141 companies pledge R548 billion for South Africa's special economic zones
The plans could create more than 60,000 permanent jobs, with a new Limpopo zone set to process minerals mined nearby.
Steelpoort — More than 60,000 permanent jobs could follow after 141 companies promised to invest over R548 billion in South Africa's special economic zones, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau announced.
He made the announcement at a meeting with investors at the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone in Steelpoort, Limpopo. The jobs are expected once the planned projects are fully running.
Where things stand
- 234 companies already operate in the zones, with investments of more than R47 billion.
- The programme has created 134,478 jobs so far, including 32,904 permanent positions.
Limpopo's new zone
The Fetakgomo-Tubatse zone, designated in May, has planned investments of R52.6 billion. They could create about 8,000 jobs in the short to medium term and up to 20,000 over ten years.
Steelpoort sits among major platinum and chrome mines and close to the Lion and Samancor ferrochrome smelters. The zone will focus on mineral processing, manufacturing, renewable energy, metals and transport services.
"Our industrial policy is clear that we must process more of what we mine, and we must manufacture more of what we use," Tau said. Further zones are being developed at Nkomazi and Musina-Makhado.
Source: AllAfrica, 2 November 2026.
