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Work has started on the R3.4 billion Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), with preliminary work and the installation of bulk infrastructure currently underway.
Broadly speaking, Special Economic Zones are an initiative of the South African government, which aims to reposition the country in the world economy and they have become global tools for social and economic transformation, resulting in exponential growth when implemented. .
The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) represents numerous firsts for South Africa, Gauteng Prime Minister David Makhura told a speech on Tuesday (September 8).
“It is the first SEZ in which the three spheres of government are stakeholders, and it will be the first automotive city in Africa, designed to include areas of municipalities that are far from the economic activities of the region.”
Makhura said the area is also the first in the country to have numerous investors already lined up, so facilities are being built to specifications for these companies that are already enlisted and ready to move in as soon as construction is complete.
“This province will never be the same again. I think we will go a long way with this SEZ working with DTIC, Gauteng Province, the City of Tshwane and Ford Motor Company. “
Employment creation
It is estimated that the Tshwane Automotive EEZ will create more than 8,700 jobs during the construction of the first phase of the project and around 2,100 permanent jobs for operations.
Thousands of additional jobs are also expected to be added as it evolves into a multifaceted center designed to strengthen the manufacturing capacity and global competitiveness of the South African automotive industry.
“By developing the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone, we are confident of restoring much-needed hope to our people, where thousands of jobs will be created over the next two years,” said Tshwane City Manager Mpho Nawa.
“With billions of rand to invest in this region, we will see the expansion and involvement of SMEs in the surrounding communities and provide much-needed boost to our economy.”
A online portal It has been created specifically for this project, allowing SMEs to register and bid for various elements of the construction site.
In addition to simply creating jobs, the initiative will also train and advise SMEs, equipping them with essential skills and experience that will allow them to expand their businesses and create additional jobs beyond the scope of this project.
A Employment website It has also been added for people who want to apply for career opportunities.
Ford investment and suppliers
Ockert Berry of Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) said the Covid-19 shutdown delayed the project by several months and also affected the disbursement of initial funds for site cleanup and the start of infrastructure implementation. in bulk.
“In the meantime, however, extensive design work was done and construction crews have been on site since early August, with major earthworks already completed over the last month,” he said.
By the end of August, more than 95,000 square meters of the main site adjacent to Ford’s Silverton Assembly Plant had been cleared, with more than 10,500 square meters of topsoil transported or stacked for construction.
“When we announced the TASEZ last year, we had expressions of interest from nine supplier companies,” said Dhiren Vanmali of FMCSA about the new project.
“We currently have 12 suppliers that have committed to establishing operations within the SEZ with an anticipated investment of more than R4.3 billion in the economy, and another 10 have shown great interest. Consequently, the team is already hard at work on the next phases of the project beyond the initial 81-hectare site. “
Upon completion, the economic zone will span 204 hectares, currently owned by the city of Tshwane.
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