Amazulu World will be a multi billion dollar themed eco-friendly entertainment and mixed-use destination development covering 16 500 hectares on the north coast of Durban.

Despite political worries about South Africa, the government is continuing to invest in infrastructure and the hosting of the 2010 World Cup is expected to attract investors.

Developer Ruwaad said it believes that there is a lot of potential in the country.

"South Africa does not only offer an excellent year-round climate and some of the world's most outstanding natural beauty, but recent developments in the country have been pushing it to become one of the strongest emerging markets in the world," said Hayan Merchant, group chief executive of Ruwaad.

The key to the development, which will be built over the next 25 years, is the variety of zones, according to the developer.

When complete it will be Africa's largest shopping destination, Africa's most comprehensive and advanced sports village development, Africa's largest lifestyle community and Africa's first dedicated education and health village, the developers claim.

Included will be a number of hotels, resorts and spas, a marina, a variety of residential villas, community facilities, and nature reserves.

"With the continued heavy investment in South Africa in infrastructure including upgrading railways and expanding ports and the recent surge of significant foreign investment in telecommunications and tourism projects as well as the 2010 World Cup football tournament coming, the country was a natural choice for this project," added Merchant.

The proposed development is directly north of the Thukela River and is located east and west of the N2 national road that connects the city of Durban with Richards Bay and the rest of the northern KwaZulu-Natal province.

It is also close to the $1 billion new King Shaka International Airport.

The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Sibusiso Ndebele, said he believes that Amazulu World will pave the way forward for even more foreign investment in South Africa.

"Developments like this will make South Africa a sustainable destination of choice and an economic hub that will boost trade, tourism and development for the entire African continent," he said.

-www.propertywire.com.

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