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Dr Bheka Zulu

Together, we can grow the auto sector

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By Mandla Mpangase From attracting foreign direct investments, to supporting auto component producers, to providing skills for the future, to opening up opportunities for local communities, the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) has an several key roles to play in the transformation of the automotive manufacturing sector.  TASEZ CEO, Dr Bheka Zulu, described just some to the work TASEZ does during a panel discussion on the opening day of South Africa Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town. TASEZ is a key partner of this annual gathering of the industry. A hot topic at the high-powered event, taking place from 15 – 18 October 2024, is that of training skilled workers for an evolving sector, as the production of new energy vehicles (NEVs) is no longer on the horizon, they are already here. “South Africa’s workforce must keep pace,” Dr Zulu said. The rise of EVs, autonomous driving technologies, and smart manufacturing requires an entirely new set of skills. This is where the TASEZ Training Academy comes into play. With the manufacturing sector in constant change as the Fourth Industrial Revolution takes hold, TASEZ, through its’ training academy, is making sure that workers are equipped for this future. “This initiative is critical in ensuring that the country not only retains its competitive edge in automotive manufacturing but also contributes to the development of a highly skilled, future-ready workforce.” “But,” Dr Zulu told the panel, “our academy goes much further; it also offers training to emerging businesses and small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in both business management as well as the soft skills of marketing their products.” The CEO pointed out the importance of supporting SMMEs and the local communities bordering the SEZ. Currently SMMEs are estimated to contribute 40% towards South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The National Development Plan highlights the importance of SMMEs to the economy. It envisages that 90% of all jobs will be generated by small enterprises in 2030. “As South Africa charts a course toward a more competitive, inclusive, and sustainable automotive industry, we must all go all out to make grow and transform our sector,” Dr Zulu added.

Collaboration is needed to gear up to new auto future

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If South Africa is to transform the automotive sector as spelt out in the South African Automotive Master Plan 2035, the industry must take decisive action on a wide range of issues, including decarbonisation, writes TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu. As the country’s special economic zone (SEZ) focused primarily on the automotive industry, the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) is ready to play a key role in moving the transformation efforts forward. While South Africa has set itself the task of zero net emissions by 2050, many of the country’s automotive export markets have set stringent targets over the next decade and the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are gearing up for the change. No doubt, this will be one of the main talking points at this year’s South African Auto Week, taking place in Cape Town from 15 – 18 October 2024. The theme for this year’s event is Reimagining the Future Together: Celebrating 100-Years of automotive heritage, passion, resilience and ingenuity. Among the topics up for discussion are “Decarbonising the auto sector”, “A path to net zero”, and “SA NEV (new energy vehicle) transition: Policy choices and support instruments”. It is against these current discussions that input from research by Deloitte, Automotive Pathways to Decarbonisation, becomes both prophetic and doable. The report, that “by 2050, automakers are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 90%”. It goes on to note that “to reach these aggressive targets, however, the entire value chain will need to be decarbonised”. The Deloitte report states: “Despite ongoing advances in the fuel efficiency of vehicles with internal combustion engines, the automotive sector’s pathway to decarbonisation requires accelerated adoption of electric vehicles (EV). Beyond the regulatory push to reduce tailpipe emissions, this shift is also being driven by consumer demand. In response, automakers around the globe have been ramping up EV production and sales.” However, the sector is faced with the high costs of expanding EVs into the market place, inconsistent regulatory frameworks globally, insufficient access to green inputs such as batteries and steel, a lack of competitive green business models and strong sustainable strategies, the report adds. But all is not lost. “By quickly ramping up EV production, increasing usage of renewable energy, and establishing material circularity, automakers can enhance the industry’s ability to meet the Paris Agreement’s science-based emissions reduction targets.” Deloitte suggests OEMS and component producers adopt circular business models and transition clean energy in both production plants and usage by prioritising sustainability when extracting and processing basic materials, producing vehicles and their parts, and decommissioning vehicles at their end-of-life. “To achieve this target state, the sector will need to eliminate traditional sector boundaries, involve suppliers and customers in the solution, and foster strong cross-sectoral collaboration.” This is where TASEZ is well-equipped to play a significant transformative role as an SEZ. Its strength is in building strong strategic partnerships, supporting current and potential automotive manufacturing tenants in creating green facilities that incorporate the latest technologies, and helping to train a workforce familiar with future trends within the industry. TASEZ’s facilities already embrace green energy solutions, using battery and solar elements. In addition, the SEZ’s close ties with local industry associations, training institutions and industry role players ensure that investors are provided with access to the latest technologies. Because TASEZ is based in the City of Tshwane, it is surrounded by academic, innovative and technological institutions, which are more than capable of supporting tenants in terms of research and development. It is only through partnerships and collaborative action across the entire value chain that a strong decarbonised sector will be built – and there is not too much time left to do so.

