The South African Government makes the decision to invest in a new international airport outside Durban, recognising that this would promote sustainable economic growth and development.
2003
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government establishes Dube TradePort Company to facilitate the development of a world-class aviation-linked export platform, as a catalyst for private sector investment and sustainable employment creation. The company, comprising just four individuals – Mr Rohan Persad, as CEO, and staff members Ms Joanne Hyatt (nee Winter), Mr Hamish Erskine and Mr Owen Mungwe and, shortly thereafter, joined by Mr Ahmed Bassa and Ms Jabu Ninela – were tasked with the responsibility for the strategic planning, design, construction, operation, management and control of what has grown to become the Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone we know today.
2004
The National Government supports the establishment of Dube TradePort and new international airport as a Public-Public Partnership and the National Assembly is informed that the project is to be ‘fast-tracked’.
2005
Development of an integrated Master Plan and other preparatory endeavours are undertaken, paving the way for the construction of Dube TradePort, incorporating King Shaka International Airport.
2006
Dube TradePort and Airports Company South Africa sign a Co-operation Agreement, defining the roles to be played by the respective organisations. This marks the most significant Public-Public Partnership to successfully construct a project of such magnitude and gives effect to the eventual realisation of the vision behind the long-term Master Plan. The parties successfully procure a suitable and capable consortium to undertake construction on time and to specification.
2007
The iLembe Consortium is appointed to construct Dube TradePort and attendant King Shaka International Airport. An Environmental Impact Assessment is issued for construction and work commences on the project.
2008
Construction gathers momentum and assurance of on-time project delivery is provided. The project exceeds its Black Economic Empowerment targets.
2009
The National Council of Provinces praises developmental progress at the Dube TradePort construction site during a week-long fact-finding mission in KwaZulu-Natal.
2010
Dube Cargo Terminal and King Shaka International Airport open for business on schedule. The airport has the capacity to handle 7.2 million passengers per annum in its first phase, growing to 45 million by 2060. Its 3.7km runway – the longest at sea-level in South Africa – is capable of accommodating the latest new generation wide-body aircraft and freighters. The facility will be able to deal with in excess of 2 million tonnes of cargo a year off a dual runway system by 2060. Dube TradePort Corporation sets about attracting investors and partners for the effective business usage of the air logistics platform:
April:
First Dube TradeHouse tenant, Keringa-Petwings signs lease;
May:
Then KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Dr Zweli Mkhize, unveils the Memorial Garden within Dube TradePort. Five Black Rhino are delivered to Dube Cargo Terminal for transportation.
Valuable Cargo Terminal, operated by Brinks, commences operations.
June:
First international freighter, an Emirates Sky Cargo Boeing 747–400F, arrives at Dube Cargo Terminal.
July: First Dube TradeHouse tenant takes occupation: Consolidation & Wholesale Cargo East Coast.
August: A Memorandum of Understanding is signed with Qutom Farms, becoming the first agricultural operator within Dube AgriZone.
September:
Construction of Dube TradeHouse 1 is completed.
2011
March:
An air bridge, comprising an Overhead Conveyer System connecting Dube TradeHouse with Dube Cargo Terminal, becomes operational.
April:
Legislation is Gazetted providing for Dube TradePort’s transition from being a Section 21 Company to a Schedule 3C Provincial Public Entity, effective 01 April 2011. The wholly-owned Government entity is tasked with driving the development of Dube Cargo Terminal and Dube AiRoad at the airport, together with the adjacent Dube TradeZone, Dube AgriZone and Dube City, all of which are supported by Dube iConnect, a dedicated IT and telecommunications provider.
May:
First harvest of cucumbers grown within Dube AgriZone.
June:
First harvest of the tomatoes grown within Dube AgriZone.
August:
Dube TradePort Corporation takes occupation of both its new Head Office, 29° South, located in Dube City and Dube AgriHouse, situated in Dube AgriZone.
September:
Dube TradePort Corporation hosts Africa’s inaugural cargo and aviation conference, the Air Cargo Summit Africa 2011, attracting some 120 local and international cargo and related industry delegates.
November:
First harvest of the peppers grown within Dube AgriZone.
2012
March:
The then President of South Africa, Dr Jacob Zuma, visits Dube TradePort to officially open Dube AgriZone and its greenhouses, as well as opening Dube Square and unveiling a statue of John Dube. Leading South African logistics giant, the Durban-based Shree Property Group, becomes the first private sector investor to take up premises within Dube TradePort, after signing a multi-million Rand, 18-site deal, so becoming Dube TradeZone’s single largest tenant. Mr Michael Mabuyakhulu, the then MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, appoints a new Board for Dube TradePort Corporation, comprising: Dr Bridgette Gasa (Chairperson), Ms Carol Silindile Sibiya (Deputy Chairperson), Mr Velenkosini Lindokuhle Mtshali, Mr Graham Muller and Mr Mewa Ramgobin.
December:
With fixed assets worth R2.6 billion and private sector investment of some R400 million, Dube TradePort Corporation’s staff complement grows to 162 individuals.
2013
Dube AgriZone’s achieves its first export contract, namely the provision of cut flowers exported to Europe.
Following an agreement with SA Express, direct air routes are launched between Durban and Lusaka (Zambia) and between Durban and Harare (Zimbabwe).
2014
July:
South Africa’s National Minister of the Department of Trade and Industry designated Dube TradePort an Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) on 1 July. IDZ status is considered prestigious, as it carries with it a range of benefits for enterprises located within such a zone. Importantly, it is also linked to one of the South African Government’s key priorities, being the promotion of foreign and local direct investment into South Africa.
2015
April:
Dube TradePort Corporation broke ground on a double basement parking structure within Dube City, which will provide a solid foundation for the first private investment in the precinct. The development is planned to accommodate 573 parking bays and is located adjacent to Dube TradePort’s own Head Office, 29° South.
May:
Dube TradePort Corporation, in collaboration with KwaZulu-Natal’s then MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Michael Mabuyakhulu, officially opened International Trade Avenue on 26 May. This 3.25km dual carriageway marks an important milestone for Dube TradePort’s implementation of its industrial development strategy for the next 20 years.
November:
A new direct route between Istanbul and Durban commences.
December:
New direct routes between Addis Ababa and Durban and between Doha and Durban commences.
2016
March:
In accordance with the Special Economic Zones Act No. 16 of 2014, the Dube TradePort Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) is now officially regarded as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
October: New direct routes between Windhoek and Durban and between Gaborone and Durban commenced.
December: Yangtze Optics Africa Cable establishes a fibre optic cable facility in Dube TradeZone 1.
2017
March:
A new direct route between Seychelles and Durban commences.
August:
iDube Cold Storage is established as a multi-purpose facility.
April:
Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft delivers 80 tonnes of highly-specialised spools through Dube Cargo Terminal.
2019
September:
Launch of the Durban Aerotropolis master plan and visitor centre.
October:
Mara Phones launches a cell phone manufacturing facility.
November:
Dube TradePort Corporation wins the 2019 United Nations Investment Promotions Awards for Promoting Sustainable Investment in Special Economic Zones.
December:
Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone was announced as the winner of the 2019 Femoza “Best Practice in Free and Special Economic Zones Awards (Awarded by the United Nations affiliated FERMOZA)
