What are the main goals of the OR Tambo SEZ and is it on track to achieving its goals?
The main goals of the OR Tambo SEZ are twofold; firstly, to facilitate the attraction of manufacturing investment into the SEZ, thereby contributing to the creation of much needed jobs in South Africa. These investments are focused on industries that mainly utilise air freight as a mode of transport, ensuring that they can leverage the competitive capabilities of OR Tambo International Airport, which is the air freight hub linked to OR Tambo SEZ. Secondly, the OR Tambo SEZ aims to facilitate the localisation of new technologies and industries.
Where required and in support of this, the Zone works with key partners to promote sector-specific skills and capacity enhancement, thereby ensuring that this multi-billion-rand development also provides opportunities for the development of enterprises in sun-rise industries. The OR Tambo SEZ is proud that it is on track to achieving its goals. To date, over 2,500 operational jobs have already been created at the SEZ. In addition, the Zone has facilitated the skills development of over 100 individuals in the jewellery industry. Plans are already underway to expand its skills offering, some of which will now be pursued through its recently established Enterprise Development Hub, which also aims to support emerging enterprises with market-access opportunities.
How many land parcels form part of the SEZ?
The OR Tambo SEZ is a multi-precinct development comprising three land parcels: two of these (ORTIA Precinct 1 and ORTIA Precinct 2) are located inside and next to OR Tambo International Airport while the third land parcel is located next to a major platinum refinery.
What is the status of the development of the SEZ?
ORTIA Precinct 1, which has 62,000 m² of lettable space, is fully developed. It comprises 11 distinct buildings, each of which is designed with the objective of operating a secure and high-value precinct.
What are the distinguishing features of this precinct?
ORTIA Precinct 1 is distinguished not just by its location inside the Airport Park, but the modern infrastructure developed to house the agro processing and mineral beneficiation industries it has attracted. It specifically boasts of one of the largest agro-processing facilities of its kind, globally. It has also developed a modern and secure mineral beneficiation park aimed at enhancing the production and export of fabricated mineral products from Africa.
What are some of the biggest success stories OR Tambo SEZ has so far achieved in terms of attracting investment?
The successes of ORTIA Precinct 1 to date include investment secured to develop the largest and most diverse ultra-fresh food facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere, In2food Bonaero, which accommodates food preparation, storage, office areas as well as a canteen, showers and a medical clinic. With an operating investment of over R250 million, the Bonaero industrial operation boasts an impressive refrigeration, PV and water resources system.
In addition, a Jewellery and Diamond Manufacturing Cluster, which covers 40 000m² of developed space, forms part of ORTIA Precinct 1. The JMP, as it is known, is home to different companies that share similar characteristics and operating requirements. With attracted operational investment of over half a billion rands, facilities established include a precious-metal refinery, diamond-cutting and polishing operations, jewellery manufacturers, diamond-trading entities, a skills hub as well as regulatory agencies that support the industry.
What are the short-term goals that lie ahead?
Over the short to medium term, the focus of the OR Tambo SEZ is on unlocking and developing the remaining SEZ-gazetted land parcels. These are ORTIA Precinct 2, envisaged to be 265 000m², and the Springs Precinct envisaged to be a 45 000m² development. Because of their locations, each of the precincts aims to attract investments that can benefit from their competitive locations. In respect of ORTIA Precinct 2, it is pharmaceutical and medical products, electronics and other high-value and time sensitive products that benefit from direct proximity to the airport.
Regarding the Springs Precinct, the focus is on the localisation of the fuel-cell industry. This is because of the competitive location of Springs next to a major platinum refinery, ensuring ease of access to materials required to produce platinum fuel cells. In addition, Springs is well positioned for the production of electrolysers, an input to the hydrogen economy. Other industries to be located at the zone include capital and mining equipment.
Are you satisfied with the governance of the GIDZ?
The OR Tambo SEZ has received clean and unqualified audit outcomes for well over a decade. This is a testament to the effective governance and operational arrangements and systems that the company has put in place.
