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More Than An SEZ Operator: R4 Billion in projects

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Gqeberha, South Africa, 17 October 2022 – The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) is pleased to announce progress of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) project. TASEZ is known as Africa’s first Automotive City and a preferred investment destination for the automotive industry on the African continent. Its proximity to an established automotive industry in Tshwane allows for increased economies of scale and scope, thereby lowering the cost of doing business. The SEZ offers world-class customised solutions, incentives, support services and systems for manufacturers seeking excellence, and a productive and progressive location.

The TASEZ development is a case study for South Africa’s infrastructure development, which began in August 2020 at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Current expenditure on the project is at 82% of the revised R4.3bn budget. In 2021 alone, approximately 91 hectares of development had taken place. Since the start of the construction process, 4,848 direct jobs and 1,225 indirect jobs have been created. Currently, 11 factories have been constructed, with 9 factories that are operational whilst the balance of the construction phase has reached commissioning phase for other facilities/services. As of September 2022, 236 SMMEs were beneficiaries to the R971 million worth of opportunities. Internships on built environment and associated disciplines stand at 85, SMME accredited training at 307, and human capital technical training at 1,019.

The multi-billion-rand project is widely regarded as a turning point in how SEZs must be owned and operated – owing to its proven record of effective public/private partnerships, contribution to the local economy, and speed, innovation, and quality in infrastructure project management. Delivering this fast-tracked project triggered the best of Coega’s integrated capability, wherein much of the design process was coordinated virtually due to COVID-19 level 5 restrictions.

As the implementing agent of choice for TASEZ, Coega has proven the value of its 23 years’ experience managing complex and mega infrastructure projects. The only Ford-owned Frame Line in the world is located in the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ). The Ford Frame main facility built up area measuring 102,344 m2 recently won a Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) AON Excellence Award, while CDC Project Manager, Tim Ter Haar, (now deceased) was honoured with a lifetime industry achievement award.

The TASEZ project is expected to have far-reaching economic impacts, specifically in creating new momentum for the development of the Gauteng-Eastern Cape freight rail corridor. With over 162.6 hectares, TASEZ offers direct and ready linkages to regional and international markets, making exports to the Southern African Development Community easy. TASEZ is a key driver of economic growth in the City of Tshwane and the rest of the Gauteng province, to promote economic development for SMMEs and to create decent employment in the region. It is leading the way in advancing the continent’s industrial revolution and creating meaningful opportunities for people and business. Furthermore, TASEZ provides unparalleled connectivity and harmony between the living city, green city and the productive city of Tshwane including an array of state-of-the-art modern infrastructure and facilities.

From its origins as a developer and operator of the Coega Special Economic Zone, Coega has evolved and diversified its capabilities and offerings, in response to national and continental infrastructure, project management and socio-economic needs.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.