To view these companies, please visit: www.top300.co.za or www.topco.co.za

with over 4 million hits last year.

LAUNCH EDITION

PUBLISHED BY

KWAZULU-NATAL IS A GREAT PLACE TO DO BUSINESSOVER 1 000 of the best companies listed inside

A TOPCO MEDIA PUBLICATION

ISSUE NO.1RSA: R145.00 (INCL. VAT). | UK: £10.00 | USA: $20.00

WWW.TOP300.CO.ZA

TOP 3

00

KW

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LU-N

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FINANCIAL PARTNER

KZN cover.indd 1 6/22/11 3:12:56 PM

Contents.indd 2 6/24/11 12:42:20 PM

FOREMATTER CONTENTS

ContentsForematter5 Contributors8 Publisher’s Letter11 Editor’s Letter 15 A-Z of Featured Clients16 A-Z of Top300 Companies in KZN20 Key Sector Index112 Industry Classifi cation

Messages of Support12 First National Bank13 Durban Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Features22 The gateway to Africa Alan Cooper

32 Growth through sustainability Kristina Davidson & Sukaina Walji

108 Regional Focus

68 Indians in Business

32 Growth Through Sustainability

Contents.indd 3 6/22/11 11:16:51 AM

39 Durban to host COP 17-CMP 7 Leon Dempers

58 A golfer’s paradise Natanya Mulholland

68 The contribution of Indians to business and culture Fatima Asmal

72 BRICS Alan Cooper

108 Regional focus Alan Cooper

Sector Introductions

See Key Sector Index on page 20 for a full listing of sectors covered.

28 Agriculture

30 Energy

31 Employment

42 Mining

46 Manufacturing

50 Engineering & Construction

52 Health

53 Retail

54 Tourism

62 Media

78 Transport & Infrastructure

80 Banking

90 Investment

92 Telecommunications

98 Education & Training

104 Government

22 Gateway to Africa

58A Golfer’s Paradise

39Hosting of COP 17-CMP 7

SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP EMPOWERMENT COMPANIES

BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT 12 EDITION

OVER 1400 EMPOWERED COMPANIES TO DO BUSINESS WITH

OVER 1400 EMPOWERED COMPANIES TO DO BUSINESS WITH

TOP W

OM

EN IN

BUSIN

ESS & G

OVER

NM

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8 ED

ITION

TOP W

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EN IN

BUSIN

ESS & G

OVER

NM

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TOP WOMENIN BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT

TW

8 EDITION

TOP PERFORMING

COMPANIESINCORPORATING THE PUBLIC SECTOR

TOP PERFORMING COMPANIES 11th EDITION

South Africa’s best managed companies

THE COMPANIES TO DO BUSINESS wITH

Raymond ackeRmaneXcLUSIVe

enGIneeRInG & ScIence TURnInG The aUcTIon IndUSTRy on ITS head

LAUNCH EDITION

OVER 1000 OF THE BEST COMPANIES LISTED INSIDE

SUBSCRIBE NOWTo subscribe to the Topco Publications, go to page 60 or contact Luvuko Mayekiso on +27 (0)21 791 7100 or email: luvuko.mayekiso@topco.co.za

SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP EMPOWERMENT COMPANIES

BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT 12 EDITION

OVER 1400 EMPOWERED COMPANIES TO DO BUSINESS WITH

OVER 1400 EMPOWERED COMPANIES TO DO BUSINESS WITH

TOP W

OM

EN IN

BUSIN

ESS & G

OVER

NM

ENT

8 ED

ITION

TOP W

OM

EN IN

BUSIN

ESS & G

OVER

NM

ENT

TOP WOMENIN BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT

TW

8 EDITION

TOP PERFORMING

COMPANIESINCORPORATING THE PUBLIC SECTOR

TOP PERFORMING COMPANIES 11th EDITION

South Africa’s best managed companies

THE COMPANIES TO DO BUSINESS wITH

Raymond ackeRmaneXcLUSIVe

enGIneeRInG & ScIence TURnInG The aUcTIon IndUSTRy on ITS head

LAUNCH EDITION

OVER 1000 OF THE BEST COMPANIES LISTED INSIDE

SUBSCRIBE NOWTo subscribe to the Topco Publications:Tel: 087 353 6485Fax: 086 720 2450Email: topco@buzzline.co.za

4 T O P 3 0 0 K Z N V O L U M E 1

Contents.indd 4 6/22/11 11:24:17 AM

A freelance journalist

based in Durban, Fatima

Asmal is an aspiring

documentary filmmaker

who is presently studying

towards a Masters in Culture, Communica-

tion and Media Studies at the University of

KwaZulu-Natal. She also directs ILM-SA, a

non-profit organisation which she founded

in 2006.

