The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Zuko Godlimpi says the proposed Vaal Special Economic Zone (SEZ) aimed at revitalise the economy of the economy by driving reindustrialisation and bringing back its manufacturing strength.
He was speaking to community stakeholders and local entrepreneurs who attended the public consultation meeting hosted at the Vereeniging Town Hall. The meeting is part critical processes necessary for the establishment of an SEZ and was held in partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government, Sedibeng District Municipality among other stakeholders.
Last month, Minister Parks Tau published a 30-day public consultation notice for stakeholders and the public to submit comments on the proposed designation of the Vaal Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
An SEZ is a designated area where we as government create a supportive environment for businesses to invest, produce, and grow. This includes infrastructure, incentives, streamlined regulations, and strategic planning to attract industries that can create jobs and stimulate economic activity.
Godlimpi told attendees that the move to designate the SEZ follows eight years of extensive work done within the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) to study the causes of the collapse of the manufacturing might of the region 30 years ago and to explore new policy instruments that would revive and protect it going forward.
“This region already has strong foundations. It has industrial capacity, strategic location advantages, access to major transport routes, and a workforce with experience and potential. What has been missing is coordinated investment, modernisation, and new economic drivers aligned with the future. The Vaal SEZ addresses exactly that. It is structured to drive reindustrialisation, bringing back manufacturing strength while adapting to modern economic demands. It will focus on sectors such as green industrialisation, agro-processing, logistics, energy, and the blue economy linked to the Vaal River,” he said.
As job creation is one of the key objectives, he said during the initial phase of construction alone, the project is expected to create over 4,000 direct jobs and more than 1,300 indirect jobs highlighting there will be opportunities for local contractors, artisans, suppliers, and workers.
“Economic transformation cannot happen without human development. The SEZ will stimulate demand for skills training, apprenticeships, and partnerships with educational institutions. Young people in this region must not remain spectators, they must become participants in the economy. By creating jobs, supporting businesses, and restoring economic activity, we directly address some of the root causes of crime. Economic inclusion is one of the most effective tools for building safer communities,” he added.
Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Zuko Godlimpi addressing attendees at the public participation meeting held at the Vereeniging Town Hall on the designation of the Vaal Special Economic Zone.
Community stakeholders and local entrepreneurs came out in large numbers to participate in the discussions and gave the Vaal SEZ a resounding yes.
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