The Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Steelpoort is targeting an investment pipeline of R52.6-billion that could create up to 20,000 jobs over the next decade, in what government has framed as a major lifeline for local communities.
Speaking on the SEZ on Tuesday, 20 October, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi outlined an eight-point plan focused on governance, infrastructure, funding, investor commitments and local economic participation.
The SEZ, designated on 22 May 2026 and located between the Lion Ferrochrome and Samancor Ferrochrome smelters, is positioned to drive mineral beneficiation, manufacturing, renewable energy and related industrial activities.
Godlimpi said the pipeline is projected to support about 8,000 jobs in the short to medium term, rising to 20,000 over ten years – a critical intervention in a region where unemployment remains high.
“We must process more of what we mine, and we must manufacture more of what we use. We must also export more of what we manufacture,” he said, noting that South Africa continues to export raw and semi-processed minerals while importing finished goods made from those same resources.
The SEZ has secured access to about 1,010 hectares through a lease agreement with the Dithamaga Trust. Township establishment has been approved, environmental authorisation obtained, and Phase 1 infrastructure development covering about 75 hectares has started.
Site clearance is complete, perimeter fencing is 95% complete and guardhouse construction is about 65% complete.
Bulk infrastructure is still being rolled out. Electricity infrastructure is undergoing detailed design and technical assessment by Eskom, while bulk water supply and water-treatment works remain at concept and viability stage, with detailed water infrastructure design targeted for completion by January 2027.
The Limpopo provincial government has committed R445-million towards bulk infrastructure, while the Development Bank of Southern Africa has been appointed to support project preparation and implementation, including an application to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s SEZ Fund.
Godlimpi said finalising the SEZ board is a priority, along with developing an integrated infrastructure schedule and clear milestones for nine Phase 1 investors.
“The FTSEZ Board must be finalised without further delay,” he said, adding that shared ownership among national, provincial, district and local government must translate into accountability.
He called on mining houses to support local suppliers, develop industrial partnerships and consider investing in the zone.
The address stressed that communities must directly benefit through local recruitment, skills development, small-business participation and training partnerships with Sekhukhune TVET College, the University of Limpopo and Tshwane University of Technology.
The Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ forms part of South Africa’s broader industrial development programme.
According to government figures cited, designated SEZs collectively host 234 private companies representing more than R47-billion in investment, with 141 additional companies committed to investments valued at more than R548-billion.