Clean audit for TASEZ makes it four in a row

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Not only is the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) an innovative driver of economic development through supporting the manufacturing sector, it is also a shining example of good governance. Africa’s first automotive city has received its fourth clean audit from the Auditor-General, cementing TASEZ’s reputation as the premier special economic zone (SEZ) for automotive investments in South Africa. “This can be attributed to the effectiveness of the board’s strategic guidance and the SEZ’s commitment to rigorous corporate governance,” says TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu. This, as TASEZ heads into its Phase 2 development, broadening its offering to diverse investors in the automotive manufacturing space. The clean audit is important as it provides investors with comfort of knowing that the SEZ is committed to sensible, judicious and transparent fiscal management, Dr Zulu adds. “It assures our investors, both international and local, that their investments are managed with integrity and diligence.” As one of the key implementors of South Africa’s industrial development policies, TASEZ plays a critical role in the SEZ ecosystem. TASEZ’s mandate is to accelerate economic reform through attracting investment, creating jobs, and opening up opportunities for small, medium and micro enterprises, particularly for the communities of the nearby townships of Mamelodi, Eersterust and Nellmapius.

TASEZ Training Academy lauds new graduates

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With the manufacturing sector in constant change as the Fourth Industrial Revolution takes hold, the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone, through its’ training academy, is making sure that workers are equipped for this future. The TASEZ Training Academy celebrated the graduation of 163 learners, presenting them with certificates of achievement on Thursday, 15 August 2024. With the graduates demonstrating exceptional dedication and skill in their training, the event was seen as an opportunity to recognise the learners’ hard work and commitment. The celebration showed the special economic zone’s commitment to providing much-needed skills development in a rapidly changing automotive industry. “Now is the time to lead a skills revolution in this country,” says chairperson, Lionel October TASEZ, adding that the TASEZ’s academy was set up to close the skills and technology gap. “As articulated in the South African Automotive Master Plan, the industry needs to be expanded, becoming more inclusive,” says CEO, Dr Bheka Zulu, adding that “a skilled, agile and adaptable workforce is essential to achieve this.” TASEZ, Africa’s first automotive city, is ideally placed to make an impact on inclusive jobs creation and upskilling. “TASEZ is delivering on its vision to be the benchmark for special economic zones in South Africa while contributing to the growth of the automotive sector,” says Dr Zulu. As the automotive industry is gearing up for production of new energy vehicles and for exports to markets that have set targets to reach a carbon neutral environment, South African manufacturers will need to move swiftly to embrace Fourth Industrial Revolution skills. It is against this backdrop that the Automotive Master Plan has set a number of ambitious targets to be met by 2035, including: The automotive industry is one of South Africa’s most important economic sectors, contributing 4.3% to the country’s gross domestic product. The industry is also the country’s fifth largest export sector accounting 18.1% of total exports. However, the sector – as the country – faces the intense challenge of unemployment alongside an unskilled labour force. Figures are disheartening, with Q2 numbers indicating the highest unemployment rate since 2022. Currently South Africa’s official unemployment rate stands at 33.5.9% for the second quarter of 2024, up from 32.9% for the first quarter of 2024, according to StatsSA. The expanded unemployment rate, which includes those who are no longer actively looking for employment, increased to 42.6%, up from the first quarter figure of 41.9%. These numbers represent the 8.4 million people who are now unemployed, with more than 76% of those having been without a job for more than a year. A focus on skills development and training has never been so important, notes Dr Zulu. “Skills development has the potential to turn the tide against unemployment,” he adds.

