Limpopo SEZ approval paves way for jobs and investment
The FTSEZ will be a catalyst for economic transformation, industrial growth and sustainable employment opportunities.
The Cabinet has approved the licensing of the Fetakgomo Tubatse Special Economic Zone (FTSEZ), paving the way for large-scale industrial development, investment, and job creation in Limpopo.
The approval is expected to position Limpopo as a competitive investment and industrial hub, with the FTSEZ targeting sectors linked to mining, mineral beneficiation, manufacturing, logistics, green energy, and related value chains.
According to the Limpopo provincial government, the approval marks a significant milestone in efforts to unlock the province’s economic potential through its mineral resources, strategic location, and expanding infrastructure network.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba welcomed the development, describing the FTSEZ as a catalyst for economic transformation, industrial growth, and sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for women and the youth.
“The Fetakgomo Tubatse SEZ will unlock investment opportunities, stimulate infrastructure development, and contribute meaningfully towards job creation and poverty reduction,” said Ramathuba.
She added that the approval reflects confidence in Limpopo’s vision of building a productive and industrialised provincial economy.
Ramathuba also thanked President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Cabinet, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, traditional leaders, municipalities and other stakeholders involved in the process.
The Cabinet approved the SEZ last Wednesday, while the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, is expected to formally designate the FTSEZ following the Cabinet’s endorsement.
The special economic zone will cover 1 000 hectares of land and will be developed in three phases.
The first phase will focus on the northern section of the site along the R555 road and the Steelpoort River. Phase two will cover the central portion south of the R555, while phase three will extend to the southern section of the development area.
Tau said the SEZ entity has already been established and is operational, with a board appointed to oversee the project.
“The National Project Management Unit at the IDC conducted an investment due diligence on the FTSEZ. The exercise showed that nine investors are committed to proceeding with their investment,” Tau said in a statement released last Friday.
He added that 46 companies are currently in the investment pipeline, representing a combined investment value of about R52.6b.
“We foresee that these companies will create 8 000 jobs in the short term and over 20 000 jobs within 10 years,” he said.
The Limpopo provincial government has committed financial support towards critical infrastructure development, while the Sekhukhune District Municipality has pledged funding for infrastructure projects expected to support the successful implementation of the FTSEZ.
