60,000 jobs in the pipeline as South Africa attracts R548bn investment

South Africa's Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have attracted investment commitments worth more than R548 billion, according to Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau. The projects are expected to generate over 60,000 permanent jobs upon completion, as announced during a meeting with investors and stakeholders at the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone in Steelpoort, Limpopo.

The minister disclosed that 141 companies have committed to investing in various SEZs across the country, with a combined investment value exceeding R548 billion. The Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ alone hosts 234 private companies and has created 134,478 jobs, of which 32,904 are permanent.

Tau's remarks highlight the growing confidence in South Africa's SEZ program and the country's potential as a strong investment destination. He emphasized that the development of new zones, such as Nkomazi, Fetakgomo-Tubatse, and Musina-Makhado, would bolster the nation's industrial capacity, particularly in mineral processing and cross-border trade.

The Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ, designated in May, boasts an investment pipeline of R52.6 billion, which is anticipated to create approximately 8,000 jobs in the near future and potentially generate 20,000 jobs over the next decade. Located near major platinum and chrome mining operations, the area is well-positioned to support mineral processing and manufacturing.

Tau's vision for South Africa is to transition from exporting raw materials to producing higher-value goods locally, as outlined in the country's industrial policy.