N3 corridor drives investor interest in uMgungundlovu District

Growing investor confidence along the N3 corridor is positioning uMgungundlovu for major economic development, with R27,2 billion in investment pledges expected to stimulate growth across the district, Mayor Mzi Zuma said.

The commitments, which include two proposed R10 billion developments, are a significant increase on the R4,1 billion pledged in 2025 and could bring new industries, jobs and business opportunities to Pietermaritzburg and surrounding towns.

“What we are starting to see now is positive growth and interest along the N3 corridor. These catalytic projects will place a large amount of secondary economic growth in regions such as Richmond, uMshwathi and Impendle,” said Zuma.

The investments, announced at the KwaZulu-Natal Investment Conference at the Durban International Convention Centre, include plans for a smart city, an industrial and logistics hub, manufacturing facilities and a film production zone.

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Zuma said the proposed Creative Economic Zone could also create opportunities linked to South Africa’s R270 billion creative media industry.

uMgungundlovu Economic Development Agency (Umeda) chief executive Mike Newton said the proposed developments in manufacturing, agriculture, retail, logistics and the creative economy could stimulate economic activity in Mooi River, Mkhambathini and the Midlands.

The largest commitment is the Goodall Family Trust’s proposed R10 billion Wingrove Smart City in Msunduzi. The development envisages a new town with 10 000 houses, commercial facilities, educational institutions, light industry and recreational amenities.

A second R10 billion pledge is for an industrial and logistics development at Umlaas Road, covering 310 hectares along the N3 corridor across Msunduzi and Mkhambathini.

Investment has reportedly been secured from a multinational soft drinks manufacturer for a 32-hectare manufacturing facility, while negotiations for a separate brewing and bottling operation are at an advanced stage. The project is expected to create 22 000 construction jobs and 15 000 permanent positions.

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In Mpofana, Cedar Falls Properties 205 is well advanced in pre-development work that could unlock a multibillion-rand, multi-phase project in Mooi River. Plans include a country estate, 1 000 residential units, a hotel and an international-standard golf course.

The project is intended to align with the region’s strong educational character, agricultural base and growing industrialisation plans.

NMD Construction has separately pledged R2 billion for a 300-hectare Mooi River dry port with logistics facilities, container handling, light industry and a solar farm.

Pambili Media has pledged R300 million towards the proposed Umeda Film City and Creative Economic Zone in uMngeni, which will include film studios, sound stages, post-production facilities and training opportunities.

Other commitments include R200 million from Barnes Properties for developments including Arbour Arch, Hilton Forest Waters and a Brookside Mall extension.

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MSFU Wood has pledged R100 million for a plywood manufacturing facility expected to create up to 300 permanent jobs. Thornville Square Holdings has committed R100 million towards a shopping centre and service station along the R56 outside Pietermaritzburg, with 170 permanent jobs projected.

Newton also pointed to a reported 5,4% year-on-year increase in domestic investment in the district. The R27,2 billion forms part of R124,576 billion pledged across KwaZulu-Natal, placing uMgungundlovu third among the province’s districts, behind eThekwini and King Cetshwayo.

• Investment pledges are subject to market conditions, institutional funding and the requisite land-use authorisations.• This article was produced in collaboration with uMgungundlovu Economic Development Agency (Umeda).