Komatipoort SEZ prospects may bring relief

KOMATIPOORT – The impact of Mozambique on the Lowveld cannot be disregarded. More so on Komatipoort, the immediate neighbour.

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Since May 2016, the International Monetary Fund prohibited movement of money from Mozambique to South Africa. The sudden cut-off of income cost some businesses a loss in turnover of more than 40 per cent, and reduced income of less than 20 per cent profit per month. Combined with the drought and sugar price drop, this caused severe cash flow problems for many businesses in and around Komatipoort. Komatipoort business is recovering slowly but surely from the economic implosion, and many have high hopes the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) may bring relief. City Press published on October 13 that it is hoped that the SEZ in Komatipoort will attract R4,1 billion. Corridor Gazette enquired about the progress, and discovered that the Nkomazi Planning Tribunal requested and awaits information, documentation and explanations from the consultants acting on instructions of the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency and the Mpumalanga Department of Trade and Industry.

“We are looking forward to the commencement of this project, as a town and broader business community,” John O’Rielly of Nkomazi East Combined Commerce and Tourism Association said. “Komatipoort will certainly benefit from the development, right from the preparation of the site to the last brick. And so will our province and in fact, South Africa.”