The Acting Deputy Director-General of Investment and Spatial Industrial Development at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Mr Maoto Molefane says the beneficiation of South Africa’s minerals at the source will contribute significantly in stimulating economic growth and job creation in the country.
Molefane was delivering a speech on South Africa’s outlook at the Limpopo Investment Conference in Polokwane. The conference was also addressed by the Deputy President, Mr Paul Mashatile and the Premier of Limpopo, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba,
Molefane presented a positive outlook, describing it as characterised by gradual improvement, not rapid growth.
“The outlook is for gradual improvement, not rapid growth. The South African Reserve Bank forecast growth of 1.2% for 2026, 1.7% for 2027 and 1.9% for 2028. However, it is not all doom and gloom. South Africa still remains an important base for investment into Africa. We have a diversified economy, established industries and major mineral resources. In 2025, our goods trade surplus was R201.6 billion. We are also seeing progress well in areas that have held investment back,” said Molefane.
Staying on the optimism lane, Molefane added that the country’s electricity supply has improved, more private power projects were being developed, and private operators were gaining access to the rail network.
“In addition, the government has a R1.07 trillion public infrastructure plan over three years. Progress in electricity and logistics should help businesses operate more reliably. Growth may remain weak, but these reforms are creating new opportunities for investors. Energy is one of the clearest areas for new investment. Opportunities go beyond solar and wind farms. They include batteries, power transmission, electricity trading and supplying power directly to mines and factories,” noted Molefane.
He stressed that the beneficiation of minerals at the source would add impetus to the country’s economic growth, resulting in multiple jobs being created through the value chain.
“South Africa has a strong position in platinum, manganese and chrome. The bigger opportunity is to do more with these minerals before they leave the country. That includes refining, producing battery materials, making components and supplying mining equipment. This is how investment can support local manufacturing and jobs, rather than only extraction,” emphasised Molefane.
He said Limpopo offers potential investors in mineral beneficiation several practical advantages, including that production can be located close to minerals, as well as ample farms, energy facilities and reliable regional transport routes.
“Limpopo has platinum, chrome, vanadium, copper and phosphate resources. The Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone located in Sekhukhune offers a platform for mineral processing. An added advantage is that a business based in South Africa and operating in any sector can reach markets beyond our borders. through the Southern African Customs Union, Southern African Development Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he noted.
“Companies can access regional and wider African markets under the relevant trade rules. Agreements with the European Union and the United Kingdom also support exports. This gives investors more reasons to locate production here,” said Molefane.
Molefane urged investors at the conference to consider the variety of sectors in which South Africa was ready to attract investment. He said these included renewable energy, green hydrogen, automotive components, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, mining equipment, agriculture, agro-processing and digital infrastructure.
“Investors do not have to enter only through raw materials. They can invest in factories, equipment, services, transport, storage and exports. Our focus is to build stronger local industries and connect investors to opportunities across these value chains. As a national department we are looking forward to working with investors and our provincial partners to turn these opportunities into investment, production and jobs,” he concluded.
The Acting Deputy Director-General of Investment and Spatial Industrial Development at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), Mr Maoto Molefane addressing delegates at the 6th Limpopo Investment Conference in Polokwane
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