NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Question 394:
Mr K A Sinclair (COPE - NC) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry:
With regard to the spatial economic inequality in the Northern Cape, what
type of (a) investment and (b) trade promotion is being done to facilitate
foreign direct investment in the region?
Reply:
As we focus on creating a globally competitive industrial economy that
produces world-class products, it is governmentâs intention to ensure that
this is built on the full potential of all citizens and regions.
Governmentâs initiatives to unlock long-term economic potential of the
Northern Cape Province include the following:
1. Exploring the establishment of a Special Economic Zone in Upington
with solar power generation and components manufacture as initial
anchor industries. In this regard, the short-term goal is to undertake
a detailed feasibility study and if viable, develop and implement a
Master Plan for the zone,
2. The National Infrastructure Plan driven by the PICC entails Strategic
Integrated Projects that are aimed at improving railway connectivity
between Sishen and Saldhana (iron ore) as well as Sishen and Coega
(manganese). In addition, there is work to diversify the countryâs
energy mix by promoting renewable energy and in the case of Northern
Cape through solar energy.
3. The Square Kilometre Array project led by the Ministry of Science and
Technology will also result in significant investments in the province
while strengthening the countryâs innovation capacity.
4. Work is also being done to facilitate small scale industries through
regional clusters in each district.
5. The province also benefits significantly from foreign direct
investment in other provinces. The recent investment by Heineken in
Gauteng will see a number of emerging farmers in Northern Cape
providing the Gauteng Heineken plant with wheat.
The work of the dti in promoting trade and investment in Northern Cape will
therefore be informed by these and other initiatives.