Coega’s liquid storage, shipment facility attracts strong interestsThe operator of the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), the Coega Development Corporation (CDC), on Friday said it has received an "overwhelming response" to its call for proposals to invest in a R2-billion liquid fuels storage and transshipment facility.. Read More...
 
Queenstown’s Lukhanji plans ramp upThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has announced it is to move into the second phase of developing Queenstown’s Lukhanji Aerodrome into an industrial business hub. . Read More...
 
ECDC COURTS FIVE CHINESE INVESTORS AFTER SUCCESSFULTRADE MISSIONFive Chinese investors have expressed their intention to invest in the Eastern Cape after the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) participated in an investment promotion mission to the Asian economic powerhouse last month. . Read More...
 
Eastern Cape ad takes to the airAn ECDC ad, showcasing the province’s tourism and business potential, produces favourable response.. Read More...
 
Exhibition captures Eastern Cape’s spectacular landscapesMore than 12,000 travelers and visitors to Germany’s Munich airport were treated to eclectic beauty of the Eastern Cape in October with a photographic exhibition which included 40 photographic larger-than-life displays.. Read More...
 
CEO Mxolisi Matshamba highlights clean audit as well as other achievements in annual results overvieThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has received a clean audit report for the second consecutive year and it has also managed to fill all senior positions and regional office heads.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape photographic exhibition launched in GermanyThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the development arm of the Eastern Cape Government, will launch its Eastern Cape from Above photographic exhibition at the Munich Airport in Germany today.. Read More...
 
VW pulls in six component manufacturerVehicle manufacturer Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) has attracted a number of key national and international components manufacturers to set up operations in Uitenhage, in the Eastern Cape. The company, which unveiled this initiative this week, said the supplier plan was in line with the new Automotive Production Development Programme (APDP). . Read More...
 
Eastern Cape’s pilot wind farm goes online in OctoberAltX-listed flooring and chemicals company Accentuate, formerly Safic, was still going ahead with plans to build a wind turbine power station to power its subsidiary FloorworX's East London plant, in the Eastern Cape.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape electricity competitor talks about 21% advantage for local consumersThe proposed independent coal-fired power station mooted for the Eastern Cape would have a "17%-to-21% advantage" over Eskom, the contracted local coal supplier Strategic Natural Resources (SNR) said on Wednesday. London Aim-listed SNR COO David Nel told Mining Weekly Online that this advantage would be the result of Aim- and AltX-listed Independent Power South Africa (Ipsa) locating its proposed nigh 1 000-MW power station at the coast and making use of local SNR coal. . Read More...
 
Eastern Cape photographic exhibition launched in GermanyThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the development arm of the Eastern Cape Government, recently launched its Eastern Cape from Above photographic exhibition at the Munich Airport in Germany. The exhibition, consisting of 40 aerial views of the province, was offically opened by the South African Ambassador to Germany, Mr Eddie Funde and ran until 22 October. . Read More...
 
EC crafters excel at DTI eventEleven Eastern Cape individual crafters recently saw off tough competition to claim the best crafts stand award at the recent South African Handmade Collection exhibition at the Gallagher Estate. The group was part of an Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) delegation to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) event. . Read More...
 
Eastern Cape tourism industry overhaulA major overhaul of the Eastern Cape tourism industry is underway to position the province as a tourism “mecca” while leveraging off the opportunities presented by the lucrative 2010 Soccer World Cup. These processes include the review of the province’s Tourism Master Plan which is set to be complete later this month, the updating of statistical data on tourism products and the implementation of the provincial tourism six - point plan for 2010. . Read More...
 
A region with niches that provide global competitive advantageThe Eastern Cape is the third largest province in South Africa. Located on the eastern coast, it lies between the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. With two working harbours and the transhipment hub of Coega due to become operational later this year, three airports offering direct flights to the main urban centres and an excellent rail and road infrastructure, the province continues to be prioritised by the South African government for further economic development. . Read More...
 
Coega notches up investments of R30-billionOver the last decade, the Coega industrial development zone (IDZ) has brought in scheduled investments totalling nearly R30-billion. Coega Development Corporation (CDC) marketing and communications manager Senzeni Ndebele said that many more companies are set to be operational in the IDZ in the next five years, with investors creating about 20000 jobs each year. . Read More...
 
East London port sees growth in volumes, productivityA R20 million investment is set to boost the port’s auto capacity. Investor confidence in the Eastern Cape is growing, with millions of rands in investment flowing into the province. This is evident in the many major retail and commercial developments that are either already under way or in the planning stages. . Read More...
 