Alan Cooper has

covered business and

politics in KwaZulu-Natal

for more than 20 years.

He believes that, after

decades of playing second fiddle to Gau-

teng and the Western Cape, the province is

emerging as an economic powerhouse in

its own right, thanks to strategic thinking by

political and business leaders and ambi-

tious development projects like the new King

Shaka international airport and the planned

multi-billion rand upgrade of its ports and

logistics network.

An experienced editor and

writer with a business and

development background,

Kristina Davidson

believes that, while creati-

vity has a place in the business world,

creative writing is best reserved for novels.

Her forte is combining practical, logical

thinking with visual creativity and plain lan-

guage, She speaks French as well.

Troye Lund is a journalist

who is based in parliament

for Finweek magazine.

She was born and bred

in KwaZulu-Natal and has

been covering South African politics since

the country’s first democratic election in

1994.

Natanya Mulholland

is a freelance journalist

based in Cape Town. She

began her career as a

reporter for the Sunday

Times followed by four

years at Cape Talk / Radio 702. She cut her

teeth in the magazine world as deputy editor

of Fairlady and thereafter published books

for Sunbird. In her free time, she enjoys

either hiking or rock climbing, playing golf or

paddling.

Sukaina Walji is a

communications

specialist with expertise

in digital media and

technology-enhanced

learning, and is studying towards a Masters

in Online Education. She is an advocate of

the power of technology to promote social

change and believes that African

businesses have a great opportunity to

leverage ICTs for exponential growth.

FOREMATTER CONTRIBUTORS & CREDITS

©c

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Contributors

Chairman & Group Publisher Richard Fletcher

CEO Ralf Fletcher

Group Production Manager Van Fletcher

Group Editor Tania de Kock

Managing Editor Shaheema Albertyn-Burton

Head Designer Jayne Macé

Designers Kyle Collison Stephen Alfreds

Traffic Coordinator Raeesah McLeod

General Manager Guy Chicken

Project Manager Christine Dempers

Business Development Coordinators Jeanette Nicholson Sibongile Somdaka

Research Manager Haley Fletcher

Researchers Edna HamiltonMishqah SlamdienNazreen Dramat

Distribution & Subscriptions Ingrid Johnstone Ursula Davids

Human Resources Manager Janine Salick

Financial Administrators Bernadette Theron Deidre Daniels Sharon Tockley Themba Gaga

Printers Paarl Print

Contact Details Topco Media (Pty) Ltd The Pinnacle, 5th Floor, Cnr. Strand & Burg Streets, Cape Town 8001 PO Box 16476, Vlaeberg 8018 Tel: +27 (0)86 000 9590 Fax: +27 (0)21 423 7576 Email: info@topco.co.za Website: www.topco.co.za

Disclaimer All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy-ing, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Topco Media (Pty) Ltd Reg. No. 2007/002190/07. While every care has been taken when compiling this publication, the publishers, editor and contributors accept no responsibility for any consequences arising from any errors or omissions. ISBN: 978-0-620-50711-0

CREDITS

contributors-credits.indd 3 6/23/11 2:03:59 PM

8th Annual

ENTER NOW

LEAD, INNOVATE AND INSPIRE

22ND SEPTEMBER 2011 | GALLAGHER ESTATE

Contact Haley Fletcher on 086 000 9590or email haley.� etcher@topco.co.za

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EMPOWERING WOMEN. EMPOWERING THE ECONOMY.

