SPECIAL FEATURE the Trans-Limpopo Spatial Development Initiative. Logistics will be one of the key focus areas of the SEZ. Other sectors that will be concentrated on include agri-processing, energy and mineral beneficiation. De Beers' giant Venetia diamond mine is nearby. The company's most recent life-of-mine expansion project, worth about R30-billion, will result in the mine producing until 2046. Soon after the announcement of the designation of the SEZ, the dti announced that a consortium of Chinese investors, Sino, has agreed to put R40-billion into the Musina SEZ where they will operate the mineral beneficiation operations. The first phase of this is to build a power plant. The dti estimates that the completed SEZ could create more than 20 000 jobs.
Mining and Metals Technology Park, Steve Tshwete Local Municipality • Petro Chemical Industrial Technology Park, Secunda • Agriculture and Forestry Industrial Centre of Competence, Mbombela area The planned SEZ falls within this quite large geographical area and the two other focus points are an International Fresh Produce Market (Mbombela) and a Forestry Technology Park in the town of Sabie. •
Tubatse, Limpopo An application for an SEZ at Tubatse is pending. Tubatse is in the Sekhukhune District Municipality and hosts a number of mining operations. The SEZ in Tubatse will focus on the beneficiation of platinum group metals and mining-related manufacturing. The province of Bashkortostan in Russia has also expressed an interest in the SEZs of Limpopo. Nkomazi, Mpumalanga The Nkomazi Local Municipality has already earmarked land for the SEZ that will be established in terms of the Special Economic Zones Act. The location of the SEZ near the Mozambique border and along the Mozambique Corridor gives investors in the SEZ logistical advantages and opportunities. There are tax advantages for investors in the SEZ and proximity to the Mozambican port of Matola would be a large benefit to anyone wanting to create a dry port or logistics base. The provincial government has a broader plan to create what Premier David Mabuza has called "industrial centres of competence". The idea is to cluster in a particular geographical area centres that will provide economies of scale for manufacturers and traders but also training and research facilities that will benefit the relevant sector. These could also be described as sector hubs. Plans are in place for the creation of several such hubs, including:
Bojanala, North West The SEZ in the platinum-rich Bojanala district will be known as Platinum Valley SEZ and will focus on mineral beneficiation. The SEZ will centre on Bodirelo Industrial Park, near the town of Mogwase. Atlantis,Western Cape The Atlantis Greentech SEZ should encourage industrial development and employment opportunities in the Green economy. Specific incentives are available to investors in this SEZ. Agri-parks Five agri-parks are planned in each of the Free State's district municipalities. Within these parks, support for rural smallholders will be available in terms of equipment hire from a central source, storage facilities, packaging of produce and getting products to market. The agri-park intends to provide a network for farmers and manufacturers. Training will also be available.
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SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 2017