Enabling Growth Infrastructure and Strategic Initiatives
What we do
The purpose of this programme is to identify, support and enable the development of economic infrastructure and realise strategic or catalytic growth opportunities in the province.
Why this focus
Infrastructure is crucial for a region’s economic competitiveness. It facilitates the movement of labor, capital, and information and opens new opportunities. Large-scale projects develop infrastructure and drive growth across industries and regions. South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) and Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) highlight infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth. The Provincial Strategic Plan assigns the Western Cape Government (WCG) a key role in identifying and preparing catalytic economic infrastructure projects. The Growth for Jobs (G4J) strategy emphasizes the need for appropriate infrastructure to attract local and international investment to the Western Cape. The G4J Strategy also recognizes the private sector’s role in developing infrastructure to boost economic growth. The Department of Infrastructure (DoI) and DEDAT are responsible for implementing the “Infrastructure and Connected Economy” priority, aiming to develop a pipeline of projects worth R200 billion by 2035.
How we identify catalytic opportunities
The programme supports and enables the development of economic infrastructure and/ or identifies and realises growth opportunities when there is a valid economic or business need for infrastructure that is aligned with the WCG’s strategies, if the department has the capacity and resources to undertake the project, if the project has catalytic potential (i.e. it presents economic growth and job creation opportunities or businesses can grow in turnover) and/ or the broader Western Cape and South African ecosystem (of that relevant sector, industry or area) would benefit from the proposed development.
Our current projects
Special Economic Zones (SEZ’s)
An SEZ is designed to generate positive economic growth through favourable regulations, including tax incentives and lower tariffs, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). SEZs align with the Growth for Jobs Strategy to drive investment, establish infrastructure, and promote a connected economy. The SEZ programme has two projects already in implementation phase namely Freeport Saldanha and the Atlantis Special Economic Zone (ASEZ).
Under-utilised buildings
DEDAT does work to identify under-utilised government assets that might unlock industries and sectors.
Township Action Plan
DEDAT is working on the Township Action Plan project, a key part of the G4J Strategy, focusing on economic development in townships.
George Convention Centre
DEDAT is working with the George Municipality as part of a pre-feasibility assessment to consider the development of a convention centre that would serve the Southern Cape region, to be located in George.
How can you Assist?
Partner with us
Strategic partnerships and cooperation with other government spheres and the private sector are essential to increasing the speed and scale of change, we are looking for collaborators striving towards mutually beneficial outcomes.
Be a part of our journey
Help us raise awareness with your constituents and community. Through education, marketing, and communications, support The Growth for Jobs Strategy—Western Cape’s bold step towards a better future.
Contact us
Contact the Economic Planning and Coordination team, email: Kenneth.lawrence@westerncape.gov.za.
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