The Mpumalanga Provincial Government’s Executive Council (Exco) has appointed Dr Nontobeko Mahlalela as the first-ever CEO of the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

Mahlalela was appointed during a meeting of the Exco on May 5.

In a media statement, the Exco announced that Mahlalela is credited as an expert in local economic development and widely experienced in local government.

It also highlighted the importance of the SEZ, which, once completed, will play an essential role in revitalising the economic opportunities available to rural areas in the Nkomazi Local Municipality.

Mahlalela will manage a geographically designated area that will boost the economies of Mpumalanga, Mozambique and eSwatini.

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In a presentation to the select committee in March, the status of work with the SEZ was laid out. The SEZ entered into a 50-year land lease agreement with the Nkomazi Local Municipality, which has been registered with the Deeds Office. The designated site of the zone has obtained an environmental authorisation and water use licence and a perimeter fence has been installed for phase one.

Preliminary designs are in place and professionals were appointed in January (at a cost of about R56m) to compile detailed engineering designs for bulk water, sewerage, roads and storm water, as well all internal services, which are expected to be finalised in September this year.

The installation of required bulk infrastructure and reticulation of internal services is projected to take 18 months and expected to be completed in March 2027. It is anticipated that investors will start occupying sites in phase one from April 2027 onward. The total investment value of the SEZ is estimated at around R50b, with the anticipated creation of around 45 000 jobs.

Mahlalela is currently the municipal manager of the Ehlanzeni District Municipality (EDM).

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In a statement, the EDM congratulated her on her appointment.

“Dr Mahlalela’s journey has been one of unwavering service and profound impact, particularly as municipal manager. Her steadfast focus on uplifting communities and delivering meaningful change – qualities that will undoubtedly make her tenure at the SEZ transformative – has earned her the admiration and trust of those she has served. Her leadership, rooted in a deep understanding of the complexities of regional and local economic development – and driven by a passion to serve – speaks volumes of her capability to take the SEZ to new heights,” the statement said.