Northern Cape Business 2019/20 edition

NORTHERN CAPE 

BUSINESS 

THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT 

IN THE NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE 

2019/20 EDITION 

RTHERN CAPE 

SINESS 

E TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT 

ORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE 

2017/18 EDITION 

JOIN US ONLINE 

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CONTENTS 

CONTENTS 

Northern Cape Business 2019/20 Edition 

Introduction 

Foreword4 

The Northern Cape’s unique guide to business and investment. 

Special features 

Regional overview 6 

Major infrastructure is under construction in the Northern 

Cape – or it will be soon – as the province prepares to move 

its economy into top gear. 

A competitive destination 10 

A trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) profile for the 

Northern Cape. 

Investment projects 12 

A wide range of investment opportunities are available for 

potential investors in the province. 

Upington Special Economic Zone 26 

More than 500 hectares of prime land is availible for investors. 

Tourism sector boom 28 

Adventure tourism continues to grow, and investors are sought 

for a steam train revival. 

Education creating opportunity 30 

Sol Plaatje University is reaching for the stars as the world’s 

biggest telescope project ramps up in the Northern Cape. 

NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019/20 

2

Economic sectors 

CONTENTS 

Agriculture40 

Agri-processing is set to drive economic growth. 

Grapes and wine 44 

Record harvests are being recorded. 

Mining48 

A huge zinc project near Pofadder could lead to the Northern 

Cape acquiring a smelter and a refinery. 

Water56 

Water projects are stimulating economic growth. 

Renewable energy 58 

Technical innovation comes to the Northern Cape. 

Banking and finance 60 

New banks are targeting niche markets. 

Development finance and SMME support 61 

An industrial park at Kathu will boost SMMEs. 

References 

Key sector contents 38 

Index64 

ABOUT THE COVER: 

Credit: NRF|SARAO. The MeerKAT radio telescope in the Karoo 

region of South Africa comprises 64 antennas and is currently 

the largest radio telescope in the world. MeerKAT is the precursor 

to the giant international project, the Square Kilometre Array 

(SKA) radio telescope. When the prototype Karoo Array Telescope 

(KAT) was expanded, the name for the expanded telescope was 

adopted to reflect the fact that more receptors were to be built 

(“meer” in Afrikaans) and to call to mind the much-loved animal 

that roams the Karoo. 

NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019/20

FOREWORD 

CREDITS 

Publisher: Chris Whales 

Publishing director: Robert Arendse 

Editor: John Young 

Online editor: Christoff Scholtz 

Art director: Brent Meder 

Design: Tyra Martin 

Production: Lizel Olivier 

Ad sales: Shiko Diala, Sandile Koni, 

Gavin van der Merwe, Sam Oliver, 

Gabriel Venter, Vanessa Wallace, 

Jeremy Petersen and Reginald 

Motsoahae 

Managing director: Clive During 

Administration & accounts: 

Charlene Steynberg and 

Natalie Koopman 

Distribution & circulation 

manager: Edward MacDonald 

Printing: FA Print 

Northern Cape Business 

A unique guide to business and investment in the 


The 2019/20 edition of Northern Cape Business is the ninth 

issue of this highly successful publication that has, since its 

launch in 2009, established itself as the premier business 

and investment guide for the Northern Cape Province. 

Officially supported and used by the Northern Cape Department 

of Economic Development and Tourism, Northern Cape Business is 

unique as a business and investment guide that focuses exclusively 

on the province. In addition to comprehensive overviews of sectors 

of the economy, this publication has a particular focus on specific, 

packaged investment opportunities 

The massive potential represented by the Square Kilometre Array 

radio telescope project and the rapid progress being made by Sol 

Plaatje University are also highlighted in this edition. 

To complement the extensive local, national and international 

distribution of the print edition, the full content can also be viewed 

online at www.globalafricanetwork.com under e-books. Updated 

information on the Northern Cape is also available through our monthly 

e-newsletter, which you can subscribe to online at www.gan.co.za, in 

addition to our complementary business-to-business titles that cover 

all nine provinces as well as our flagship South African Business title. 

Chris Whales 

Publisher, Global Africa Network Media 

Email: chris@gan.co.za 

DISTRIBUTION 

Northern Cape Business is distributed internationally on outgoing 

and incoming trade missions, through trade and investment 

agencies; to foreign offices in South Africa’s main trading partners 

around the world; at top national and international events; 

through the offices of foreign representatives in South Africa; 

as well as nationally and regionally via chambers of commerce, 

tourism offices, trade and investment agencies, provincial government 

departments, municipalities and companies. 

