The promotion of industrialisation and industrial development should go together with radical economic inclusive growth.  This was said by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies at the launch of the completion of the first phase of the revitalised Botshabelo Industrial Park in Botshabelo, Free State. The first phase of the revitalisation includes the security infrastructure upgrade, fencing, street lighting and critical electricity requirements at a cost of R24 million.

“One of the fundamental objectives of the industrial policy priorities is the promotion of a broad-based industrialization path characterised by the increased participation of historically disadvantaged people and marginalised regions in the mainstream of the industrial economy. Through this object, the dti is committed to the creation of sustainable economic development platforms such as Industrial Clusters, Value Chains Development and Revitalisation of Industrial Parks”, said Minister Davies.

Minister Davies added that government is using different instruments to promote economic inclusive growth.

“We seek to promote broad participation through the new Codes of Good Practice of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment, which amongst others is encouraging larger industrial companies to source from the smaller companies. We also use the tools like designations.  According to designations, government will procure only from locally produced products. Lastly, we saw a need of promoting Black Industrialists. The Black Industrialist Programme is also part of economic inclusive growth and as we speak R250 million has been approved for five applicants”, stated Davies.

Davies indicated that the Revitalisation of Industrial Parks Programme is targeted at providing a platform for industrialisation in targeted regions thereby promoting growth and sustainability, diversification of economic actives and job-creation. 

“The revitalisation programme is aimed at providing industrialists with an environment favourable for inclusive growth and decent employment and equity by increasing the security and attractiveness of the industrial parks. The revitalisation of Botshabelo Industrial Park is part of the R189 million invested in covering six prioritised parks under the Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme, to promote industrialisation and increase contribution to job creation and the country’s economic growth”, concluded Davies.

Botshabelo Industrial Park is the first of the 10 State-Owned Industrial Parks to reach completion and there are141 factories operating in the Industrial Park. The Park is being implemented jointly by National and Provincial governments and is an important development to create a sustainable industrial capacity for Botshabelo community. The event was also attended by Economic Affairs: MEC Sam Mashinini.

Caption: Director-General Lionel October, MEC Sam Mashinini, Minister Rob Davies and MMC Papiki Moeng cutting the ribbon to officially launch the Botshabelo Industrial Park