Wild Coast Spatial Economic Zone (SEZ) development is progressing well, with 1,000 estimated jobs on the cards. This was revealed by KSD Executive Mayor, Cllr. Nyaniso Nelani during the Ordinary Council Meeting that was held at Northcrest Community Hall on Wednesday, April 25, 2023.
The goals of the well-anticipated project are to stir the local economy with a strong manufacturing capability, grow the agro-processing sector in the Eastern Cape, and revitalize Mthatha and its surroundings as the key industrial node.
The industrial park, which is about 95 hectares in size and is situated adjacent to Mthatha Airport, is being implemented in phases.
The mayor informed the council about the status of the first phase of the project, saying that “there are four investment projects that were signed between the 2020 and 2021 financial years that amount to a value of R1.07 billion and 968 operational jobs expected to be created.”
“Coega Development Corporation (CDC) is currently negotiating with investors for the agro-processing and manufacturing industries. CDC has appointed a professional team to design and implement the Wild Foods project.”
The mayor further indicated that the fencing project is in the advanced stage, with bulk infrastructure in the tender stage.
“A total of forty-three (43) people have been employed during the fencing project, and eight SMME contractors have been appointed with a total value of R1,6 million.”
There are fourteen (14) development projects that are planned for the first phase which include a tunnel/ hydroponic farming project; vegetable processing and packaging facility; a freshwater fish processing and packaging facility; a meat processing facility, cold storage facilities suitable for meat, vegetables and fruit; fruit processing and packaging facility.
Additional to that, there will be an essential oil processing facility; a logistics and distribution facility; a maize storage facility and silos; a maize milling facility (this will take into consideration existing mills in the area); a dairy processing facility with warehousing; a wool sourcing facility (inclusive of sorting and classing facilities); a shared administrative and services facility; a multi-user agro-processing incubator aimed at similar and seasonal producers.
In April this year (2023), KSD Municipality organised a Cooperative Summit to strengthen local cooperatives and economic revival and SEZ was considered as one of the projects that will benefit our local cooperatives.
The Project Steering Committee (PSC) for SEZ development will be revived to speed up progress and provide updates to the council on a regular basis.
