The Ithala Development Finance Corporation (IDFC) board conducted a strategic site visit to the Isithebe Industrial Estate to assess regional economic development and investment opportunities.
The team inspected the offices at the Isithebe Industrial Estate, where board members carried out evaluations and observed key facilities.
During a discussion, Nombulelo Bheja (Property Manager for North Retail North Region) emphasized the estate’s importance in fostering industrial growth. “Isithebe serves as a vital hub for manufacturing and job creation in KZN. We aim to attract investors while also supporting existing businesses,” she remarked.
Bheja highlighted ongoing challenges, including the need for infrastructure maintenance and increased collaboration with the private sector. Sundumbili Plaza is one of the projects featuring a space of 13,800 square meters, housing tenants like Shoprite, Bluff Meat Supply, Russell, and various local businesses. The building has recently been renovated following riots. We engage with our tenants when finalizing leases to understand how many people they are hiring for job opportunities.
She noted that IDFC is committed to improving operational efficiency and unlocking the estate’s full economic potential.
This inspection is part of IDFC’s broader initiatives, which include the appointment of Mr. Khayelihle Emmanuel Mpungose as the Chairman of the new board of directors for the Ithala Development Finance Corporation (IDFC), aimed at promoting inclusive growth, enhancing accountability, and strengthening support for small and medium enterprises across KwaZulu-Natal.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