TASEZ CEO draws from the past to build a future of self-respect and dignity

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On this Mandela Day Dr Bheka Zulu, the CEO of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), reflects on the legacy left by Tata Nelson Mandela in building a South Africa that truly reaches its full potential. Today, 18 July, we make time to reflect on the profound impact Nelson Mandela had on our country, and indeed, the world. His wise words flowed in many directions, sharing his experiences, teaching his philosophies, and touching wide and diverse topics. But none of these words were more important that those regarding the youth of this country. Speaking at a rededication of a school in the Eastern Cape in 1995, Madiba said: “Our children are the rock on which our future will be built, our greatest asset as a nation. They will be the leaders of our country, the creators of our national wealth, those who care for and protect our people. “But if they are to take on this great responsibility, the rich potential in every child must be developed into the skills and the knowledge that our society needs. Education is the key to that process. It is also a door which opens from every village and city onto our larger society and indeed onto the whole world.” It is heartbreaking to look at the challenges facing the youth right now; with low economic growth, high unemployment, and lingering poverty and inequality. That South Africa’s economy has been constrained is nothing new, with the Reserve Bank’s growth expectations for 2024 and 2025 sitting at 1.2% and 1.3% respectively. These rates are not nearly enough to help the country grow jobs and create business opportunities for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). The statistics are harsh, with young South Africans bearing the brunt of these issues. Unemployment among the youth – people between the ages of 15 and 34 – totalled 4.9 million in the first quarter of 2023, according to figures released by Statistics South Africa in May. The youth unemployment rate sits at 46,5%. According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) “South Africa, like many countries globally, grapples with the challenge of youth unemployment. This is supported by statistics indicating a 45,5% unemployment rate among young individuals (aged 15-34 years), in contrast to the national average of 32,9% in the first quarter of 2024.” The automotive industry plays a strategic role in growing South Africa’s economy. In 2021 it contributed 4.3% to South Africa’s GDP, with the export of vehicles and automotive components reaching a record R207.5 billion – equating to 12.5% of South Africa’s total exports. Becoming globally competitive and transformed But much more is expected from the sector. The South African Automotive Masterplan’s (SAAM’s) vision is to create “a globally competitive and transformed industry that actively contributes to the sustainable development of South Africa’s productive economy, creating prosperity for industry stakeholders and broader society”. Targets set include: It is against this background that TASEZ needs to stand up and play its part in growing the automotive industry alongside helping young South Africans develop the skills and experience they need to gain work in the ever-evolving sector. To quote Mandela, from a President’s Budget Debate in Parliament in 1996: “Jobs, jobs and jobs are the dividing line in many families between a decent life and a wretched existence. They are, to many, the difference between self-esteem and helplessness.” Beyond job creation, the establishment of SMMEs across the country is critical; driving growth, providing employment opportunities, and opening new markets. South Africa sets a great store on the SMME sector as a driver of economic development and growth. In the National Development Plan 2030, SMMEs are identified as having the potential to contribute between 60% to 80% to the country’s gross domestic product growth and employ 90% of the workforce. The NPD, which has set a target of 24 million people in employment by 2030. Of that, 21.6 million people would be in SMMEs. Youth development is a key component of TASEZ’s business case, with our SEZ helping boost the economies of our neighbouring communities of Eersterust, Mamelodi and Nelmapius, providing job opportunities and training programmes for young South Africans and emerging SMMEs. TASEZ’s Phase 1 development saw 3 244 permanent jobs in the automotive manufacturing sector created, with a further 5 071 jobs in construction. SMME procurement spend totalled R1.7-billion. As the SEZ continues to grow, more job will arise, along with SMME procurement opportunities. In addition, TASEZ is planning to create an automotive incubation programme and focus on skills development in support of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers along with expanding the hub and creating 3 000 new jobs. What we need to be aware of is that these are not merely numbers and statistics to us – each job created or project supported represents real families and community members living secure lives with dignity and self-respect. Picking up the baton from Madiba, we know that we have to be daringly ambitious and resolutely committed to contributing our South Africa’s growth, expanding beyond our borders to impacting regional and African development.

