THE Special Economic Zones (SEZ’s) are expected to significantly contribute in rebuilding the economy of Gauteng post COVID-19, Gauteng Premier David Makhura said on Monday.
Makhura delivered his 2022 state of the province address (Sopa) from the Brixton multipurpose centre on Monday.
He said the Growing Gauteng Together (GGT2030) prioritises the transformation, modernisation and re-industrialisation of the 10 high-growth sectors, which are linked to the roll-out of the Special Economic Zones in the five corridors and the township economic revitalisation.
He said it was the province’s goal to have at least one Special Economic Zone in each district or metro, specialising in distinct sectors and industries in each corridor.
He said the construction of the Tshwane Automotive SEZ amid the pandemic demonstrated Gauteng government’s sense of urgency and the kind of emergency response required to deal with the economic challenges.
“I am happy to give an update that there are 12 component manufacturers which are already operating in the Tshwane SEZ while construction work is continuing,”said Makhura.
“I am pleased to announce that in line with the commitment we made in the last SOPA, 3440 permanent jobs have been created, exceeding the target of 3288 jobs. Thus far R1 billion has already been spent through the construction phase on SMMEs from Mamelodi township using what is now recognised as a benchmark local contractor development system nationally. It’s all-systems-go hopefully we will soon witness the manufacturing of the first new Ford Ranger at the Tshwane Automotive SEZ.”
Makhura also announced that a major new development regarding the Vaal River SEZ is the R45 Billion commitment by local investors at the October 2021Sedibeng Investment Conference.
The Vaal River SEZ will host the following critical sectors: the new Vaal River Smart City, Green Hydrogen Innovation Hub, the cannabis hub, agro-logistics, aerotropolis, aerodrome, air freight and the revitalised steel manufacturing sector.
He said all the four municipalities in the district have collectively made land available for this SEZ development.
“Notwithstanding some delays in the finalisation of the master plan, we are firmly on track to kickstart the revitalisation of the Sedibeng economy this year. The construction of the next phase of OR Tambo SEZ, remains on track, albeit with challenges,” said Makhura.
“We are engaging our anchor tenants, such as the De Beers Diamonds and In2Food Factory, to consider expanding their portfolio of investment to grow the economy and create more job opportunities.”
A new major development to report towards the realisation of the West Rand Agri-SEZ is the commitment by Maximum Group to invest R20 billion in an agri-processing hub and industrial park.
The premier said the provincial government, working in conjunction with the Presidency has established the project management office (PMO) for the Lanseria Smart City development.
The main focus of the PMO is to drive the implementation of the master plan by focusing on two critical areas, namely; securing sufficient land and ensuring acceleration of bulk infrastructure investment which will unlock R85 Billion worth of 8 private sector investment.
Lanseria will be a hub of the digital technology and services corridor, anchored by the new Hi-Tech SEZ in Lanseria.
“We are laying the ground for the Global Business Services SEZ at Nasrec by deploying, through our action lab partnership with the sector, a plug and play global business services hub,” said Makhura.
He said Gauteng remains a leading player in the national economy and a critical contributor to the continental economy.
The GGT2030, his administration’s current provincial plan of action, was introduced to cement Gauteng’s position nationally and in the continent by doubling the size of the Gauteng economy and the number of people employed.
“It also seeks to increase exports to the continent, to drastically reduce poverty and promote economic empowerment of those who continue to be excluded from the mainstream of the economy,” said Makhura.
- * Inside Politics
