Gauteng weighs incentives as it unveils two more special economic zones

The Gauteng provincial government is proceeding with the establishment of two new special economic zones (SEZs) in addition to the small one at OR Tambo International Airport. One zone centred on the automotive industry — in particular the Ford and BMW plants — is envisaged for Tshwane and another based on platinum beneficiation is planned for Springs. Also under investigation is an SEZ in the Vaal Triangle area around Vereeniging. A feasibility study is being conducted, department of trade & industry director-general Lionel October said in an interview on Friday. The land for the SEZ in Tshwane has already been acquired — Ford is bringing in its suppliers, and a formal application for the establishment of the zone would be submitted in the next two weeks, he said. October said the provision of another crucial incentive in these zones — lower electricity prices — was under consideration as this was a key issue raised by investors as undermining their competitiveness. Investors are a...