MEDIA STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal | 20 July 2026

The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) has expressed immense pride and excitement following its recognition as the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Investment of the Year at the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony held during the 2nd International Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Infrastructure and Investment Conference, hosted at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban from 16 to 17 July 2026.

The conference was hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), under the leadership of Minister Parks Tau, in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA).

Held under the theme,‘Reigniting Industrialisation through World-Class Special Economic Zones’, the conference successfully brought together more than 1000 delegates, including government leaders, investors, captains of industry, development finance institutions, SEZ operators, diplomats and international experts to deliberate on strategies to strengthen industrialisation, attract investment, expand infrastructure development and drive inclusive economic growth.

The two-day programme featured high-level networking engagements, investment exhibitions showcasing opportunities across South Africa’s SEZ landscape, business-to-business matchmaking sessions, export masterclasses, fireside discussions, policy dialogues and strategic panel discussions focused on investment mobilisation, industrial infrastructure development, SEZ competitiveness, financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships and regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

A major highlight of the conference was the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, which celebrated excellence and outstanding achievements within South Africa’s SEZ Programme. The RBIDZ emerged as one of the evening’s top achievers after being named SEZ Investment of the Year, an award that recognises a Special Economic Zone with a significant investor whose operations within the zone have contributed meaningfully to industrial growth, employment creation, investment expansion, localisation and community value creation.

The award affirms the RBIDZ’s growing contribution to South Africa’s industrialisation agenda and recognises the impact of investments being facilitated within the zone.

In his opening remarks, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau underscored the importance of SEZs as a critical industrial policy instrument for economic growth, investment attraction and job creation. He highlighted that South Africa’s 13 designated SEZs currently host 224 companies, which have collectively invested more than R31.7 billion and created nearly 29,000 direct jobs. Minister Tau further reiterated government’s commitment to strengthening the SEZ programme through enhanced infrastructure investment, expanded incentives, improved competitiveness and stronger public-private sector partnerships to accelerate industrial growth.

On the second day of the conference, delegates were addressed by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who reaffirmed government’s commitment to positioning Special Economic Zones as key drivers of investment, industrialisation and inclusive economic growth. He emphasised the strategic role of SEZs in advancing spatial and economic transformation, attracting local and international investment, expanding exports, strengthening manufacturing capabilities and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

The Deputy President also highlighted the importance of leveraging South Africa’s logistics and transport infrastructure, fostering innovation and strengthening collaboration between government and the private sector to enhance the country’s economic competitiveness and unlock opportunities presented by regional integration and the AfCFTA.

Commenting on the prestigious award, RBIDZ Chief Executive Officer, Mr Thabane Zulu, said the recognition reflects the collective efforts of investors, stakeholders and staff in advancing industrial development within the zone.

“We are honoured to receive the SEZ Investment of the Year Award. This recognition is not only a celebration of the investments within the RBIDZ, but also a reflection of the confidence that investors continue to place in our zone as a globally competitive investment destination.”

“The award confirms that the work being undertaken by our investors is translating into tangible outcomes through industrial growth, job creation, localisation, skills development and community upliftment. We thank our shareholders, investors, strategic partners, government stakeholders and employees whose collective efforts have made this achievement possible.”

“The recognition comes at a significant time for the RBIDZ as we continue to build and convert a robust investment pipeline valued at approximately R248 billion, comprising 24 potential investment projects across strategic sectors of the economy. This pipeline demonstrates growing investor confidence in the zone and positions the RBIDZ as a major catalyst for industrialisation, infrastructure development and economic transformation in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.”

“Our focus remains on converting these opportunities into operational investments that create sustainable jobs, deepen localisation, enhance export competitiveness and deliver long-term value for the communities we serve. The future of industrial development in South Africa lies in strong partnerships between government and the private sector, and the RBIDZ is proud to be contributing to that vision.”

The successful hosting of the conference demonstrated the growing importance of South Africa’s SEZ programme in driving investment-led industrial development and creating opportunities for inclusive economic growth. The outcomes of the conference further reinforced the critical role that Special Economic Zones play in advancing the country’s industrialisation objectives, attracting domestic and foreign direct investment and supporting economic transformation.

The RBIDZ extends its appreciation to the dtic, Minister Parks Tau, KZN EDTEA MEC, Rev. Musa Zondi, conference organisers, investors and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the conference and to the continued growth of South Africa’s SEZ programme.

As the organisation continues to pursue its strategic objectives, RBIDZ remains committed to creating a globally competitive investment destination that attracts high-impact investments, drives industrial growth, creates employment opportunities and delivers sustainable socio-economic benefits for the people of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.

Issued by Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ)

Enquiries:

Choice Sihiya – RBIDZ Communications Manager

Mobile – 084 207 5823

Email – choice.sihiya@rbidz.co.za