MEC tours TASEZ, sees firsthand how SEZs can help accelerate reindustrialisation

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Special economic zones (SEZs) are ideally placed to help accelerate the country’s much-needed industrialisation, securing foreign direct investment that can be used to create jobs, develop infrastructure and boost local economies. Africa’s first automotive city, the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone, is one of these key drivers. SEZs are viewed as key instruments to making South Africa an attractive option for foreign direct investments. SEZs are important instruments in advancing the country’s strategic objectives of industrialisation, regional development, the promotion of exports and job creation. Tuesday, 16 July 2024 saw the Gauteng MEC for economic development and treasury, Lebogang Maile, visit three of the 12 factories currently based in the SEZ – Ford Frame, Feltex, and Sodecia – to see for himself what the zone provides. TASEZ was established through a committed investment and against a very tight deadline – and during Covid 19 – setting the bar for the development of new SEZs in South Africa. From its beginnings in the dusty veld on the outskirts of Silverton in 2020, to seeing the first cars come off the production line in November 2022, TASEZ has shown just what can be achieved with a solid investor and strong leadership from all three tiers of government. Looking to expand, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa committed to a R16-billion investment to produce an extra 40 000 vehicles a year, moving from 160 000 units to 200 000 units annually. Supporting Ford’s investment was the political will to drive the project and ensure its success. All three tiers of government become equal shareholders, each with clearly defined roles. The factories based in the SEZ all produce components for Ford, with a focus on just-in-time and just-in-sequence systems. The first phase of TASEZ’s development saw the creation of 3 244 permanent jobs within the zone, with more than 65% from the surrounding communities: 32% going to women and 65.4% by the youth. In addition, more than 5 071 construction jobs were created. “This is in line with the department’s objective of strengthening access into the economy for marginal communities,” Maile noted. “This brings the total of direct jobs created through SEZ to over 8 000 direct jobs resulting in more than 18 396 indirect jobs.” TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu said: “We are aware of the important role SEZs play in helping to accelerate reindustrialisation of our economic hubs.” He added: “TASEZ is well-placed to help create jobs, support our local communities and boost their economies, and share knowledge and skills.” TASEZ’s Phase 1 also saw 256 opportunities ring-fenced for small, medium and micro enterprises, totalling R1.7-billion in procurement spend. The SEZ is now focusing on its Phase 2 development, and embracing the challenges the South African automotive manufacturing sector faces, in growing the sector, creating jobs, providing access to skills development, ensuring materials and jobs are localised, and including the requirements need for the era of new energy vehicles (NEVs). Over the next two years, Ford will be investing an additional R5.2-billion for the production of the first-ever Ranger plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

TASEZ greets new Gauteng MEC, views operations

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Gauteng’s newly-appointed member of the provincial executive council (MEC) for economic development and treasury, Lebogang Maile made time to the meet the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone’s (TASEZ) executive team and familiarise himself with the special economic zone’s operations. Close relationships with strategic partners is vital to the SEZ, with the Gauteng government being one of the three government partners in TASEZ. As TASEZ chairperson Lionel October explained: “The establishment of Africa’s first automotive city was a pilot project of new integrated strategic partnerships to be used by SEZs in South Africa.” Central to its development is the three-tier partnership between national government that focuses on the high-level structure, the provincial government that provides funding for the infrastructure within the zone, and the local government that provides infrastructure such as roads and electricity into the zone. This catalysed the financial investment put into the project by the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa as part of its plans to double the production of its vehicles in Silverton, City of Tshwane, by 40 000 units, to 200 000 units annually. The SEZ completed the first phase of its development in a mere 18 months – and during Covid-19 – using a R24-billion investment in setting up an automotive manufacturing zone that currently has 12 fully operational facilities and employs 3 500 people. MEC Maile, who met the TASEZ team, including CEO Dr Bheka Zulu and CFO Rebecca Hlabatau, on Friday 12 July 2024, is immersing himself in his extensive and economically critical portfolio. The Gauteng Department of Economic Development is tasked with leading, facilitating and managing sustainable job creation and inclusive economic growth and development in the Gauteng city region. And SEZs, as important instruments in advancing the country’s strategic objectives of industrialisation, regional development, the promotion of exports and job creation, have an important role to play – they are key to making South Africa an attractive option for foreign direct investments. “Our special economic zones programme, supported by intensive investment promotion, will be utilised to accelerate the re-industrialisation of the Gauteng city region,” Maile said.

