KZN OSS Champions Ease of Doing Business at KZN Investment Conference

KZN OSS Champions Ease of Doing Business at KZN Investment Conference

The InvestSA One Stop Shop KwaZulu-Natal (KZN OSS) took centre stage as a major sponsor at the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference, held from 11–12 November 2024 at the Durban ICC. A key highlight was a panel discussion titled- Ease of Doing Business in KwaZulu-Natal: A Case for One-Stop-Shop Services. Facilitated by Fikiswa Pupuma, Acting Deputy Director General at the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), the session explored how streamlining business processes is vital to attracting investment and driving economic growth in the province.

Ndumiso Mlambo, General Manager of InvestSA KZN One Stop Shop, emphasised the value of centralising business services to fast-track registrations and approvals. He showcased successful investment cases facilitated through OSS, which led to improved investor satisfaction and job creation. The initiative plays a crucial role in reducing bureaucracy and building a conducive environment for both domestic and foreign investors.

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi tackled concerns over crime, highlighting the role of law enforcement in maintaining investor confidence. He outlined ongoing operations to address crime hotspots and confirmed the reactivation of community policing forums, particularly within Durban’s business districts, to address crime and grime collaboratively.

Municipalities have a role to play as stated by uMntwana Ndabuko Zulu, in his capacity as member of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Provincial Executive Committee. He spoke on the role of municipalities in enabling economic growth. He highlighted improvements in service delivery, particularly water, electricity, and transport infrastructure, as well as incentive packages designed to attract and retain investment.

Noting the concerns of foreign investors on visas and work permits,  Albert Matsaung, Acting Deputy Director General at the Department of Home Affairs outlined efforts to resolve the backlog and enhance service integration with the OSS. According to Matsaung, new digital systems and strategic alignment with the OSS are helping to speed up turnaround times, especially for importing specialised skills.

Wang Xuanqian, CEO of Huaxin Cement, provided a practical investor’s viewpoint, lauding the province’s support mechanisms but calling for greater infrastructure investment and policy consistency. He noted that while the environment was generally favourable, enhancements in service delivery would further ease business operations.

In another compelling panel titled- Unlocking KZN’s Economic Potential: Trends, Opportunities and Challenges, Yunus Hoosen, Acting Deputy Director General at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, spotlighted national efforts to empower SMEs and rural entrepreneurs. He cited support from the dtic, NEF and IDC, and announced the upcoming launch of a dedicated SME Development Agency in December 2024. He also highlighted tailored funding programmes under the Black Industrialist Programme, such as financing for black entrepreneurs acquiring fuel stations.

Hoosen further outlined key focus sectors for the 7th administration, including the province’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), ports, and robust manufacturing base. Agro-processing, clothing and textiles, furniture, footwear, and leather were also flagged as sectors ripe for revitalisation, each with potential to stimulate local economies and industrialise rural and township areas.

The conference reinforced the call for stronger collaboration among national departments, provincial entities, and private sector stakeholders to address regulatory challenges and improve South Africa’s global ranking- currently 84^th– on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index.