City’s auto, manufacturing sectors shaping city’s successThe Nelson Mandela Bay economy contributes roughly 40% of the Eastern Cape’s GDP, thanks largely to the automotive and manufacturing sectors in Port Elizabeth. According to big business, the city and Coega Development Corporation are playing their part in ensuring a smooth ride for industry. . Read More...
 
Country estate set to transform townFive-star boutique hotel is part of a development which is expected to create about 12,000 jobs. A R1-billion country estate development is set to transform and breathe new life into the sleepy town of Somerset East in the Karoo. The development will take place on 2500ha of land at the foot of the Boschberg Mountain, behind Somerset East. About 10000 temporary and 2000 permanent jobs will be created during the different phases of the development. . Read More...
 
The black book keeps growingThe University of Fort Hare has been accredited, producing its first CAs this year and the growing the overall number in South Africa. . Read More...
 
Pondoland community says no to mineCommunity tells Minerals and Energy department that “they did not want mining operations to start in October”.. Read More...
 
Asgisa EC spells out importance of agriculture for initiativeAsgisa EC CEO says that the optimal use of arable land in the province could spell the difference between wealth creation and sinking further into poverty. The current global food shortage which is pushing up South African food prices could have been minimised if the country’s rural residents grew their own crops, said Asgisa Eastern Cape chief executive, Simphiwe Somdyala. . Read More...
 
DBSA redefines its role as a DFIThe Eastern Cape is to benefit from 17 000-unit housing project in King Sabata Dalindyebo, Mthatha, as the institution looks to establishing sustainable communities. In an effort to redefine its role as a development funding institution the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is helping establish sustainable communities. . Read More...
 
Rio says ‘powered’ Coega aluminium smelter still viableRio Tinto’s CEO still “all for” a viable opportunity at Coega. . Read More...
 
ECDC offloads its residential propertiesEconomic development agency is to offload 900 properties with tenants getting first preference. Tenants in good standing with their rental payments will have first option to buy the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) residential units they live in. . Read More...
 
ECDC revamps its websiteNew site boasts several new features including podcasts, webcasts and RSS feeds. . Read More...
 
ECDC tenants get first option to buy ECDC residential unitsTenants in good standing with their rental payments will have first option to buy the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) residential units they live in. ECDC head of properties Luyanda Tsipa says this is part of the corporation’s broader strategy to sell assets that don’t generate revenue, including residential properties. . Read More...
 
ECDC improves access to services with new websiteEastern Cape businesses can now interact with overseas investors who are interested in their products or services - at a click of a button - on the revamped Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) website.. Read More...
 
ECDC improves access to business financeCorporation launches six product to ramp up business opportunities in the province. . Read More...
 
Province's auto sector remains mainstay sectorLatest Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) figures confirm that exports from the province’s two commercial ports, particularly from the automotive sector, are on the increase.. Read More...
 
Absa announces first contact centre at CoegaOne of South Africa’s biggest banks officially opened a contact centre at the Coega Industrial Development Zone today (Monday 4 August), creating 94 new jobs for people in economically depressed areas located close to the site.. Read More...
 
Economic stress points to business climate worseningProvinces such as Gauteng and the Western Cape are experiencing more economic pain.. Read More...
 
EC towns could show off true lineageTranche of new names on the cards after public hearings. . Read More...
 
EC aquaculture Industry shows strong growthMassive investments into the Eastern Cape’s aquaculture industry, running into billions of rands, have placed the province in pole position to challenge the Western Cape’s dominance of this infant industry.. Read More...
 
Fort Jackson property demandThe availability of skilled labour is the main driver behind the high occupancy rates at Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) industrial and commercial properties at Fort Jackson, according to ECDC executive manager of properties Luyanda Tsipa.. Read More...
 
Oysters opportunity for EC entrepreneursLatest Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) figures confirm that exports from the province’s two commercial ports, particularly from the automotive sector, are on the increase. TNPA figures show that the number of vehicles landed and shipped grew by 27% or 9,700 units to 45,200 units in the past year and this trend is set to continue for the foreseeable future. . Read More...
 
ECDC improves access to business financeThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has launched a set of six short and long term business finance products which aim to support viable business ideas in the province.. Read More...
 
EC aquaculture Industry receives faceliftMassive investments into the Eastern Cape’s aquaculture industry, running into billions of rands, have placed the province in pole position to challenge the Western Cape’s dominance of this infant industry.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape energy solution wows global audiences at trade fairA joint venture between Straits Lighting and Uitenhage – based automotive headlights manufacturer Hella, wowed a global business audience at the recent Hanover trade fair in Germany with its Envirolight 57 “extremely energy efficient streetlight.” . Read More...
 
