This is according to the Special Economic Zone Chairperson, Tim Mokhesi. Mokhesi says the zone is meant to attract investors and contribute towards job creation. He says the Maluti-a-Phofung Special Economic Zone is currently the only zone in the province and is set to benefit the province by creating job creation, more particularly in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors. He hopes the Zone will increase the income base of the municipality.

“This is one of the poorest areas in the province, and if you attract a lot of investment into this area and create incentives, you will, of course, increase economic opportunities as well as job opportunities. By so doing, you will expand the income base of Maluti-a-Phofung, because with it goes the investment in infrastructure and a number of infrastructure projects will happen in this area. By so doing, this will have a spin-off effect in the area in general.”

The Democratic Alliance has, however, said that the re-launch of this Special Economic Zone by President Jacob Zuma and Premier Ace Magashule is a pipe dream and nothing but a waste of money. They allege that the premier has been unable to produce any sustainable business enterprises or projects in the province amid various costly launches.

Katleho Morapela/OFM News