By MTHULISI SIBANDA in Polokwane, Limpopo
POLOKWANE – THE Department of Trade and Industry has invested more than R20 million in the revitalization of infrastructure at the Seshego Industrial Park in Polokwane, as part of efforts to enhance the economic growth of the Limpopo Province.
The programme is in view of the industrialisation and employment creation potentials immense at such parks, which are areas zoned and planned for the purpose of industrial development.
There are five such parks in Limpopo and one in Mpumalanga.
“The investment (R21 million) is part of a programme to revatalise industrial parks around the country and enhance their potential to contribute to economic growth and employment creation,” said Stieneke Samuel, the Chief Director of Regional Industrial Clusters at the Department of Trade and Industry.
She disclosed they had competed the first phase of the programme, which focused on rejuvenating security infrastructure at the industrial parks.
“Security is key in that it clearly sets boundaries and lessens illegal occupation of land as well as prevent such problems as wanton disposal of waste. We take the issue of the parks, their security and job creation seriously,” said Samuel.
LEDA Head of Land and Property Development, Mourice Molepo, said the Seshego Industrial Park has 72 factories operated by companies involved in various sectors of the economy such as sisal, beverages and manufacturing.
Over 1 550 jobs have been created.
Companies operating at the centre welcomed the rejuvenation of the park.
“We are paying competitive rates and operating from bigger premises than our previous base,” said Peter Malebana, Business Development Manager of Limaqua Beverages.
He disclosed the company, which employs 40 people, was growing 10 percent year-on-year.
Brand South Africa, established in 2002 to help create a positive and compelling brand image for South Africa, organised the media tour of the Seshego Industrial Park last week.
The tour was aimed at showcasing the competitive strengths of the province of Limpopo.
– Guardian
