By Helmo Preuss

Gauteng, South Africa's industrial powerhouse, which although it has the smallest land area accounts for 33.8% of South Africa's total gross domestic product (GDP), was the champion of the 2002 growth league with a growth rate of 5.3% compared with a national growth rate of 3.6%.

Gauteng was also the growth leader in 2000 with a 5.0% increase compared with the national gain of 3.5%.

The Limpopo province was the fastest growing province in 2001 with a 6.1%  rise compared with a national increase of 2.7%.

These provincial growth rates emerged from Statistics SA's (Stats SA) second annual regional breakdown of GDP.

Limpopo also emerged as the fastest growing economy from 1996 to last year, with a growth rate of 4.0% overall, compared with the national average of 2.8%.

It has led the growth league three times over the past seven years with additional number ones in 1997 and 1998.

The Free State led in 1999 and the North West was the leader in 1996, when it had a 9.1% increase compared with a national rise of 4.3%.

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