TASEZ celebrates group of learners

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The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) celebrated the achievements of 134 learners who graduated from a training course on organisational health and safety on 14 May 2024. The training, under the guidance of TASEZ’s safety, health and environmental manager Patricia Mandleni, is an important part of the special economic zone’s commitment to broaden economic participation by promoting small, micro, and medium sized enterprises and co-operatives, while promoting skills and technology transfer. Learners were called to the stage, where they were presented certificates by TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu. “It is important that TASEZ supports training of people in the automotive manufacturing and construction sectors as well as individuals from our neighbouring communities,” Dr Zulu noted. “We are driven by helping make sure that the South African Automotive Masterplan 2035 is a success, as well as helping develop a skilled workforce for our ever-changing industry which will need different high-level skills that embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he added. “We are determined to play a role in shaping the future of automotive excellence.” SAAM 2035 calls for transforming the industry and has identified six pillars for growth: According to the recently published Industrial Policy and Strategic Review – Transforming Vision into Action: Charting South Africa’s Industrial Future the rapid scaling-up of infrastructure spending should be a top priority, with specific focus on improving electricity and freight transport for established businesses, and to qualitatively upgrade infrastructure to support economic activities in working-class communities, especially by providing industrial, commercial and cultural centres. Training is an important aspect of transforming the economic landscape, as the country’s industrial development increases its pace and reach, ensuring the realisation of the National Development Plan’s Vision 2030, Dr Zulu added. The NDP identifies artisans and SMMEs as key elements in driving the economy through infrastructure development and manufacturing. The NDP has set a target of producing 30 000 artisans a year by 2030, with the country currently seeing 20 000 artisans qualify annually.

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition delivers key policy assessment at TASEZ

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The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) was chosen to host the delivery of a critical national policy assessment by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel on Tuesday, 7 March 2024. The minister delivered the Industrial Policy and Strategic Review – Transforming Vision into Action: Charting South Africa’s Industrial Future. “TASEZ was chosen as the venue for this occasion as it demonstrates how changes in the approach to implementing industrial policy has given different, significantly positive, results,” the minister said at the beginning of his review. This review – and plan for the future – takes place at a critical time, as the country celebrates 30 years of democracy, and a few weeks before South Africa’s seventh administration takes office. South Africa’s economic development has, over the past three decades, leaned into the national industrial policy to drive growth and transformation in an effort to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality, with industrialisation identified as a key to unlocking the economy, building investor confidence and creating jobs across multiple sectors. Economic impact of investment into South Africa Minister Patel noted that foreign direct investment (FDI) into South Africa rose to R1.1-trillion between 2019 to 2023, a significant increase from the previous five-year period which garnered R312-billion. Investments over the past five years were 3½ times larger. This was despite the turbulent headwinds the country had to endure over the last five years:   The FDI packages ameliorated much of the negative impact of the six shocks the country endured. “The resilience of the South African economy has surprised many commentators,” Minister Patel noted. He referred to the 2023 EY Attractiveness Africa Report which highlighted that South Africa attracted the most FDI projects in Africa – 157, making up 23% of the continent’s total. According to the report, South Africa’s FDI was valued at US$26.8-billion and created about 15 000 jobs, the highest number in southern Africa. The minister also noted that of the R1.5-trillion pledged at the five cycles of the South Africa Investment Conference, a third of the projects had already been completed, with others under construction. “What we did in these five years is to try and get investment to flow notwithstanding the headwinds – and we have already seen some real impact.” Minister Patel reviewed the work done by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition over the past five years, discussing a number of success stories in a variety of sectors; examining the challenges that had arisen; and charting a way forward to speed up the various economic programmes. Several key elements were vital to the success of the reimagined industrial strategy, including: This was supported by a number of programmes including the development of sectoral masterplans, which saw a move towards a multi-stakeholder approach, “in which government, the private sector and labour collectively developed and implemented plans”. The masterplan process modelled a new approach, where the state works in a flexible way to address the diverse concerns facing individual companies and other stakeholders. A catalytic project on SEZ development TASEZ is shining example of this approach; showcasing a more rapid and coordinated development process, particularly in reference to setting up special economic zones. One of the key drivers of TASEZ’s business approach is the South African Automotive Masterplan, with its focus on transforming the sector, promoting localization and creating jobs. TASEZ is a critical case study in the speedy implementation of the special economic zones in South Africa. It took four short years for TASEZ to develop from a dusty veld to a modern industrial hub, with an automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) – the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa – supported by other component manufacturers. “Investment was unlocked through an anchor firm, Ford, while the dtic, the Gauteng government, and the City of Tshwane pooled their resources and capabilities,” the strategy review notes. “This solid base allowed for the rapid unlocking of 11 investments by component firms and help establish the SEZ by developing a network of interconnected producers around the zone.” The review noted: “All of this was underpinned by strong alignment with pre-existing policy including state support through the Automotive Production and Development Programme and investment funding through projects like the Automotive Investment Scheme.” In its short existence, TASEZ has seen an investment of R16-billion from Ford; R5.6-billion from the various component manufacturers; and R3.92-billion from government – in its first phase of development. In addition, the first phase of TASEZ has seen the creation of 3 244 permanent jobs in the automotive manufacturing sector and a further 5 071 jobs in construction. Procurement spend in the small, medium and micro enterprise sector has totalled R1.7-billion so far. “This mode – of moving quicky, working through partnerships, coordinating across the state and aligning with broader support programmes – offers a sturdy pathway for the revitilisation of industrial policy,” the review report noted. TASEZ is now preparing to begin the second phase of development, with several investors already preparing to join the hub. “As a special economic zone that plays an integral role in transforming the automotive manufacturing sector,” TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu, adding that the Africa’s first automotive city could attest to the importance of a strong industrial policy in encouraging global investors.

