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Just 12km inland from Ballito, as the crow flies, on 2000ha of land, is the Dube TradePort - the ‘key’ that will unlock extensive global opportunities for KwaZulu-Natal specifically and for South Africa generally. Hamish Erskine, Project Executive : Commercial , of the Dube TradePort, gave Brettenwood Coastal Estate, by answering just seven questions, a closer look…


What is the essence of the Dube TradePort?
To serve as a means for economic growth and development as well as for the creation of sustainable jobs.

When will the Dube TradePort be operational?
Phase 1, which will include the aeronautical infrastructure (ACSA), the interchange access from the N2 and the alternative access from the R102, the independently operated local and international cargo terminal, the Agri-Zone, the Trade Zone, the Support Zone and IT Zone will be operational by early May 2010.

What is the association between the Dube TradePort and ACSA(Airports Company of South Africa)?
According to a Co-operation Agreement signed between the Dube TradePort and ACSA, ACSA will build, operate and own the new international airport and the passenger terminal. The Dube TradePort will exclusively own and manage the TradePort, which includes the Agri-Zone, IT platform and the cargo-handling terminal within the airport. The remaining land is developed by the Dube TradePort and ACSA in a joint venture.

How much money has been spent on the Dube TradePort to date?
Just under R8 billion.

How would a Ballito business man or resident go about opening a business at the Dube TradePort?
Interested parties are invited to contact the Dube TradePort directly on 031 307 2857.

When will Ballito residents find out more about companies involved with the Dube TradePort and job availability at these companies?
The Dube TradePort will start with a massive marketing campaign towards the end of 2009, which will include, amongst others, information on companies involved in the different zones mentioned earlier. 12 ha of the land being developed will be the Support Zone, which will be occupied by retail, office and hotel enterprises, all with staff requirements. A further 26 ha is being developed at the TradeZone which will accommodate airfreight dependent and service industries. As the Dube TradePort will not be handling any recruitment, we encourage members of the Ballito and surrounding communities to ‘keep their ears to the ground’ during the next couple of months for job opportunities.

What impact is the Dube TradePort estimated to have on Ballito and the surrounding community in terms of investment and its economy?
Global trends show that airports have a direct economic impact within a 25 km radius. This has now been studied extensively in planning institutions around the world and has been called the “aerotropolis”. As Ballito falls within this radius, it should positively benefit , over time, from the development of the Dube TradePort.

Just 12km from your doorstep is the ‘key’ which is expected to rapidly develop KwaZulu-Natal as a major business hub in South Africa. It is important to start thinking about how you can use this ‘key’ to unlock your own opportunities in and around Ballito!

Written by: Liesl Nel