Gavin Labuschagne, KwaZulu-Natal regional manager of networking vendor 3Com SA, has slammed Microsoft`s decision to close its Durban office.
He says it is important for the future of Durban - and KwaZulu-Natal as a whole - that major vendors maintain a strong presence in the province.
"The region is no backwater," he says. "It has everything to offer, including a better quality of life for employees, no major traffic restrictions, a healthy climate, as well as access to a major port and efficient air links.
"In fact," stresses Labuschagne, "there is no reason why major corporates should not locate their South African head offices in KwaZulu-Natal.
"Modern technology has made the location of a head office irrelevant as the Internet has created the concept of the `global marketplace`. There is now no reason for companies to opt for Gauteng as the preferred location for their seat of power.
"Moreover, companies that support Durban remotely from their Gauteng bases are realising that this market is becoming increasingly viable and one that cannot be neglected. There is huge potential in the Durban market."
Labuschagne has called on the KZN government and KZN industry chiefs to do all they can to promote Durban and encourage international organisations to view KwaZulu-Natal as the first choice of location when looking to set up an office in SA.
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