President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening South Africa’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), describing them as key drivers of industrialisation, investment and job creation as the country works to grow a more competitive and inclusive economy.
Delivering the keynote address virtually at the 2nd International Special Economic Zones Conference Presidential Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Thursday evening, the President said the gathering celebrated South Africa’s industrial potential and the role of SEZs in transforming the economy.
“Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate excellence, but to celebrate possibility. We celebrate the possibility of a South Africa that manufactures more, exports more, innovates more and creates far greater opportunities for its people.
“We celebrate the men and women who are transforming ideas into industries, investments into factories, and factories into jobs,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said the awards recognised more than outstanding performance, but reaffirmed the country’s belief that industrialisation remained one of the most effective tools to tackle poverty, unemployment and inequality.
“Special Economic Zones are not simply designated industrial sites. They are engines of economic transformation.
“They are places where policy is translated into production, where investment becomes enterprise, where innovation becomes competitiveness, and where hope becomes opportunity,” he said.
The President said investment remained central to South Africa’s economic programme, noting that the country secured a record R890 billion in investment commitments at the Sixth South Africa Investment Conference held just over three months ago.
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