Brought to you by:Category Sponsors: Media PartnersIn association with:

www.topco.co.za

twa.indd 1 6/21/11 12:25:15 PM

FOREMATTER PUBLISHER’S LETTER

“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to show off my unique personality and that of the company I keep.”

pub-letter.indd 2 6/22/11 2:41:22 PM

I recently spent a productive afternoon in the

warm, welcoming interior of Café Mozart, one

of the gems belonging to the Madame Zingara

group. I was surrounded by the delicious coffee

aromas of this charming daytime café when a

small brochure with the Madame Zingara credos

inspired me so much that I immediately requested permission to

adopt it as the mission statement for Topco Media. It epitomises

the guiding principles that each and every employee of any

organisation should subscribe to:

1. FAMILY: I am able to build strong and loving relationships

with all the staff at Topco Media, and to extend this to my

clients and make them, too, a part of this family. It is my

service to my family that allows me to express my true self

in everything I do. As I let my own light shine, it gives others

permission to do the same.

2. SERVICE: I am committed to confi dent and effi cient service

for every guest who enters our organisation. This is what I

would expect for myself and anyone in my Family. I am the

change that I want to see.

3. UNIQUENESS: I feel blessed to have the opportunity to

show off my unique personality and that of the company I

keep. I respect all opinions and value each and every

contribution that others make. Through listening and growth,

my uniqueness shines through. We are all children of the

universe and playing small does no justice to who I am or to

those around me.

4. COMMUNITY: By being part of this Family, I acknowledge

my community each and every day. My presence allows us to

contribute to the upliftment and development of our country

and our people. We acknowledge others needs and give with

kindness and love. Karma is everything that we achieve.

5. POSSIBILITY: I strive to continually seek opportunities to

improve myself, which in turn improves the experience for

my co-workers and my guests. My growth is an indication of

the endless possibilities I am able to achieve. What we focus

on inevitably grows.

6. ACCOUNTABLITY: I have been empowered with the tools

to understand and to perform my duties. I accept

responsibility for my errors and my choice to facilitate change.

Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to the error that

counts.

7. TEAMWORK: I work with all my Family and carry my share

of the load as I know that they do theirs. My team is my

everything, for both our weaknesses and our strengths. It

is my Family and together we work to create the success we

all deserve. Namaste... the divine in me recognises the divine

in you.

8. GROWTH: I challenge myself to learn something new as I

am aware that knowledge is power. It is my commitment to

that power that will in turn take me forward. I am not just

building something Good, I am committed to building

something Beautiful.

9. INVOLVED: I am constantly looking for ways to better myself

and my workplace to make it easier for everyone to enjoy. It is

my contribution to the environment that determines the

success of myself and others. I can only achieve when I am

truly involved.

10. PRIDE: I make an effort in my personal appearance and

manner to showcase myself because I am proud of who I am

and the people with whom I stand. The past is over, it is the

future that counts. It makes no difference the journey that I

have taken, it is the journey forward that will be my greatest

gift and will become my thread of shining light.

11. ENVIRONMENT: I am aware of my environment and

endeavour to keep it as safe as possible. Our environment

is our precious asset, as it is this which provides for myself

and my Family. By protecting what I have, I allow these

foundations to encourage the growth that we all deserve.

12. SUCCESS: I am successful in all that I say and do. It is my

right to be successful – and it is our combined success which

gives others permission to do the same. What I sow is what I

will reap.

I hope you are as inspired as I am to believe in and live the

principles listed above.

Best wishes

Richard FletcherChairman & Group Publisher

Publisher’s Letter

9T O P 3 0 0 K Z N V O L U M E 1

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trade and investment-advert.indd 1 6/24/11 5:58:10 PM

KwaZulu-Natal, also known as the ‘garden’ or

‘banana’ province, is home to 10.2 million people

and one of South Africa’s more popular holiday

destinations. The area’s rich biodiversity and

efforts at conservation have been recognised

with tourist gems ranging from Marina Beach (blue fl ag status) and

the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)

to the Valley of a Thousand Hills, the Midlands Meander and the

Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), it

is not diffi cult to see why.

KwaZulu-Natal’s capital is Pietermaritzburg, but Durban is the

province’s biggest city – and its Zulu name, Thekwini, appropriately

means ‘the place where the earth and ocean meet’. It might be

known as one of the more ‘laid-back’ cities in South Africa with

leisure activities such as surfi ng and fi shing high on the agenda,

but Durban has a fast-growing urban area and has the largest of

South Africa’s 7 ports, with approximately 65 percent of all South

African cargo moving through the port of Durban. It is also the

busiest port on the African continent!

