The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) will host a high-level policy dialogue – an extended Chief Executive Officers’ (CEOs) Forum to facilitate discussion on the draft Spatial Industrial Development Strategy (SIDS). The engagement will take place at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in Sandton on Thursday, 26 June 2025, at 10:00.
The purpose of the session is to provide key stakeholders, including business leaders, policymakers, and development partners, the opportunity to interrogate and contribute to the shaping of the strategy before it is finalised. The draft SIDS is a critical instrument in the dtic’s efforts to drive balanced industrial development, support regional economies, and strengthen the role of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) across South Africa.
The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Zuko Godlimpi, will address the event, reinforcing the government’s commitment to collaborative policy-making and inclusive growth.
“This CEOs Forum is not just a meeting of minds; it is a strategic platform to ensure our Spatial Industrial Development Strategy is responsive, inclusive and grounded in the lived realities of business and communities across the country. We want a framework that reflects the voice of industry and responds to regional economic disparities through practical and impactful interventions,” says Godlimpi.
The draft SIDS seeks to unlock growth by promoting geographically targeted industrial activity, enhancing infrastructure coordination, and improving the governance and management of SEZs and industrial parks. It will also aim to better align the work of all spheres of government and institutions responsible for regional economic development.
“Special Economic Zones remain one of the dtic’s flagship programmes to catalyse investment, create decent jobs and strengthen export competitiveness. As we refine this strategy, we must ensure that SEZs are positioned not just as isolated economic pockets, but as integrated drivers of regional and national transformation,” adds Godlimpi.
the dtic expects the dialogue to yield valuable insights and practical recommendations that will enhance the impact and implementation of the strategy. The final strategy will serve as a roadmap for more coherent and spatially just industrial development across South Africa.
Members of the media who are interested in covering the event are requested to submit their names to Charles Mnisi via email at Cmnisi@thedtic.gov.za or via mobile on 082 520 3475.
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
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