R267 Million Industrialisation Project
Commences in Gauteng
Friday, 11 September 2015 – Group CEO, Mr Siphiwe Ngwenya, Gauteng MEC for Economic Development,
Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development Lebogang Maile and the Deputy Minister of Trade and
Industry, Mzwandile Masina, today turned soil to celebrate the commencement of the construction of the
first greenfield project to be constructed within the IDZ, the Jewellery Manufacturing Precinct (JMP), a facility
catering for mineral beneficiation, diamond cutting, polishing and trading as well as light manufacturing for
jewellery and other high end products.
The IDZ aims to attract investors through a range of incentives including dedicated customs support services;
duty-free importation of production-related raw materials and inputs and reduced tax and exemption for
some activities.
Maile said the development should be seen as part of Gauteng’s plans to re-industrialise and chart a new
course for its economy by supporting value adding, labour intensive and innovative industries, especially agroprocessing, pharmaceuticals, electronics and automotive manufacturing which are part of the eleven sectors
earmarked for government intervention over the next few years.
“In designing and planning for the development of the Jewellery Precinct, our focus is on the
operationalisation of a globally competitive precinct that will enhance South Africa’s ability to manufacture
jewellery and the cutting and polishing of other precious and semi-precious metals for local and international
consumption.
“The facility will support industrial development in the area and give practical expression to our plans to turn
Ekurhuleni into an Aerotropolis. It will also offer investors access to clustered infrastructure and its proximity
to the OR Tambo makes it suitable for export-oriented production ” said Maile.
Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Mzwandile Masina said that the initiative for the advancement of
South Africa’s development goals.
“The establishment of the IDZ in the Ekurhuleni Metro will enhance the region’s role in South Africa’s
development landscape. More innovative and value-added products will be produced in this region and find
their way to global markets. This will lead to a more skilled population, more high quality jobs, and the
eradication of poverty, unemployment and inequality” he said.
“Not since the advent of the Gautrain, have we, the GGDA of which the GIDZ is a subsidiary been this excited
about a project - Already we are a leading city, one that is rich in its diversity as well as its offerings, however
this development is one that is sure to change how citizens the world over will view Gauteng”, said Ngwenya
An overall investment of R267 million has been committed to get the project off the ground. Construction will
take place over 15 to 18 months period.
Mandy Rutgers
Head of Communications