Western Cape Economic Opportunities Minister Alan Winde
Photo by: Duane Daws
The Western Cape government has called for tenders to deliver a detailed two-phase feasibility study for a halal industrial park, as part of Project Khulisa’s plan to grow the province’s halal industry and take advantage of the $2.3-trillion global industry.
The study will include a full analysis of the halal industry, mapping of potential opportunities and the evaluation of three proposed sites for the park; Stellenbosch, Klapmuts and the Cape Town International Airport.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Western Cape Economic Opportunities Minister Alan Winde explained: “Once we’ve reviewed the outcome of Phase 1, we’ll decide whether to proceed with Phase 2, which includes the development of a bankable business plan for the park and an in-depth look at some of our halal industry’s most competitive subsectors.”
A second tender had also been issued for the mapping of the halal industry’s full value chain to assess supplier gaps and grow small, micro and medium-sized enterprise participation in the industry.
Winde said growing the halal industry was one of Project Khulisa’s key areas as the sector presented considerable opportunities to facilitate growth and job creation in the Western Cape. “This industry is growing at an estimated yearly rate of 20% and it is one of the fastest growing consumer segments in the world. The Western Cape has the highest number of companies manufacturing halal products.”
Winde noted that the full halal plan consisted of three additional action steps, which included putting in place good governance structures.
“This would include the establishment of an intergovernmental work-group and a public-private coordinating group.”
Certification was also key, stated Winde, noting that, in addition to developing a guide on the current certification standards, the Western Cape government would also work with certification bodies to assess the appetite for a single standard that was in line with global market demands.
He explained that, once the industry was larger, the development of a promotion strategy for Western Cape halal would be undertaken.