To the north of Durban lies Richards Bay, which is the centre

for South Africa’s aluminium industry with large smelting plants.

Richards Bay can also boast with the second-largest sand mining

and mineral processing operation in the world.

As with the rest of the South African provinces, KwaZulu-Natal

can pride itself on a diverse population with the majority of the

inhabitants being of Zulu descent.

KwaZulu-Natal is home to the Zulu monarchy and is the only

province in South Africa that has the name of its dominant ethnic

group as part of its name. Last year the Indian community in the

province celebrated 150 years since the fi rst Indian labourers

came to South Africa to work in the sugar cane plantations. The

Indian community has added an exciting cultural element to

South Africa and the full impact of this can be seen at each year’s

beachfront festivities marking their November 1860 arrival. It

really is an extravaganza of sacred music and dance, exquisite

traditional dress and aromatic culinary delights.

Please join me in toasting the rich and diverse culture and

sunny people of KwaZulu-Natal. I’m also proud to present the

launch issue of Top300 KwaZulu-Natal, a business discovery

resource which will promote the cream of KwaZulu-Natal

throughout the country, the continent and the world.

Best wishes

Tania de Kock

Group Editor

Editor's note

FOREMATTER EDITOR’S NOTE

11T O P 3 0 0 K Z N V O L U M E 1

kzn_ed letter.indd 1 6/22/11 11:13:15 AM

Regional ChaiRman KZn

Foreword FiRST naTional BanK

T O P 3 0 0 K Z N V O L U M E 1

Preggie Pillay

12

at FnB Commercial, our relationship model is key to our business. our clients can enjoy walking into any FnB branch and talk to one of our knowledgeable staff members who can guide and assist your enquiry. When you walk into the bank you get to talk to someone who knows about banking, knows about structuring deals and knows what the customer wants. That’s the first part of it.

We strive to offer your business innovative products and services that will save you time and money. These products allow you, the business owner, to effectively manage your business. one such example is should you require a VaT account and a bank account for a tender, FnB has linked up with Shelf Company Warehouse to assist you with your VaT requirements. We also attend to the opening of a bank account that has a linked accoun-ting package called FnB instant accounting. This accounting package is one of our many value adds that we offer our clients and allows them to keep track of and be in control of their business financial affairs.

FnB Commercial Banking believes that as a business, we do not operate in isolation. We are surrounded by a community of busi-nesses that can assist each other. our clients have great opportunities to network with and receive much value from our partnerships with organisations such us Biznetwork and the Durban Chamber of Commerce. Biznetwork is there to support and guide you on the industry best practices when managing your business, while the Durban Chamber of Commerce will provide access to all new FnB account holders to the Chamber and the services they offer. FnB Commercial Banking has a range of tailored solutions to suit the unique needs of the various sectors within KwaZulu-natal.

We are the first bank to sign a memorandum of Understanding (moU) with the eThekwini municipality. Several months later, other banks followed suit. FnB is intrinsically linked to the municipality’s Small, medium and micro enterprise (Smme) desk. This is another means by which we assist our clients with the correct platforms and networks to do business.

Due to the recent recession and the unem-ployment rates faced in KwaZulu-natal, as a bank that believes in giving back to the community, we collaborate with local govern-ment and municipalities in an attempt to create opportunities and jobs for upcoming entrepreneurs. entrepreneurship is at the heart of FnB, as that is the foundation upon which FnB was created.

We pride ourselves in banking the top busi-nesses and entrepreneurs, and continuously strive to develop the business community of the region. We help entrepreneurs to empo-wer themselves and put them in the driver seat of their businesses. FnB’s recent strong focus on Commercial Property Finance and leveraged Finance has helped many busi-nesses to grow strategically, own their own buildings and improve their balance sheets. many businesses were able for the first time to do well structured Bee transactions and improve their empowerment status. This is another way in which we assist businesses to create employment opportunities for them-selves, as well as the business community within which they reside.

