South Africa Cape Town

Situated in the Western Cape and known as ‘the Mother City’, Cape Town was the first city to develop in South Africa, and is today the seat of the country’s parliament and a premier international tourist destination, occupying the number one spot in South Africa.

While the Western Cape is home to roughly 10% of South Africa’s population, it contributes almost 15% of national output. According to Statistics South Africa, the Western Cape’s population in 2006 was 4.7 million people, with regional gross domestic product (GDP) at around R174.3 billion. As the powerhouse of the Western Cape, Cape Town offers numerous business opportunities, while its natural splendour makes it an attractive place to live and work. Boasting a colourful history and a range of cultures, it is also a preferred destination for international meetings and conferences, a position that is cemented by its state-of-the-art International Convention Centre. Wesgro, the official trade and investment promotion agency for the Western Cape Province, notes that Cape Town’s relatively mature demographic structure, comparatively high literacy and school attendance rates and a superior higher education infrastructure (including five residential universities/technikons and a range of other further education and training organisations), enable the city to participate actively in South Africa’s economy. Good schools, healthcare facilities and an extensive range of recreational facilities further reinforce Cape Town’s allure for businesses and families alike. Wesgro has identified several growth sectors within the province, one of which is the film industry, estimated to be worth R2.5 billion per year with positive spin-offs to the hospitality, clothing and carpentry industries. Preliminary work on the much anticipated R430-million Cape Town Film Studios, formerly known as Dreamworld Film City, has begun. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs in the next few years.