Boost for industrial parks
EC towns among those targeted for revamping initiatives, says president
The plan to revamp industrial parks in townships and rural areas will be made a priority this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday.
He said in areas such as Komani where such parks have been revamped, there was discernible change, as industrial parks that had been lying idle were becoming productive again.
The announcement was made a few days after the ANC in Eastern Cape identified several industrial zones which have to be revamped. These include Dimbaza near King William's Town, Vulindlela in Mthatha, Fort Jackson in Mdantsane and Komani.
“We have so far completed the revitalisation of 10 out of 16 identified industrial parks, in places such as Botshabelo, Phuthaditjhaba, Garankuwa, Isithebe, Komani and Seshego.
“The levels of growth that we need to make significant gains in job creation will not be possible without massive new investment," Ramaphosa said.
He said they have set the target of being among the top 50 global performers within the next three years.
“It has long been recognised that one of the constraints that inhibit the growth of our economy is the high level of economic concentration.
“The structure of our economy was designed to keep assets in a few hands.
“This has stifled growth and enterprise and has to a large extent kept many young South African entrepreneurs and small enterprises out of the economy or confine them to the margins,” he said.
As part of efforts to increase investment, and to foster greater inclusion and create more opportunities, Ramaphosa said he would soon sign into law the Competition Amendment Bill.
“This will give the competition authorities the ability to address this problem but, more importantly, it will open up new opportunities for many South Africans to enter various sectors of the economy and compete on an equal footing.”
Of great concern had been the closing down of factories in the textile industry. Da Gama, which produced the world-class shweshwe print originally from the Eastern Cape, has been downsizing its workforce over the years.
The factory which once had several satellite factories in areas such as Zwelitsha, King Willam’s Town and East London is less than half the size it was in the early 90s.
Ramaphosa said they were busy looking at establishing special economic zones that were dedicated to producing specific types of products, such as clothing and textiles.
“To improve the competitiveness of our exports, we will complete the studies that have begun on reducing the costs of electricity, trade, communications, transport and other costs.”