Infrastructure new CEO’s priority

ESTABLISHING effective infrastructure to drive Richards Bay’s development objectives to become KZN’s prime investment hub is a key priority for Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone’s (RBIDZ) new chief executive officer (CEO) Pumi Motsoahae.

He took office on 1 December equipped with 18 years of working experience at Transnet as Port Planning Manager, Infrastructure Manager and Executive Manager of Integrated Planning at the Durban port.

His resumé includes managing infrastructure projects like Durban’s R4.5-billion Capital Works Programme and motivating prominent acquisitions such as the King Shaka International Airport.

‘Given my familiarity with planning, strategy, funding, capital management and infrastructure investment, I was happy to accept this role at RBIDZ,’ said Motsoahae.

‘I was also pleased with statistics showing that northern KZN is densely populated and therefore has sufficient human resources.

‘My objectives are to address inequality and unemployment and alleviate poverty in this area.

‘I also wish to successfully shift Zululand from being a largely agricultural area to a more industrialised hub to improve the regional economic climate.’

Motsoahae said RBIDZ will largely focus on its properties this year.

These projects include ‘Phase 1A’, which is currently being developed for light industry, and ‘Phase 1F’, which will become a R4.5-billion titanium dioxide pigment plant.

‘It is important to drive infrastructure development to create employment opportunities,’ said Motsoahae.

‘Phase 1A has already created around 450 jobs during its construction phase alone.’

His long-term vision for Richards Bay is to see the town evolve into a world-class metropolitan area.

‘I think Richards Bay could become a Dubai or Singapore.

‘After all, 40 years ago these cities were in exactly the same position as Richards Bay is today.

‘I’m very passionate about the RBIDZ and I found an enthusiastic and capable team to work with.

‘We can use the industrial development zones as a platform providing excellence and a wide array of opportunities for others to achieve excellence.

‘But first, we need infrastructure!’