Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield's Upcoming Visit to Drive Green Technology and Growth at Atlantis SEZ

In a prescient move reflecting South Africa’s commitment to sustainable development and economic growth, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr. Andrew Whitfield will visit the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Cape Town. On the 30th of August 2024, this high-profile tour highlights the nation's strategic investment in green technology and its drive to foster economic inclusivity.

The visit signifies the government's continued support towards Special Economic Zones and their pivotal role in South Africa’s industrial diversification. The Atlantis SEZ, a flagship project within this initiative, specifically focuses on fostering the green technology industry, which is synonymous with the country’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).

Deputy Minister Whitfield's itinerary includes pivotal discussions with the Atlantis SEZ’s executive leadership to gain insights into the operations, investment pipelines, and community-centric initiatives. Of particular note is the SEZ's role in the Just Energy Transition (JET), placing South Africa at the forefront of the green economy movement.

As Atlantis SEZ serves as Africa’s premier green technology hub, Deputy Minister Whitfield will assess its export-driven approach, particularly through Everflo, which is a key player in the industrial refrigeration sector, exporting a majority of its products. His visit will encompass an on-site examination of Zone 1, where substantial construction activity is evidence of the SEZ's vibrant industrial ecosystem.

This industrial hub has already reported a significant impact, playing host to 193 operational investors, accruing investments nearing R30 billion, and facilitating the creation of 27,000 jobs across various SEZs nationwide. Such figures demonstrate the government's initiative to use SEZs as engines of economic reform. These zones are geared towards heightening manufacturing capacities, spurring economic growth, and augmenting exports while harnessing both foreign and domestic investments.

Atlantis SEZ goes beyond industrial development, strategically nurturing its agri-business sector, thereby addressing long-term food security and leveraging Western Cape’s economic prospects. With R115-million in funding from the dtic’s Special Economic Zones Fund, infrastructure and enterprise development are achieved, as seen with Quantum V3 Holdings and Mint & Honey's projects, which exemplify industrial variety and social impact within the SEZ.

The tangible fruits of this initiative are shown by the civil infrastructure crafting in Zone 1 since its commencement last year, with progress peaking at 65% completion and the direct creation of 225 jobs. Additionally, local SMMEs have been instrumental in this development, showcasing the commitment to local empowerment and skills development.

Deputy Minister Whitfield, following his tour and executive meetings, will provide feedback on the Atlantis SEZ’s endeavors and the broader vision for SEZ programs under the 7th administration. Journalists are invited to attend the tour and subsequent media briefing, where light will be shed on the future trajectory of the SEZ and the bolstering of South Africa's path to industrial and sustainable prowess.