By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) says the Vaal Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is intended to create a supportive environment for businesses to invest, produce and grow.
This includes infrastructure development, incentives, streamlined regulations and strategic planning aimed at attracting industries that can create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the region.
Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, addressed community stakeholders and local entrepreneurs on Thursday at a public consultation meeting held at the Vereeniging Town Hall.
He said the proposed Vaal SEZ is aimed at revitalising the regional economy by driving reindustrialisation and restoring the area’s manufacturing strength.
“The meeting is part of critical processes necessary for the establishment of an SEZ and was held in partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government, Sedibeng District Municipality and other stakeholders,” the department said.
The dtic noted that last month, Minister Parks Tau published a 30-day public consultation notice inviting stakeholders and the public to submit comments on the proposed designation of the Vaal SEZ.
Godlimpi said the designation follows eight years of work within the department to examine the decline of the region’s manufacturing sector and to develop policy interventions aimed at reviving it.
He said the Vaal region already has strong foundations, including industrial capacity, strategic location advantages, access to major transport routes and a skilled workforce.
“What has been missing is coordinated investment, modernisation and new economic drivers aligned with the future,” Godlimpi said.
“The Vaal SEZ addresses exactly that. It is structured to drive reindustrialisation, bringing back manufacturing strength while adapting to modern economic demands. It will focus on sectors such as green industrialisation, agro-processing, logistics, energy, and the blue economy linked to the Vaal River.”
He said job creation remains a key priority, with the initial construction phase expected to generate over 4,000 direct jobs and more than 1,300 indirect jobs.
Opportunities, he added, will also be created for local contractors, artisans, suppliers and workers.
Godlimpi further emphasised that economic transformation must go hand in hand with human development, noting that the SEZ would stimulate demand for skills training, apprenticeships and partnerships with educational institutions.
He added that economic inclusion plays a critical role in reducing crime.
“Economic transformation cannot happen without human development. The SEZ will stimulate demand for skills training, apprenticeships, and partnerships with educational institutions,” said Godlimpi.
“Young people in this region must not remain spectators, they must become participants in the economy. By creating jobs, supporting businesses, and restoring economic activity, we directly address some of the root causes of crime. Economic inclusion is one of the most effective tools for building safer communities.”
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