Progress made at the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) is impressive, says Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Fikile Majola.
Majola and Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Parks Tau, visited the TASEZ on Tuesday to evaluate progress made so far in the construction. President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the project in 2019.
“Ford told us that what is happening here has not been done elsewhere,” Majola said. He visited the site for the first time in November last year when construction was still at an early stage.
According to Majola, about 70% of the work has been done.
The SEZ has, to date, created numerous jobs and opened up development opportunities for the local community in its construction phase. To date, about 6 000 job opportunities have been created for local communities.
Although construction is still under way, production has started in some areas.
The R3.4-billion project represents a joint investment by government and Ford Motor Company, which has established the first automotive incubation centre adjacent to the special economic zone. The automotive hub is an extension of the OR Tambo International Airport Special Economic Zone.
The TASEZ fulfils the District Development Model objective of coordinated development and economic opportunities in local areas. It also focuses on attracting foreign direct investment and growing exports of value-added commodities.
In line with the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan’s priorities of accelerating economic reforms, reindustrialising the economy, and creating jobs through aggressive infrastructure investment, industrial parks and Special Economic Zones are rebuilding the country’s manufacturing capacity.
The president’s investment drive unlocked a R15.8-billion investment into South Africa from Ford Motor Company with a further R4.3bn from automotive components suppliers located in the SEZ.
Upon completion the zone will house a number of component manufacturers and logistics providers that will supply parts and services to Ford. – SAnews.gov.za