Member of the Audit Bureau 

of Circulations 

PUBLISHED BY 

Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd 

Company Registration No: 2004/004982/07 

Directors: Clive During, Chris Whales 

Physical address: 28 Main Road, Rondebosch 7700 

Postal address: PO Box 292, Newlands 7701 

Tel: +27 21 657 6200 | Fax: +27 21 674 6943 

Email: info@gan.co.za | Website: www.gan.co.za 

ISSN 2074-0654 

COPYRIGHT | Northern Cape Business is an independent publication 

published by Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd. Full copyright to 

the publication vests with Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd. No part 

of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the written 

permission of Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd. 

PHOTO CREDITS | Pictures supplied by: Abengoa Solar; Aurecon; 

Flicker/SA Tourism; Industrial Development Corporation; iStock; Kumba 

Iron Ore; Murray and Dickson Construction; Noblesfontien Wind Farm; 

NRF|SARAO; Kevin Wright and Vedanta Zinc International; Robertson 

Ventilation Industries (RVI); Savage + Dodd architects; Sedibeng Water. 

NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019/20 4 

DISCLAIMER | While the publisher, Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd, has 

used all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained in Northern 

Cape Business is accurate and up-to-date, the publishers make no representations 

as to the accuracy, quality, timeliness, or completeness of the information. 

Global Africa Network will not accept responsibility for any loss or damage 

suffered as a result of the use of or any reliance placed on such information.

The Black Management Forum 

The BMF is a thought leadership organisation founded in 

1976, with the main purpose of influencing socio-economic 

transformation of our country, in pursuit of socio-economic 

justice, fairness and equity. 

The organisation stands for the development and 

empowerment of managerial leadership amongst black people 

within organisations and the creation of managerial structures 

and processes, which reflect the demographics, and 

value of the wider society. 

For detailed information on how to become a member, please contact 

Thulisile Simelane. Email: thulisile@bmfonline.co.za 

www.bmfonline.co.za BMFNational@ BMFNational @BMFNational

SPECIAL FEATURE 

A REGIONAL OVERVIEW OF THE 

NORTHERN 

CAPE PROVINCE 

By John Young 

Major infrastructure is under construction in the Northern Cape —or it will be soon 

— as the province prepares to move its economy into top gear. Water schemes, an 

economic development zone, a railways logistics hub, a Special Economic Zone at 

Upington Airport, a new harbour and a new university are among the infrastructure 

projects underway or under consideration in South Africa’s largest province. 

The planned Special Economic Zone 

(linked to the Upington International 

Airport) is intended as a site for solarrelated 

manufacturing. The Industrial 

Development Corporation has spent R11.4- 

billion of its commitment to renewable energy 

so far in the Northern Cape. Part of the IDC’s 

role has been to take up a 20% stake in projects 

on behalf of local communities. 

Provincial assets 

The Northern Cape is South Africa’s 

largest province at 372 889km², covering 

30% of the country’s landmass on the dry 

western side of the country bordering the 

Atlantic Ocean, Namibia and Botswana. 

The Sishen-Saldanha ore export railway 

line is one of the mechanical wonders of 

the world. The line extends 860km and the 


6


trains sometimes extend beyond 3 500 metres 

and carry a load exceeding 41 000 tons. 

The Northern Cape produces more than 84% 

of South Africa’s iron ore. Kumba Iron Ore is the 

country’s biggest iron-ore miner with two large 

two mines (Sishen and Kolomela) in the province. 

The Kalahari Basin contains 80% of the 

world’s manganese reserve, but only 15% of 

global production comes from this area so there 

is enormous scope for development. Several new 

black-owned manganese projects are underway. 

The world receives 7% of its diamonds from the 

Northern Cape, and exports of zinc and lead 

from the province account for 13% of global 

demand. 

Vedanta Zinc International started work in 

2015 on its huge new Gamsberg Zinc project. 

The new mine is near to Vedanta’s existing Black 

Mountain mine and is the biggest current new 

project underway The flotation area of the mine 

is shown here in a photograph by Kevin Wright. 

The province also has copper, lead, zinc, 

mineral sands, gypsum, granite, asbestos, 

fluorspar, semi-precious stones and marble. 

The Northern Cape is a big contributor to 

the national basket of exports in minerals and 

in agricultural products such as table grapes 

and raisins. About 45 000 people are employed 

in agriculture, which represents approximately 

16% of employment. The province supports 

livestock farming (mainly goats and sheep 

with cattle in the north), table grapes, dates, 

cotton and cereal crops and vineyards along 

the banks of the Orange River, large varieties of 

crops including cotton, groundnuts, wheat and 

maize on irrigated lands. Pecan nuts are a major 

new crop. Thoroughbred horses are bred in the 

south-eastern parts of the province, especially 

around Colesberg. 

