This is according to the Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea) led by MEC, Thabo Meeko. Now these projects are aimed at reinvigorating the Goldfields’ economy as mining draws to a slow close in the area. How feasible are these projects? Meeko answers in his conversation with the OFM Business Hour below:

Meeko recently led a delegation made up of the Free State Development Corporation (FDC) as well as the Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority (FSGLTA) aimed at engaging with Matjhabeng’s Mayoral Committee on “how intergovernmental relations can be used to unlock catalytic projects and investments” in the area, he said.

Some of these projects include: 

The revitalisation of the Phakisa Raceway 

The Matjhabeng local council, has reportedly greenlit the FDC to source investors for the facility. Meeko says the “the revitalisation of Phakisa will create both direct and indirect jobs in the area. It will also serve as a nucleus around which the broader Phakisa Development Node will be built”.

ALSO READ: Free State raceway to be renovated for economic growth

The Special Economic Zone (SEZ)

According to Destea there is a feasibility study under way on the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) around the gas fields in Matjhabeng. A lot has been written about the Virginia gas project, the operations of which are being run by emerging helium and natural gas producer, Renergen. The project places Virginia at the forefront as South Africa’s first commercial liquefied natural (LNG) gas plant.  

ALSO READ: #OFMBusinessHour: Destea clamps down on illicit trading

The cargo airport

"With regard to the Welkom Airport, it was resolved that Matjhabeng, the FDC, and Destea will source investors who will be given a long-time lease agreement to develop this facility into a cargo airport" says Meeko and his team. 

OFM Business Hour