Coega hopes to sign ten investors this year after smelter setbackThe Nelson Mandela Bay IDZ’s now broadening the industrial/manufacturing base, establishing an export and transshipment hub service to the continent, creating jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities. In its quest to attract investments, the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) has changed its strategy to suit local companies. . Read More...
 
Uitenhage-Despatch agri project bears fruitPoverty alleviation project, supplying major retailers, also has backing of VWSA, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and the province’s agricultural project. A R15-million Uitenhage-Despatch development initiative (UDDI) investment in a massive agricultural project is already yielding fruit, creating hundreds of jobs for previously unemployed people. . Read More...
 
Mercedes-Benz’s market resilence should hold off job cutsThe East London-based OEM says that “no broad scale cost reduction programmes were planned by the carmaker in the short term”. Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) is not expecting to cut jobs at its East London manufacturing plant in the short term, despite a national slowdown in car sales. . Read More...
 
Auto components exports accelerateNAACAM says local OEMs are rising to the challenge of the local market slowing. South African car exports this year are expected to increase by 50% more than last year, with the component production for locally produced vehicles increasing in tandem, says National Association of Automotive Components and Allied Manufacturer's (Naacam's) Executive Director, Roger Pitot. . Read More...
 
FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR SOMERSET EAST AGRI-PARKA three-month feasibility study, funded by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the Blue Crane Development Agency (BCDA), is set to combine three successful agricultural projects in Somerset East into a single entity.. Read More...
 
Eastern Cape energy solution wows global audiences at trade fairA joint venture between Straits Lighting and Uitenhage – based automotive headlights manufacturer Hella, wowed a global business audience at the recent Hanover trade fair in Germany with its Envirolight 57 “extremely energy efficient streetlight.” . Read More...
 
Blue sky prospects for Somerset EastSomerset East is set to get the province’s next private pilot training academy, once the town’s landmark 1,5 km runway is completed. . Read More...
 
Exports boost by MagwaRising global tea prices could save Lusikisiki’s embattled Magwa tea plantation, after boosting its exports by almost three times this season. . Read More...
 
Two biofuel plants for Eastern CapeEastern Cape’s fragile agricultural sector is getting a boost, thanks to the province’s plans to construct two biofuel plants that will create a massive market for the region’s farmers.. Read More...
 
No fish-out-of-water ideas for Karoo farmAn Eastern Cape company is planning to farm fish in the middle of South Africa's hot and mainly dry Great Karoo.. Read More...
 
Blue sky prospects for Somerset EastSomerset East is set to get the province’s next private pilot training academy, once the town’s landmark 1,5 km runway is completed. The town, about 180 kilometres from the metropolitan hub of Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole), was granted the funding for the runway through the Special Municipal Infrastructure Grant (SMIF) on the advice of Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) regional head Ken Bern, which is involved in several projects in and around the town. . Read More...
 
ECDC chairman appointed to head world bodyProfessor Wiseman Nkuhlu has been appointed the new president of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) for the next two years.. Read More...
 
Emerging contractors receive skills boostOver 60 Eastern Cape emerging contractors will to take part in the R5 million Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) Integrated Emerging Contractor Development Model (IECDM) programme this year.. Read More...
 
International summit could unlock EC mohair industryIn a bid to resuscitate international demand for mohair from the Eastern Cape, the provincial government is set to stage the first International Mohair Summit in June 2009. . Read More...
 
More road infrastructure improvements for ECThe Eastern Cape Department of Roads and Transport recently announced that it would spend R100m on reconstructing the province's roads during this financial year.. Read More...
 
ECDC shapes up in turnaround strategyThe Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has stabilised and 80 percent of its turnaround strategy has been fulfilled within the designated timeframes, says ECDC chief executive officer Mxolisi Matshamba.. Read More...
 
EMERGING CONTRACTORS RECEIVE SKILLS BOOSTOver 60 Eastern Cape emerging contractors will to take part in the R5 million Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) Integrated Emerging Contractor Development Model (IECDM) programme this year. . Read More...
 
ECDC lenders keep on top of their repaymentsECDC CEO says corporation’s campaign on loan repayments has been successful in reducing bad debts.. Read More...
 
Study gives green light to three rail corridorsPort Elizabeth Alicedale and Addo have been identified as the most promising Eastern Cape rail tourism corridors in a study commissioned by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and Department of Roads and Transport.. Read More...
 
PE stadium confirmedCity stadium, together with stadiums at Ellis Park, the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace, Free State Stadium and Loftus, are confirmed to host the 2009 Confederations Cup. . Read More...
 
