Mangaung Metro Municipality officials are working to transform unused city properties into economic catalysts, moving away from traditional concerns about asset sales. City Manager Sello More advocates for partnerships with private entities to develop dormant sites across tourism, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. The metro generates 92 percent of revenue from residents facing widespread joblessness, creating pressure to diversify income sources.
More has emphasized that keeping properties vacant damages economic prospects, arguing that urban centers must leverage clustering benefits where businesses and workers generate efficiency gains. Key targets include Tempe airport, which hosts general aviation operations west of Bloemfontein but remains underutilized despite recreational conversions. Naval Hill game reserve presents tourism possibilities through its wildlife and Nelson Mandela monument, though the city functions more as a transit point than a destination currently. Botshabelo Industrial Park along the N8 corridor has deteriorated into a crime-affected area despite strategic positioning for logistics operations.
Officials presented investment incentive measures at a gathering on February 19 and 20, 2025, offering rate reductions and expedited permits. Projects generating 100 positions qualify for 50 percent service discounts, while developments exceeding 20 million rand with local enterprise participation receive rebates reaching one million rand. More led facility inspections during October 2025 as the municipality advances infrastructure priorities.
More has emphasized that keeping properties vacant damages economic prospects, arguing that urban centers must leverage clustering benefits where businesses and workers generate efficiency gains. Key targets include Tempe airport, which hosts general aviation operations west of Bloemfontein but remains underutilized despite recreational conversions. Naval Hill game reserve presents tourism possibilities through its wildlife and Nelson Mandela monument, though the city functions more as a transit point than a destination currently. Botshabelo Industrial Park along the N8 corridor has deteriorated into a crime-affected area despite strategic positioning for logistics operations.
Officials presented investment incentive measures at a gathering on February 19 and 20, 2025, offering rate reductions and expedited permits. Projects generating 100 positions qualify for 50 percent service discounts, while developments exceeding 20 million rand with local enterprise participation receive rebates reaching one million rand. More led facility inspections during October 2025 as the municipality advances infrastructure priorities.
