Opportunities

South Africa's Richards Bay Coal Terminal is to spend about R1-billion expanding its yearly export capacity to 92-million tons of coal by 2008, making it the biggest such facility in the world.

Global companies with a presence in South Africa all cite numerous advantages for setting up shop in the country, from low labour costs to excellent infrastructure - and a base to export products internationally.

The Media Development and Diversity Agency has approved more funding for community and small commercial media projects as part of its drive to promote plurality of voices in SA's media.

Following the introduction of TelkomInternet via satellite, Telkom is taking its SpaceStream Express product into Africa, offering businesses and other users on the continent fast, reliable access to the Internet.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research has launched an Open Source Centre to help stimulate the adoption of open source software technologies in Africa.

An Australian report into trade and investment opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa has given the region a strong vote of confidence. South Africa and Botswana, in particular, are seen as providing the greatest opportunities for investment.

He's back. Luxury hotel and casino magnate Sol Kerzner, one of South Africa's wealthiest entrepreneurs, has come home in typical style - with the announcement of one of the most expensive hotel developments Africa has ever seen.

Despite the stagnation of global markets, total investment in South Africa grew by more than 8% in the first half of 2003, while private investment expanded by 7%, with net private capital flows expected to top the US$110-billion mark for 2003 - the highest level since the mid-1990s.

As the World Parks Congress theme "Benefits beyond Boundaries" began to unfold at the International Convention Centre in Durban this week, it became clear that spin-offs from protected areas are difficult to measure in monetary terms.

Creating jobs and developing skills among young South Africans are the main aims of the Umsobomvu Youth Fund, which has spent about R470-million on 61 projects over the past two years.