August time line for Kei Rail serviceThe Kei Rail service linking East London with Mthatha would become a daily operation from August 1 and would also operate on Friday and Sunday nights “to accommodate the demand from commuters”, Eastern Cape Roads and Transport MEC Thobile Mhlahlo said yesterday.. Read More...
 
Semigrants good for Eastern CapeWhile the property market is looking rather dismal elsewhere in the country, experts predict the Eastern Cape could soon expect a rise in property sales because of a phenomenon labelled “semigration”.. Read More...
 
Official opening of R1,3-billion Eastern Cape factoryA R1,3 billion Steinhoff-PG Bison particle board factory built near Ugie in the north east forests of the Eastern Cape has been opened officially. The factory, which followed Steinhoff’s acquisition of a 67% stake in the North Eastern Cape Forests plantations, started production in December and has been on a steady ramp-up towards full production. . Read More...
 
Five town renewal bonanza for AmatholeFIVE towns in the Amathole region will receive a much-needed boost through a R273 million National Treasury grant, Amathole District Municipality (ADM) executive mayor Sakhumzi Somyo announced earlier this week. . Read More...
 
Buffalo City Agency awards beachfront development to local consortiumSeaview Terrace Gardens to include 79 apartments and 60-room boutique hotel The Buffalo City Development Agency (BCDA) recently announced the go-ahead for a mostly local consortium to develop Seaview Terrace. . Read More...
 
R1,5bn soya bean plant for CoegaWidespread benefits, ranging from the creation of farm jobs in rural areas to the production of an alternative fuel, were promised yesterday at the announcement of plans for a R1,5-billion soya bean plant at the Coega Development Corporation industrial development zone.. Read More...
 
Study gives green light to three rail corridorsPort Elizabeth Alicedale and Addo have been identified as the most promising Eastern Cape rail tourism corridors in a study commissioned by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC). The study, commissioned earlier this year, also identifies a further four inter-city rail corridors, naming the East London-Bethulie, Cookhouse-Blaney junction, New Brighton-Vondeling and Amabele-Mthatha branch. . Read More...
 
ECDC appoints new marketing agencyThe Eastern Cape’s economic development agency, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has awarded a nine-month marketing and communication contract, worth R10 million, to local marketing consultancy, SMG Africa (Strategic Marketing Group), effective from 1 April 2008.. Read More...
 
ECDC Export Platform facilitates global tradeEastern Cape Development Corporation’s (ECDC) intention to become a provincial one stop export shop has taken a significant step forward with the establishment of an Export Platform to enable local manufacturers to get their goods into global markets.. Read More...
 
Grow more wheatAGRICULTURE Minister Lulu Xingwana yesterday called on three provinces, including the Eastern Cape, to increase their wheat production in a bid to reduce high bread prices.. Read More...
 
Essential oils poised to become major new industry in ECapeThe Eastern Cape is poised to become one of the dominant contributors to South Africa’s burgeoning essential oils industry, with 10 government-sponsored trial sites currently in development throughout the province.. Read More...
 
ECDC turning fortunes aroundONE year after embarking on its long-awaited turnaround strategy, the embattled Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) is banking on a new interest rate offering and a new addition of top managers to bring the organisation back from the brink.. Read More...
 
ECDC stable and sustainable, says Annual ReportAn unqualified audit report by the Auditor-General was evidence of the fact that the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) had reached both internal stability and long-term sustainability.. Read More...
 
Coega – you’re the best, say employeesSurvey gives development corporation its second accolade in two months. Read More...
 
All systems go for R400m Tiffindell upgradeIt's all systems go for the R400-million Tiffindell expansion project which is set to put the Eastern Cape on the international ski map.. Read More...
 
Nkantsu to head Nafcoc in the Eastern CapeNew appointments also include the president and vice-president.. Read More...
 
R1,5bn soya bean plant for CoegaPlant should be operational by the end of 2009 says the Australian-based Rainbow Nation Renewable Fuels Limited.. Read More...
 
Project brings hope for E Cape rural youthEastern Cape youth have been advised to stop toyi-toying and reap the fruits of freedom as a R15-million project was launched to develop rural youths into commercial farmers.. Read More...
 
Arid E Cape bush will earn millions in carbon creditsA 400-HECTARE area of Eastern Cape thicket in the Kirkwood area is poised to become the first Eastern Cape project to earn more than R1-million a year in carbon credits in a bid to reduce the world‘s greenhouse gases.. Read More...
 
