EXPANSION OPERATION CREATES 1 800 JOBS FOR KZN YOUTH

KwaZulu-Natal’s growing reputation as a leading destination for Global Business Services investment has received a significant boost with the official launch of Outworx’s operations within the Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone precinct. Outworx, one of South Africa’s leading outsourcing companies, officially moved into the new iZiko@Dube building in May 2026 and has already started operations.

The expansion is expected to create around 1,800 job opportunities for young people in KwaZulu-Natal, helping to boost employment and support the province’s youth development goals. To date, more than 300 young people have been employed, with the remaining positions to be filled through a phased recruitment process. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi, said the investment by Outworx at Dube TradePort represents a major boost for the provincial economy and, most importantly, for young people. Through the creation of 1,800 sustainable job opportunities, Outworx will provide youth with valuable skills, work experience and a pathway to long-term careers in the growing Global Business Services sector.

Russell Curtis, from Invest Durban, welcomed the expansion, describing it as a significant vote of confidence in KwaZulu-Natal as an investment destination. “The Outworx expansion is an excellent example of the kind of investment that KwaZulu-Natal needs to accelerate inclusive economic growth and create meaningful opportunities for our young people. The scale of the job creation, combined with the skills development and international focus of the business, makes this a particularly valuable investment for the province. “Dube TradePort provides world-class infrastructure and an enabling environment for globally connected businesses, and Outworx’s decision to expand its operations here demonstrates the competitiveness of our region.

Outworx, one of South Africa’s leading outsourcing companies, has moved into the new iZiko@Dube building.

It also reinforces Durban’s position as a gateway for international business services and a destination where companies can grow and access a talented workforce. “Invest Durban congratulates Outworx on this important expansion and welcomes the contribution it will make to KwaZulu-Natal’s economy. We look forward to seeing this investment grow and to attracting more companies that recognise the significant opportunities available in Durban and the wider province.” The launch marks another important milestone in KwaZulu-Natal’s efforts to attract investment into the high-growth Global Business Services sector, which has emerged as one of South Africa’s most successful job-creating industries.

Through strategic partnerships, Outworx offers unemployed youth with no previous work experience access to a fully funded 12 week training programme. The programme equips participants with workplace skills, customer service expertise and business process knowledge, ultimately preparing them for guaranteed employment opportunities within the company. “Over the past 13 years, we have worked hard to establish Outworx as a provider of world-class customer service and to position South Africa as a leading destination for outsourced business services. We have spent years building confidence among European, UK and North American businesses in South Africa’s capabilities.

Our expansion into Dube TradePort reflects our strategy to grow beyond insurance and offer services across sectors such as retail, travel, hospitality, telecommunications, media and financial services while creating meaningful employment opportunities,” said Robin Hoekstra, CEO of Outworx. According to the industry body Business Process Enabling South Africa, South Africa’s Global Business Services sector has recorded remarkable growth over the past five years, driven by a highly skilled, English-speaking workforce, competitive operating costs, world-class infrastructure and strong government support.

Industry projections indicate that the sector has the potential to contribute up to 500,000 cumulative jobs nationally by 2030. Dube TradePort’s CEO Hamish Erskine said the development reflects the organisation’s commitment to facilitating investor-driven growth and job creation. The precinct has developed an enabling environment for investors operating in globally connected industries, including business process outsourcing, technology, media, manufacturing and logistics. The Outworx expansion therefore represents more than the growth of a single business. It highlights KwaZulu-Natal’s ability to attract investment into high-growth sectors, while demonstrating how strategic investment can translate into employment, skills development and greater economic opportunities for the province’s young people.

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