R267-m jewellery precinct project kicks off in Bonaero Park

THE sod turning ceremony of a R267-million greenfield project in Bonaero Park took place on Friday.

Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development, Lebogang Maile, and the deputy minister of Trade and Industry, Mzwandile Masina, celebrated the commencement of the construction of the first greenfield project to be constructed within the IDZ, the Jewellery Manufacturing Precinct (JMP), just off Bonaero Drive.

Construction will take place over a period of 15 to 18 months.

Bonaero Park residents have expressed their concern about the seagull nesting area on the site in recent weeks.

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The facility will cater for mineral beneficiation, diamond cutting, polishing and trading as well as light manufacturing for jewellery and other high end products.

The IDZ aims to attract investors through a range of incentives including dedicated customs support services; duty-free importation of production-related raw materials and inputs and reduced tax and exemption for some activities.

Maile said the development should be seen as part of Gauteng’s plans to re-industrialise and chart a new course for its economy by supporting value adding, labour intensive and innovative industries, especially agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, electronics and automotive manufacturing which are part of the 11 sectors earmarked for government intervention over the next few years.

“In designing and planning for the development of the jewellery precinct, our focus is on the operationalisation of a globally competitive precinct that will enhance South Africa’s ability to manufacture jewellery and the cutting and polishing of other precious and semi-precious metals for local and international consumption.

The facility will support industrial development in the area and give practical expression to plans to turn Ekurhuleni into an Aerotropolis. It will also offer investors access to clustered infrastructure and its proximity to OR Tambo makes it suitable for export-oriented production,” said Maile.

Given its SEZ status, incentives will apply for manufacturers operating in the zone. These incentives include exemption from import duty rebate and Value Added Tax in respect of raw materials and assets imported for input into the manufacturing process and exported from the zone to other countries.

In order for manufacturers to qualify for the applicable incentives, prospective manufacturers operating in the zone will be required to register and license with SARS as a CCA enterprise.

Masina said the initiative was for the advancement of South Africa’s development goals.

“The establishment of the IDZ in Ekurhuleni Metro will enhance the region’s role in South Africa’s development landscape. More innovative and value-added products will be produced in this region and find their way to global markets. This will lead to a more skilled population, more high quality jobs and the eradication of poverty, unemployment and inequality,” he said.