DEPUTY Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Andrew Whitfield visited the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (SEZ) reviewing operations, infrastructure, and community initiatives on 30 August 2024.
He toured Zone 1 of the zone where construction is currently underway and met with Everflo, a manufacturer of industrial refrigeration and off-grid containerised refrigeration units deployed in rural parts of Africa. Everflo exports 90% of their manufactured products from Atlantis.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC)’s SEZ Fund has so far approved R115-million in funding for the Atlantis SEZ, to help finance the civil work, as well as the development of a new facility to accommodate Quantum V3 Holdings, an Acetylene gas producer.
As part of the DTIC’s contribution, funding was secured for the refurbishment of a property owned by the ASEZCo, accommodating Mint & Honey, a manufacturer of Super Cereal, destined for the World Food Programme.
The civil infrastructure development that started in Zone 1 in May last year is now 65% complete. The construction work has so far created 225 direct jobs. Thirteen Atlantis-based SMMEs have contributed to development of Zone 1.
The Atlantis SEZ was established as a green technology manufacturing hub in response to the government’s renewable energy programme. The development of the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan has further reinforced the role of a green technology focused SEZ.
One of the goals of the Atlanits SEZ is driving exports and job creation through supporting targeted industries in the renewable energy value-chain. Given long-term food security needs and Western Cape economic potential, it is also aligned with agri-business and processing.
The government’s SEZ Programme is meant to accelerate the country’s industrial development by boosting manufacturing, promoting economic growth and increasing exports by attracting foreign and domestic investments.
To date, there are 193 operational investors with an investment of almost R30-billion and 27 000 jobs created in the SEZs spread across the country.
In his speech at the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Budget Vote in July, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau said the department would accelerate the roll-out of the SEZ Programme in order to achieve better spatial equity, promote industrialisation and create jobs.