We believe in developing long-standing business partnerships that will help busi-nesses reach their financial potential. This is achieved through our staff’s specialised business knowledge and the support that is provided, which helps business owners to be liberated and in control of their business-es financial affairs.

FnB Commercial Banking is proud to be part of the thriving business community and salute the Top 300 companies. We also commend all the KwaZulu-natal businesses that contribute towards uplifting the lifestyle of families and businesses in KwaZulu-natal. it is through this combined effort that the re-gion is seen to be of world-class standards.

Preggie PillayRegional Chairman KZN

* FINANCIAL PArTNer *

FNB-forward.indd 3 6/23/11 1:59:06 PM

CEO: DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

DURBAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY Foreword

ANDREW LAYMAN

13

The Durban Chamber of Commerce & Industry is proud to be associated with the Top300 KwaZulu-Natal publication featuring the leading KZN companies. It is an admirable showcase for our corporate com-munity as well as the province, which has a more vibrant and dynamic business constituency than is sometimes thought to be the case. It is valuable too, in that it represents something of a united face of the province’s business community. It has often been levelled against the business community that it is unable to present a united view. This criticism is not unjustified considering that we are continuing to wrestle with the divisions created by the apartheid past. Moreover, despite the obvious advantages to be gained by a cohesive functionality between the small and large business sectors, there is still much work to be done before it is universally recognised that they are both part of the same economy. Indeed, there is also the matter of the so-called ‘second’ economy to be considered. There is no doubt that optimal growth will be possible only when everyone is pulling in the same coordinated direction. It is not the objective of this magazine to cover the full spectrum of business. What it does in highlighting those in the top 300 contributes towards the achievement of some solidarity. This is also an objective of organised business, as well as other business associations, both sectoral and otherwise. It is important that companies have an identity within the context of a community, for not only does this promote each one’s status and value, but it also presents a collective profile for the appreciation of readers. The companies featured in the Top300 KwaZulu-Natal deserve admiration and praise for their contributions to the

country’s economy. They are among the most significant employers and are the cus-todians, more than others, of the reputation of South African business. In view of our past and the consequent challenges that exercise us still, there is a great deal more to business than making profit for shareholders.

Environmental and social expectations of business are far beyond apathy and indifference. Companies must meet contemporary demands if they are to thrive.

A great many do, and hopefully all those profiled here are deserving of respect in this regard. It is not an idle claim that if the country is to prosper and meet the challenges it has, business must accept a leading role.

Andrew Layman Chief Executive Officer

V O L U M E 1 T O P 3 0 0 K Z N

Durban Chamber of Commerce & Industry-forward.indd 3 6/22/11 3:39:28 PM

16 T O P 3 0 0 K Z N V O L U M E 1

#3663 First for Food Services LimitedCatering Services – 571

3M South Africa (Pty) LtdOther manufacturing – 140

600SA Holdings (Pty) LtdCommercial Vehicles & Trucks –263

AABB South Africa (Pty) LtdElectronic Equipment – 253

Aberdare Cables (Pty) LtdElectrical Equipment – 252

Absa Group LimitedBanks – 810

Access Freight InternationalRail, Road & Freight – 596

Adams & AdamsLaw Services – 573

Adapt IT Holdings LimitedComputer Services – 972

Adcock Ingram LimitedPharmaceuticals – 480

ADT Security (Pty) LtdSecurity & Alarm Services – 588

African Access Holdings (Pty) LtdInvestment Companies – 850

African Oxygen Limited t/a AfroxChemicals – Speciality – 118

African Privity Investments (Pty) Ltd t/a ElginEngineeringEngineering – General – 267

