Manufacturing
This sector is mainly characterised by the following types of industries:
Primary sector comprises of heavy industries, such as sugar and paper mill production in the Isithebe Industrial Estate in Mandeni
Secondary sector activities include light industries that are prevalent throughout the district and with a focus on the rural areas of the district.
The manufacturing sector is clustered in Isithebe and is surrounded by informal settlements created by employment opportunities within the area. The manufacturing sector processes raw materials into finished products such as paper, clothing, furniture and electrical appliances. The sector comprises of heavy industries such as sugar and paper mills. The Compensation/Ballito area north of the new King Shaka International Airport has been identified as a special economic opportunity zone. Several light industrial parks such as Imbonini offer high quality mini – factories and stand-alone factory ware- house developments for lease or purchase.