Godlimpi backs new SEZ board to drive jobs

Fresh leadership stepping into South Africa’s Special Economic Zones programme just got a strong endorsement as the government pushes the model to attract investment and tackle unemployment.

New SEZ Advisory Board induction in Johannesburg

• Zuko Godlimpi welcomed the new Special Economic Zones Advisory Board.
• Department workshop introduced members to programme priorities.
• The session outlined the industrial strategy and legal framework.
• Board members discussed roles guiding zone development.

Role of the SEZ Advisory Board

• The Special Economic Zones Act created the advisory structure.
• The board advises the minister on zone strategy.
• Members review proposals for new zone designations.
• Panel tracks the performance of existing economic zones.

Growth numbers inside the SEZ programme

• South Africa currently counts twelve designated zones.
• Nine zones are already running operations.
• Operational zones host two hundred twenty-four investors.
• Investments total about R31.744 billion.

Investment expansion since 2018

• Special Economic Zones investments grew roughly R17.234 billion.
• Growth measured from the 2018 to 2019 fiscal year.
• Infrastructure projects helped draw domestic investors.
• The programme also attracted international manufacturing capital.

Economic goals behind the SEZ strategy

• Zuko Godlimpi highlighted unemployment and slow growth challenges.
• Zones aim to boost exports and industry.
• The government views SEZs as regional development engines.
• Strategy targets investment and job creation.

Expectations for the new board term

• The board must strengthen governance across zones.
• Members will guide policy adjustments as conditions shift.
• Advisory work supports the minister’s industrial agenda.
• The programme aims to expand opportunities in underserved regions.