KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal carries the weight of Zulu history—the province name combines the Zulu kingdom (KwaZulu) with the colonial territory (Natal), preserving both identities in uneasy union. The province hosts South Africa's largest agricultural sector, but manufacturing dominates GDP: food, beverages, petroleum, and metals processing concentrate in Durban, Africa's busiest port. The 12.23 million population (19.4% of South Africa) makes KZN the second most populous province, contributing 13% of national GDP. Durban's port infrastructure creates logistical advantages that attract manufacturing investment, yet political instability—including the July 2021 riots that killed over 300 people—demonstrated how ethnic and factional tensions can paralyze economic activity. The 2024 GDP growth of only 0.4% lagged the national average, reflecting these structural challenges. The province's subtropical coast attracts tourism while inland areas face rural poverty characteristic of former Bantustan territories. By 2026, KZN's manufacturing base must navigate political uncertainty, port congestion, and competition from Gauteng's service economy for skilled workers.