Afripack (Pty) LtdPackaging – 460

Afripower (Pty) Ltd t/a HytecEngineering – General – 267

Afrisam (South Africa) (Pty) LtdBuilding & Construction Materials – 132

Air Liqiude (Pty) Ltd Chemicals – Commodities – 113

Albaraka Bank LimitedBanks – 810

Alexander Forbes (Pty) LtdOther Insurance – 839

Altech Netstar KZNSecurity & Alarm Services – 588

Altech UEC (Pty) LtdElectrical Equipment – 252

Apollo Tyres South Africa (Pty) LtdTyres & Rubber – 317

ARB Holdings LimitedElectrical Equipment – 252

ArcelorMittal South Africa Newcastle WorksIron & Steel – 188

Argent Industrial LimitedDiversified Industrials – 240

Aspen Pharmacare Holdings LimitedPharmaceuticals – 480

Assmang Manganese LimitedOther Mineral Extractors & Mines – 48

Astrapak LimitedPackaging – 460

Auction Alliance KZN (Pty) LtdBusiness Support Services – 581

Aurecon SA (Pty) LtdConsulting Engineers – 268

Avis Car Leasing (Pty) Ltd t/a Avis Fleet ServicesOther Financial – 879

Avis Rent A CarCar Hire – 592

Ayanda Mbanga Communications (Pty) LtdEmployment agencies – 583

BBarloworld LimitedEngineering – General – 267

Basil Read Holdings LimitedHeavy Construction – 137

Bearing Man GroupRetailers – Hardlines – 526

Behr South Africa (Pty) LtdAuto Parts – 313

Beier Industries (Pty) LtdOther Manufacturer – 140

Beiersdorf Consumer Products (Pty) Ltd Personal Products – 477

Belgotex Floor Coverings (Pty) LtdFurnishings & Floor Coverings – 342

Bell Equipment Co SA (Pty) LtdCommercial Vehicles & Trucks – 263

BHP Billiton Aluminium SANon–Ferrous Metals – 186

Bidfreight Port Operations (Pty) LtdShipping & Ports – 597

Bigfoot Express Freight (Pty) LtdRail, Road & Freight – 596

BMW South Africa (Pty) LtdAutomobiles – 311

BP Southern Africa (Pty) LtdOil & Gas – Integrated – 78

British AirwaysAirlines, Airports & Air Charter – 591

British Amercian Tobacco SA (Pty) LtdTobacco – 490

Broll Property Management (Pty) LtdReal Estate Holding & Development – 862

BSI Steel LimitedSteel – 188

BSN Medical (Pty) LtdHealth Maintenance Organisations – 443

Buckman Laboratories (Pty) LtdChemicals – Speciality – 118

Business Connexion (Pty) Ltd Computer Services – 972

Business Partners LimitedInvestment Entities – 890

Bytes Technology Group LimitedComputer Services – 972

CCapital Outsourcing Group (Pty) LtdEmployment Agencies – 583

Capitec BankBanks – 810

Cell CWireless Telecom Services – 678

Chartis South Africa LimitedInsurance Non-Life – 834

Chemical Specialities Ltd t/a ChemSpecChemicals – Speciality – 118

Chevron South Africa (Pty) LtdOil & Gas – Integrated – 78

Chickenland (Pty) Ltd t/a Nando’sRestaurants & Pubs – 539

Chubb Fire & Security (Pty) Ltd Security & Alarm Services – 588

Citadel Investment Services LimitedInvestment Banks – 875

Citibank NA South AfricaInvestment Banks – 875

City Lodge Hotels LimitedHotels – 536

Clover Industries LimitedFood Processors – 435

Club Leisure Group (Pty) LtdTravel & Related Services – 537

Club TravelTravel & Related Services – 537

Coates Brothers South Africa (Pty) Ltd Other Manufacturing – 140

Combined Motor Holdings Limited (CMH)Holding Companies – 851

Corobrik (Pty) LtdBuilding & Construction Materials – 132

Corruseal Corrugated KZN (Pty) LtdPackaging – 460

Crookes Brothers LimitedFarming – 433

Crossley Holdings (Pty) LtdFurnishings & Floor Coverings – 342

DDano Textile Industries (Pty) LtdOther Textiles & Leather Goods – 349

Defy Appliances (Pty) LtdHousehold Appliances & Housewares – 345

Deloitte Accounting & Consulting – 880

Deneys Reitz Inc.Law Services – 573

Dimension Data (Pty) LtdComputer Services – 972

Diners Club (SA) (Pty) LtdConsumer Finance – 873

TOP 300 KWAZULU-NATAL A-Z LISTING OF TOP 300 COMPANIES IN KWAZULU-NATAL

Top 300 KwaZulu-Natal – Research CriteriaThe criteria for appearing in Top 300 KwaZulu-Natal were developed in partnership with the KZN Chamber of Commerce and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government. Topco Media’s internal research department vetted a list of over 7 000 companies within KwaZulu-Natal and then focused extensive research on the resulting top 1 000. In drawing up the criteria, cognisance was taken of the fact that KwaZulu-Natal has SA’s 2nd largest population, estimated at 10.6 million in 2010. With reference to GDP, KZN outperformed the national economy because of less exposure to the mining sector and greater exposure to the transport sector. In general, the provincial economy performed well and better than the expectations of many. PMB and Richards Bay outperformed Durban, RBay and NewCastle. This stage of research resulted in a list of 350 companies, excluding parastatals, government agencies and structures, which were sent to our partners for final adjudication based on our criteria, to pro-duce the final list, representing the Top 300 Companies in KwaZulu-Natal.

