The process of designating the Atlantis Special Economic Zones (SEZ) is to be completed within two months.
This was announced by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Bulelani Magwanishe, at a business engagement session hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Western Cape government, the City of Cape Town, the departments of Telecommunication and Postal Services, Economic Development, Home Affairs and Water and Sanitation, and Ministry of Small Business Development.
The session, held on Friday 11 May, aimed to share information and business opportunities with the residents and businesspeople of Atlantis and its surrounding areas. Most importantly, it was an opportunity to receive updates on the progress of the Atlantis SEZ and its opportunities.
According to Magwanishe, the process of designating the Atlantis SEZ is to be completed within two months. This SEZ is to be developed as a GreenTech hub with particular focus on clean technologies, electronics, solar and wind energy technologies, energy efficient technologies, alternative waste management, alternative building materials, and technologies. The SEZ will open up opportunities for businesspeople operating in this sectors of the economy. He added that it would create job opportunities and has already started attracting investments which will boost the local economy.
“The Department of Trade and Industry has funded the Atlantis SEZ to the amount of over R22 million, and has already attracted 30 foreign and local enterprises,” Magwanishe said. “The investors have collectively invested a total of R680 million, creating 300 new direct jobs.”
He assured the businesspeople of the DTI’s commitment to assisting small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) from Atlantis so they can benefit in the proposed Atlantis Special Economic SEZ. To this end, deputy minister said the department had requested the Ministry of Small Business Development assist the SMMEs with supplier chain development as well as other services in the economic zone.
Deputy Minister of Small Business Development Cassel Mathale said the session showed commitment of all spheres of government to work together and creating opportunities for the advancement of the people of Atlantis. He encouraged community members to work together to overcome the challenges they are facing, including unemployment and crime.
The Deputy Minister of Telecommunication and Postal Services, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, urged the businesspeople not to miss the opportunities brought by the fourth Industrial Revolution (technology). She also urged them to assist government in delivering services, by being suppliers of these services. She made an example of the broadband roll-out, which she said they must be part of.
The MEC for Finance in the Western Cape, Dr Ivan Meyer, also weighed in and described the Atlantis SEZ as one that provides hope and opportunities for people to excel. He said the province turned the energy crisis into an opportunity and businesses must take advantage of these opportunities. He mentioned that while businesses receive support and incentives from government, they should treat them as a base and that they become sustainable businesses beyond these incentives.
