The Council of the Ekurhuleni Municipality approved the new Metropolitan Spatial Development Framework this month, boosting plans to create the planned Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis.
The mayor of Ekurhuleni, Mondli Gungubele, made this announcement during his keynote address at the Aerotropolis Investment Conference in Emperors Palace yesterday evening (Tuesday), where he unveiled the newly approved 30-year Aerotropolis Master Plan.
He pointed out that each project identified in the plan would drive the reindustrialisation programme of the region while activating new industrial opportunities in sunrise industries, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.
Gungubele commented that the successful implementation of the Aerotropolis Master Plan – which also needs to draw local and international investors – hinged on the governmental policy shifts to address the slow pace of air liberalisation, restrictive local ownership rules, high taxes and safety concerns.
“The three spheres of government – regional, provincial and national – therefore need to collaborate and align strategies and policies to ensure an attractive investment environment. All our structures will assume a central role in making the city even more investor friendly,” he said.
The mayor also welcomed the increased air linkages between OR Tambo International Airport to regional, continental and global destinations, noting that this was critical in fostering inward investment and trade growth.