The final criteria were drawn up and agreed upon between our partners, and included:• National turnover• KwaZulu-Natal turnover as a percentage of national turnover or at least 20 percent of total national revenue• Number of employees in KwaZulu-Natal: at least 100 employees or 20 percent of total national workforce• Head office location and number of satellite offices in KwaZulu-Natal• Percentage of income from exports• Planned revenue growth over the next five years• Planned staff increase over the next five years• Peer consensus through feedback on top five competitors

A-Z TOP300 INDEX2.indd 1 6/24/11 5:39:25 PM

OVERVIEW

Key SectorsOverview of the key sectors in Top300 KZN for the Resources, Manufacturing, Services and

Public sectors.

RESOURCES

Agriculture ......................................................... 28Energy ............................................................... 30Employment ....................................................... 31Mining ................................................................ 42

MANUFACTURING

Manufacturing .................................................. 46Engineering & Construction .............................. 50Health ............................................................... 52

SERVICES

Retail ................................................................. 53Tourism .............................................................. 54Media ................................................................. 62Transport & Infrastructure .................................. 78Banking ............................................................. 80Investment ......................................................... 90Telecommunications .......................................... 92Education & Training ......................................... 98

GOVERNMENT .............................................. 104

42424242

9898

46464646

3030

2828

80808080

KEY SECTORS

21T O P 3 0 0 K Z N V O L U M E 1

KZN_key sector.indd 3 6/24/11 5:43:59 PM

EDITORIAL THE GATEWAY TO AFRICA

T O P 3 0 0 K Z N V O L U M E 1 22

With tens of billions of rands in central government cash fl owing in its direction, KwaZulu-Natal is poised not only to cement its reputation as the gateway to Africa, but to signifi cantly expand into ambitious new directions. Alan Cooper reports.

The Gateway to Africa

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23T O P 3 0 0 K Z N V O L U M E 1

“KZN is the undisputed gateway to southern Africa,” says MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Michael Mabuyakhulu. With a new interna-tional airport, two of Africa’s busiest harbours and South Africa’s primary domestic tourist city within its borders, KwaZulu-Natal has long billed itself

as the travel and logistics entrance to the continent and beyond. However, “you don’t remain a leader in your field without constant re-invention, investment and growth”, continues Mabuyakhulu, who believes that a prime example of this philosophy in action is the King Shaka Airport, which opened in May 2010.

The new airport has the potential to be a major driver of economic growth for KwaZulu-Natal, in particular through freight cargo services. “We’re looking to target time-sensitive goods … that are prone to a high rate of spoilage,” he says, “It’s a question of increasing the

volume of goods and commodities reaching their markets fresh and in a pristine condition.” Of course, passengers and cargo are closely related, as the MEC explains: “Cargo traffic may start small as goods in the belly of a passenger plane. But when it develops a certain critical mass, dedicated cargo flights can be added to the route.” The location of Durban is a key aspect in negotiating with cargo and passenger carriers.

Flying directly to Durban brings many benefits to airlines, as Mabuyakhulu points out, “Airlines prefer departing from sea-level airports which offer better engine performance. Johannesburg’s OR Tambo’s altitude, 1 800 metres above sea-level, negatively affects aircraft take-off performance and cuts into passenger and freight loads.” Another advantage is that aviation fuel is significantly cheaper at the coast than inland, which makes Durban an even more attractive proposition, especially on a flight to London, for example, requiring some 200 000 litres of fuel.

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