Steelpoort:A total of 141 companies have committed to investing in various Special Economic Zones (SEZs) across South Africa. These investments, valued at over R548 billion, are expected to create more than 60,000 permanent jobs once operational.
According to South African Government News Agency, the announcement was made by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, during a ministerial engagement at the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone (FTSEZ) in Steelpoort, Limpopo. During his address, Minister Tau highlighted the success of SEZs in hosting 234 private companies with a combined investment value of over R47 billion, creating 134,478 jobs, of which 32,904 are permanent.
The objective of the ministerial engagement was to facilitate a direct dialogue between national and provincial government representatives, local stakeholders, industry representatives, and traditional leadership on the development and implementation of the FTSEZ. Minister Tau emphasized the growing confidence of investors in the SEZ programme and South Africa as a viable investment destination.
In support of industrialization goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area, new SEZs such as Nkomazi, Fetakgomo Tubatse, and Musina Makhado have already initiated infrastructure development to attract investments. The FTSEZ, designated in May, is expected to generate around 8,000 jobs in the medium term and potentially 20,000 jobs over the next decade, with a R52.6 billion investment pipeline.
Strategically located in the Steelpoort industrial hub, the FTSEZ is designed to bolster mineral beneficiation, manufacturing, renewable energy, and related industrial activities. Positioned between major ferrochrome smelters and surrounded by significant platinum and chrome operations, the zone aims to enhance mineral processing, metal fabrication, and manufacturing capabilities.
Representing Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Dr. Tshitereke Matibe reiterated the provincial government's commitment to the development of the FTSEZ. A provincial investment of R445 million towards infrastructure underscores the aim to attract investors and support industrial operations, aligning with a vision to create economic value from locally extracted minerals and strengthen domestic supply chains.