Mbhazima Shilowa’s office commands a riveting view of Johannesburg’s economically reviving Central Business District. But right now, the premier of Gauteng province, his back to the window, is talking to a visitor about the fine points of air freighting roses.

Nurseries in the province’s West Rand area grow and export the flowers, but Mr Shilowa thinks the industry has yet to reach its full potential. Gauteng’s location means gardeners can cut the roses by 4 o’clock in the afternoon, in time for the overnight flights to Europe and the Middle East. “By the time the flowers arrive in London, the flower market is opening,” he says.