A REGIONAL OVERVIEW OF THE
WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE
Innovation and strong exports are serving the provincial economy well.
P
eople are moving to the Western Cape. Tourists in increasing numbers are flying direct to Cape Town before travelling up the Garden Route to sample the delights of the Knysna lagoon or along the R62 to experience the Little Karoo. Asset managers are setting up headquarters in Cape Town. Business leaders are “semi-grating” to George. For many reasons, the Western Cape is experiencing a net inflow of people, attracted to
the province’s good infrastructure and opportunities in several strong economic sectors. About 150 000 South Africans have moved to the Western Cape from other parts of South Africa in a decade. A shortage of water, however, is proving to be a real concern, the result of a years-long drought. Measures have been put in place in greater Cape Town to create from seawater about 500 000 litres of drinkable water per day from desalination plants.