Tshwane SEZ shows the way on how to successfully attract investment and create employment

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The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) has set the benchmark for the development of South Africa’s new special economic zones. Special economic zones (SEZs) are key to making South Africa an attractive option for foreign direct investments. SEZs are important instruments in advancing the country’s strategic objectives of industrialisation, regional development, the promotion of exports and job creation. Africa’s first automotive city, based in the City of Tshwane, was an exemplary case in how to develop and set up an SEZ to hit the road running. From being gazette in January 2020 to seeing the first cars come off the production line in November 2022, TASEZ achieved all of this in just two short years – and during the Covid 19 pandemic. The TASEZ case study was central to discussions that took place in a workshop held in Pretoria on Thursday, 11 April 2024, that looked at how SEZs can be implemented speedily. Piloting a new method “We are conscious of the responsibility we have been given in piloting this new model for the development of SEZs,” says TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu. “It could not have been done without the strong strategic partnerships between our investors and all three tiers of government.” The TASEZ model has now set the benchmark for the establishment of new SEZs. Representatives from the country’s new SEZs joined the teams from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) responsible for SEZ development, the Industrial Development Corporation’s (IDC’s) SEZ unit, and TASEZ. TASEZ chair and executive director of the Industrial Zones Programme at the IDC, Lionel October, said: “We are here today to begin to standardise and formulate SEZ set up procedures.” The dtic’s Shaun Moses set the scene for the discussion, outlining the policy and strategies driving the development of SEZs. He highlighted the underlying economic challenges South Africa had to tackle: This led to the government identifying a number of objectives to change the economic landscape: combining growth with transformation; boosting local production; growing exports and expanding trade within Africa; increasing investment; establishing a reliable and low-cost energy system while greening the economy; and growing employment. This, Moses pointed out, would be achieved through promoting jobs and higher incomes via industrialisation; building an inclusive economy; and making sure public policies make an impact. Factors for success It was against this background that TASEZ became the pilot project for a new approach to setting up SEZs. There were a number of critical factors that ensured the project’s success: “The scale of the TASEZ project demanded a well-coordinated, systematic and objective approach in responding to the socio-economic performance targets, job creation and SMME opportunities.” Crucially, it was the agile project management approach that ensured TASEZ’s success. Key factors to this success were: One of the proposals to speed up the development of new SEZs, put forward by the technical advisor of the Industrial Zones Programme at the IDC, Dr Siyabonga Simayi, was the creation of multi-sites, or the extension of the boundaries of existing SEZs, to incorporate the development of new SEZs. This would see the development of a zone with more than one site, or the development on land that did not share a border with the existing SEZ. The licence of an existing Industrial Development Zone could be used to facilitate the creation of new SEZs, cutting down on read tape and allowing for a speedier and more agile process, Dr Simayi told the workshop. This would see a single licensee, operator and entity, with one management team and board; single operating systems and processes, and a single budget with one audit process. The workshop concluded by agreeing that there was a need to develop clear guidelines and operating procedures to implement successful SEZs within two years. As Stieneke Jensma, the chief operations officer of the Industrial Zones Programme at the IDC, noted in summing up the day: “TASEZ has done it – we know it’s doable.”