R700m kick-start for Alcan smelter at CoegaIN a landmark move towards kick-starting construction at the $2,7-billion (R19-billion) Alcan smelter at Coega outside Port Elizabeth, the company yesterday announced that it had signed a R700-million deal with three firms for the plant‘s engineering design.. Read More...
 
Bhisho cash for academy aiding Aids-hit youthEASTERN Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela has allocated a R1,5-million grant to bolster the work of Umzi Wethu, a training and job placement academy for youths from households hit by HIV/Aids, established by the Wilderness Foundation.. Read More...
 
Quigney’s upgrade boom begins‘It could be a catalyst for growth in the rest of East London’. Read More...
 
Work may start soon on Wild Coast toll roadCONSTRUCTION of the controversial N2 Wild Coast toll road between East London and Durban is expected to start “before the end of the year”.. Read More...
 
Alicedale welcomes investment bodyTOURISM town Alicedale was alive with possibility before the arrival today of President Thabo Mbeki and a large entourage of ministers, officials, security and members of his International Investment Council for a three-day conference.. Read More...
 
Bhisho seeks a partner for EC’s first toll roadBHISHO transport chiefs want to recruit big business to run the proposed toll road along most of the coastal R72 between East London and Port Elizabeth.. Read More...
 
EC launches parastatal to organise Asgisa investmentsIN A shrewd move akin to that of the most hardened business tycoon, the Eastern Cape government yesterday launched the first ever parastatal tasked with managing Asgisa investments.. Read More...
 
EC’s R2m job drive gives hope to matricsMORE than 70 unemployed matriculants from the Eastern Cape have been placed in learnerships at the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ).. Read More...
 
NATIONAL PORTS AUTHORITY DONATES R250 000 TO UNIQUE AGRICULTURAL PROJECTThe National Ports Authority of South Africa has come forward as a major corporate sponsor for a unique job creation project initiated by the University of Fort Hare’s Science and Agriculture Faculty.. Read More...
 
E Cape taxi initiative steams aheadA THOUSAND Eastern Cape taxis have already met their end in the jaws of a giant “crusher” since the taxi recapitalisation project was launched in December.. Read More...
 
R5,8bn chlorine gas plant for CoegaTHE Coega Industrial Development Zone yesterday officially signed its 10th investor, which is expected to create about 250 permanent jobs.. Read More...
 
R12m upgrade for State garageTHE Eastern Cape public works department has created more than 40 jobs with the structural upgrading of the government garage building in Port Elizabeth.. Read More...
 
R600m upgrade plan for hospitalsBy Patrick Cull Political Editor THE Eastern Cape health department signed a R600-million public-private partnership (PPP) deal with the Netcare hospitals group yesterday, providing for total refurbishment and upgrading of Grahamstown‘s Settlers Hospital and a brand new hospital for Port Alfred. . Read More...
 
ECDC Playing a key role in developmentSince the inception of the R1,3 billion timber project in the Ugie-Malcear district in late 2005, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has been deeply involved as the implementation arm of the Provincial Government.. Read More...
 
ECDC Playing a key role in developmentSince the inception of the R1,3 billion timber project in the Ugie-Malcear district in late 2005, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has been deeply involved as the implementation arm of the Provincial Government.. Read More...
 
The Eastern Cape Development Corporation - Working hard for job creation and developmentBy working closely with the Eastern Cape Provincial and National government to boost economic development for the region, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has identified sectors that will have the great impact on job creation, empowerment and growth. Read More...
 
CMH ‘facelift’ gets under wayR350m overhaul still a deep mystery – downgrade or upgrade? “We are not reducing it to anything, there is no downgrading, we are upgrading. Let us leave it there”, Nomsa Jajula.. Read More...
 
R10m computer boost for FET colleges in ECA Multimillion rand initiative to boost education facilities at the provinces eight Further Education and Training Colleges is helping rural youth to play their part in the global information technology highway.. Read More...
 
East Cape business boosts fund for poorEASTERN Cape businesses stepped forward at the weekend to raise more than R1,2-million in funds in a single evening to launch a new programme to help the poor, the sick and families hit by disasters in the province.. Read More...
 
New experts ‘an asset to Eastern Cape‘TWO top government scientists have resigned to join the board of Grahamstown business, Coastal & Environmental Services (CES).. Read More...
 
R1bn scheme for BCM infrastructure unveiled‘WE are not elected to whinge’ – Executive Mayor Zintle Peter. Read More...
 
Mt Coke hospital to get major faceliftGhost building to become factory for artificial limbs. Read More...
 
Gravy train comes in again for impoverished East Cape regionIT‘S all aboard as the R117-million Kei Rail project gets on track to reinstate the “moving link” between East London and Mthatha before the end of March.. Read More...