Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality mayor Eddie Maila led a municipal delegation at a two-day Special Economic Zones (SEZ) conference in Durban on July 16 and 17.

The programme featured an address by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who highlighted the strategic importance of SEZ in driving South Africa’s industrialisation agenda, attracting investment, creating employment opportunities and contributing to broader economic growth.

Mining and economic hub

The participation of the municipality in the conference comes at an important time as Fetakgomo Tubatse advances its position as a key mining and economic hub in Limpopo province.

The development of the Fetakgomo Tubatse SEZ presents significant opportunities to leverage the area’s mineral resources to promote local beneficiation, attract new industries and unlock sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.

Local beneficiation focus

Speaking on the importance of the conference, Maila said the municipality’s participation demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that the SEZ delivers tangible benefits for local communities.

“The designation of the Fetakgomo Tubatse Special Economic Zone presents a historic opportunity to reshape our local economy. We want to ensure that the wealth generated from our mineral resources creates industries, jobs and business opportunities within our municipality.Local beneficiation is central to this vision because it allows us to add value to our minerals while developing the skills, infrastructure and industries that will benefit both current and future generations.”

He said the municipality remains committed to working with all spheres of government, investors and strategic partners to ensure that the Fetakgomo Tubatse Special Economic Zone becomes a catalyst for industrialisation, local beneficiation, inclusive economic growth and sustainable employment for the people of the municipality.

The municipality was represented by Maila; the speaker of council, Makgalema Shoba; and chief whip, Dorah Mpheti, who joined delegates from the country’s 13 Special Economic Zones, national and provincial government, investors, industry leaders and development agencies, to deliberate on strategies aimed at accelerating industrialisation, infrastructure development and investment in South Africa.