Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has called for public comment on the proposed designation of the Vaal Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Sedibeng, Gauteng.
This comes after the Gauteng Provincial Government, through its Department of Finance and Economic Development, submitted an application to declare the SEZ to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) in April 2025.
The proposed SEZ will span 817 hectares across land parcels in all three local municipalities of the Sedibeng District: Emfuleni, Midvaal and Lesedi.
The development targets market demand in key sectors. These include energy, with a focus on renewable energy components manufacturing, green hydrogen and fuel cell manufacturing, metallurgical manufacturing, focusing on green steel, agro-processing, including cannabis processing and general manufacturing.
Also driving demand are the Trade Zone and Agri Zone linked to Heidelberg Airport, which encompass aerospace and aviation, electronics and logistics.
“The proposed Vaal SEZ has managed to build a compellingly strong investor pipeline. This clearly portends an unserved market demand for world-class industrial infrastructure investment in the district,” the department said in a statement.
“In addition, the proposed SEZ already has priority investors, who are ready to break ground in the 2026/27 financial year.”
Investment is projected to boost regional employment and economic growth. Phase I is expected to contribute R4 billion to GDP, with the full development delivering R10.773bn. Construction in Phase I expects to generate 4 302 direct jobs and 1 305 indirect jobs, while operations will add 5 902 direct jobs.
“The DTIC is planning to host a public hearing in the district during this month, with the specific location to be announced shortly,” the department added.
Tau published the public consultation notice in terms of Section 23 of the Special Economic Zones Act No 16 of 2014 last week.
Written comments must be submitted to SEZEquiries@thedtic.gov.za by April 20.
The gazette notice is available at https://www.gpwonline.co.za/government-gazettes/
