| Cape Town’s workforce consists of just over
1.3 million people, and the city’s real GDP growth rate for 2002 is
forecast at 3.5 – 4 percent.
In a study commissioned by the South African Wine Industry Information
and Systems (SAWIS), and based on 1999 figures, it was found that the wine
industry contributes R14 557 million to the annual GDP of the country.
With its roots firmly embedded in the Western Cape, an estimated 60 per
cent of the industry’s activities have an impact on the region’s
economy. In 1999 that amounted to about 9,7 per cent of the Western Cape’s
total Gross Geographical Product (GGP).
Analysts said a rough estimate indicated that of the R14 557 million
GDP contribution, about R8 700 million would remain in the Western Cape.
South African wine exports over the past five years have grown beyond
all expectations, while wine-related tourism has also flourished.
The wine industry, in 1999, provided employment opportunities, directly
and indirectly, for a total of 208 298 people in various sectors ranging
from primary agriculture, to cellars, manufacturing, wholesale and retail,
as well as tourism. Of these, 159 952 people were involved with the
different facets relating to the industry and 48 346 were tourism related.
Cape Town is not only the powerhouse of the Western Cape region, but it
is also renowned as one of the world's most beautiful and exciting cities
- sharing the number one position in African tourism with Cairo .
The seat of South Africa's parliament, the city's natural splendour,
cultural diversity and colourful history have made it increasingly
attractive for international conferences and meetings of leaders. The
International Convention Centre will further help
Cape Town
cement its leading edge position on the continent.
A relatively mature demographic structure, comparatively high literacy and
school attendance rates and a superior higher education infrastructure -
five residential universities/technikons and a wide range of technical and
other public as well as private colleges - have enabled the region to
participate with some confidence in the increasingly competitive global
economy.
The natural beauty of the region and its attractive living environment are
key factors to attract skilled and entrepreneurial people from upcountry
and from all over the world. Good schools and health facilities, a vast
array of sports and recreational facilities, a relatively low cost of
modern living and vibrant cultural expressions add to the attractions.
Further economic and investment information is available from Wesgro:
www.wesgro.org.za -
zeenat@wesgro.org.za
WOSA: www.wine.co.za - kevin@wine.co.za |
