Johannesburg: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), alongside the Gauteng Provincial Government and the Local Municipalities of Lesedi and Midvaal, is scheduled to host public consultations regarding the proposed designation of the Vaal Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

According to South African Government News Agency, this initiative follows the announcement made on 3 March 2026 by Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, inviting public comments on the proposed SEZ. The initial consultation session is planned for 8 April at the Meyerton Town Hall, offering businesses and stakeholders a platform to express their views and share ideas on the SEZ with leaders from national, provincial, and local government.

This consultation will pave the way for a larger engagement scheduled at the Vereeniging Civic Centre in the Sedibeng District. The proposed Vaal SEZ is set to encompass five land parcels located in Heidelberg, Rietspruit, Langlaagte, Zwartkopjies, and Kookfontein, as reported by the department. The sites are strategically positioned near major population centers and key transportation infrastructure, aligning with the goals of the Sedibeng District Municipality's District Development Model and District One Plan.

The Vaal SEZ aims to leverage the region's investment opportunities, focusing on green industrialisation to establish a hub for low carbon manufacturing and renewable energy. Plans also include significant investments in the food, agriculture, and agro-industries value chain, as well as gateway logistics to capitalize on Sedibeng District's locational advantages. Furthermore, the SEZ will explore investments in the blue economy and tourism sector centered around the Vaal River, alongside the development of a smart city and an aerotropolis to propel urban growth.

Additionally, the Vaal SEZ intends to build robust local linkages between township and rural economies, enhancing and strengthening value chains within the region.