooted during last year’s National Investment Summit.

Zikalala also noted that Taiwanese manufacturer of electric solutions, CHEM, planned to locate its newest-generation fuel cell manufacturing plant at the Dube TradePort.  Engineering News

GFS is Proudly South African.

Garment Finishing Supplies is celebrating 21 years of longevity in November and 21 years of supplying Southern African laundries with specialty chemicals for denim and cotton wet processing.

In 21 years the garment industry has gone through many changes. We have seen the growth in our industry due to AGOA and then the down-sizing of our industry due to retailers sourcing from Asia.

Fashion has contributed to the laundries having to use chemicals that are not sustainable to our environment and that are equally harmful to the people using them if not properly equipped with the correct safety equipment.

Change is inevitable and where there is unfavourable change there is also change for the better and I believe we owe it to the future generations to make these changes for the better.

GFS is the agent for Jeanologia, a company originating in Valencia, Spain 25 years ago, who are experienced in the development of sustainable and eco-efficient technologies for the laundry and finishing industry.

Jeanologia leads the transformation of the textile industry with technologies such as laser and eco systems that enhance productivity, reduces water and energy consumption and eliminates damaging emissions and waste, guaranteeing zero contamination.

Jeanologia with GFS strive to transform the garment industry, which has traditionally had a high environmental impact, providing alternatives for a transparent eco-efficient new industry.

Countries worldwide have bought into eco-efficient denim processing and it is time for South African retailers and garment processors to do the same which will not only save the environment but will also enhance a better working environment for employees.

Ozone technology used for removal of starch in garments, eliminates pollution and damaging emissions for the environment at the same time saving water, energy and chemicals.

e-Flow system uses Nano-bubble technology as a carrier for chemicals and water, saving up to 95% on water, 90% on chemicals and 40% on energy.

Jeanologia has reinvented Garment Finishing with the efficient combination of laser, ozone and e-Flow technologies which allows the finishing of one pair jeans with using only one glass of water rather than the industry average of 70 litres of water. This revolutionary sustainable process achieves authentic vintage finishes, dark looks, soft rinses as well as aged and dirty effects.

However Jeanologia’s technology is not only about denim but works with cotton knits, socks and cotton blends.

For more information contact Noelene Cole.  Garment Finishing Supplies  Tel: 0027 31 7017214

Mobile: 0027 826582213     Web: www.garmentfinishing.co.za

AFI Joburg Fashion Week

AFI Joburg Fashion Week is a fashion and social hotspot. Guests can experience the best in African fashion and rub shoulders with top designers and influencers at the number of different events.

The week starts off with a premium Gala Dinner on 10 October. This is followed by the fashion shows on 11 and 12 October. The shows see top pan African fashion designers as well as some exciting up and comers showcase their latest world-class collections featuring top models from across the continent. On 12 October is the AFI Masterclass, which is a panel discussion with key industry leaders.

In addition, the AFI Designer Boutique is open throughout the week. This is a curated designer fashion boutique.

African Fashion International (AFI) was established 12 years ago as part of an unequivocal determination to propel and restore refined African fashion brands on the global stage. Their aim is to be pioneers in luxury African fashion, by presenting African talent at a world-class level. Their events aim to showcase and take the incredible skills and creative talent found on the African continent to the world.

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, 161 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton
Websiteafricanfashioninternational.com
Did you know……..

1934 Fashion: What did people wear?

In 1934, hair is pushed back across the head at a sharp angle and hats, worn on one side of the head, look almost like vinyl records. Many women curl their hair like Jean Harlow, wear red lipstick, rouge and nail polish. Most women also penciled in the eyebrows. A new passion for sports ushered in a new era of smaller, tighter sportswear.

On the beach, shapely women wore what was called “corset bathing suits” that were slashed and backless and molded very closely to the woman’s body.

To Advertise………………….. Click here to see fact sheet with advertising rates. 

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