the dti’s Economic Development Programmes Making Impressive Impact in Limpopo – Deputy Minister Majola |
| The economic development programmes that are being implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) in Limpopo are making commendable impact in the province. This is according to the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Fikile Majola. Majola was speaking at the conclusion of the site visit that he conducted at the Seshego Industrial Park in Polokwane. Majola was accompanied by the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in Limpopo, Mr Thabo Mokone.
The purpose of the visit was to assess the impact of the department ‘s Revitalisation of Industrial Parks and Special Economic Zones programmes. The site visit was preceded by a comprehensive briefing session where officials that are responsible for the implementation of the two programmes briefed the political leadership on their progress and impact in the province. The officials reported that an investment of R40 million and R35 million was injected by the dti into the upgrading of the Nkowankowa and Seshego industrial parks, respectively, under the department’s Revitalisation of Industrial Parks Programme. They also heard about the Musina/Makhado and Fetakgomo/Tubatse Special Economic Zones that are being developed as part of the department’s Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Programme. The Makhado/Musina SEZ has an investment pipeline of more than R250 billion at the current dollar-rand-exchange, while Fetakgomo/Tubatse SEZ’s investment pipeline amounts to R25 billion. “As a department we are impressed by the good progress and the impressive impact that our economic development programmes have made in Limpopo. For instance, the revitalisation of the parks, which focused mainly on the security features as part of the first phase, has resulted in the two parks’ occupancy rate increasing, attracted more companies to locate their operations in the parks, and inspired other companies to maintain their presence in the parks or expand their operations. The bigger and long-lasting impact of all of these was the creation of hundreds of jobs that as government we are so committed to in order to deal with the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality,” said Majola. He added that the two special economic zones that are developing in Limpopo will contribute significantly in boosting the economy of the province in particular, and that of South Africa in general. These, he said, have attracted the interest of international and domestic investors that are eager to take advantage of the benefits and incentives offered by government as part of the SEZ Programme. “Another important reason for visiting the industrial parks and SEZs in different parts of the country is that we want to ensure that the national and provincial departments work in tandem when it comes to economic development programmes. Today I learnt with glee that the Musina/Makhado SEZ will be the biggest in the country once it reaches its full operational stage. This feat will be achieved only if our departments are working together. Ensuring that the industrial parks are fully occupied with tenants who will be able to create jobs and grow the economy also requires all of us to put our shoulders on the wheel and pull together in the same direction,” emphasised Majola.
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