The Northern Cape is home to six national parks 

and five provincial parks and nature reserves. The 

Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape is 

a World Heritage Site and the Namaqualand spring 

flower display draws many visitors. 

Most of the province falls into the category 

of semi-arid (apart from the coastal strip) and it 

receives relatively little rainfall. Summers are hot 

and winters are cold. 

District municipalities 

Frances Baard District Municipality 

Towns: Kimberley, Barkly West, Warrenton, 

Hartswater, Jan Kempdorp. 

This district accounts for 40.3% of the province’s 

economic activity. It is the smallest but with a population 

of approximately 325 500, it is the most 

densely populated. Although Kimberley is historically 

7 



renowned for diamond mining, its economy is now 

driven by its role as the administrative headquarters 

of the province. Strategically located and with good 

infrastructure, Kimberley is the leading centre in 

the province for retail, financial services, education, 

commerce and light industry. 

The Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre and 

the Sol Plaatje University are in Kimberley. Mining 

and agriculture are found in rural municipalities. 

Agriculture in the region comprises crop cultivation 

and stock and game farming. The Vaalharts Water 

Scheme is the largest irrigation project of its kind 

in the southern hemisphere. 

Investment opportunities: 

• Sol Plaatje University 

• Kimberley International Diamond and 

Jewellery Academy (KIDJA) 

• Mining: diamonds and precious stones 

• Manufacturing: textiles, agri-processing. 

John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality 

Towns: Kuruman, Kathu, Hotazel. 

Kuruman is the headquarters of local government 

in this region and contributes 19.7% to the 

province’s economy. The local spring produces 

20-million litres of water every day. 

Most of the district is situated on the Ghaap 

Plateau, over 1 000 metres above sea-level and 

can experience extreme temperatures. Most 

agricultural activity is limited to grazing and 

boer goats are a popular breed among farmers, 

although game hunting is growing. 

Kathu has a well-developed CBD with shopping 

malls that arose when iron demand was high. 

The Sishen iron ore mine outside Kathu is a vast 

undertaking, providing employment for thousands 

of people. Samancor’s Mamatwan and Wessels 

manganese mines and plants are situated at Hotazel. 


• Kathu Industrial Park (IDC involvement) 

• Eco-tourism and hunting 

• Boesmansput diving resort 

• Gamagara Mining Corridor (housing, 

infrastructure) 

• Goat commercialisation 

• Agri-processing: olives, grains, pecan 

nuts, medicinal plants. 

Namakwa District Municipality 

Towns: Springbok, Calvinia, Niewoudtville, 

Garies, Williston, Fraserburg, Sutherland, 

Pofadder, Okiep, Port Nolloth, Alexander Bay. 

The Namakwa District stretches from the northwestern 

corner of the province, and the country, 

bordering Namibia and the Atlantic Ocean to 

the southern border of the province with the 

Western Cape Province. It includes the famous 

star-gazing town of Sutherland on its southern 

edge. The district is sparsely populated, and 

predominantly rural. It contributes 11.1% to 

economic activity in the province. 

A major new investment has been undertaken 

in zinc at the Gamsberg project. 

The mining and agricultural sectors provide 

most employment, while tourism and small-scale 

manufacturing are also present. There are plans 

to upgrade the harbour at Port Nolloth. 

The region’s economy gets a great boost 

every spring when tourists flock to see the veld 

in bloom. The climate and soil support certain 

niche crops, and the sites and sights are unique 

to the region, offering opportunities in agriculture 

and tourism. Niewoudtville is the site of a rooibos 

tea factory. 

The /Ai/Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, 

the Namakwa National Park and the Tankwa 

Karoo National Park have the potential to grow 

as travel destinations, as does the western 

coastline. 


• Development of Port Nolloth and smaller 

harbours 

• Hondeklip Fish Factories 

• Abalone and hake 

• Kelp processing and export 

• Game and nature reserve infrastructure 

• Rooibos tea 

• Calvinia: sheep and goat processing. 

Pixley Ka Seme District Municipality 

Towns: De Aar, Hanover, Carnarvon, Douglas, 

Marydale, Prieska, Hopetown, Richmond, 

Noupoort, Norvalspont, Colesberg. 

The district covers 102 000 square kilometres 

in the central Karoo and contributes 11.3% of 


8


the economic activity of the province. It has four 

national roads passing through it. De Aar, the 

site of the municipal headquarters, has national 

significance as a railway junction. The provincial 

government has published plans to create a 

logistics hub at De Aar. 

Star-gazing is Carnarvon’s great claim to 

fame, and it will now host the Square Kilometre 

Array (SKA) radio telescope. 

The district is home to three of South Africa’s 

major dams. Agricultural production includes 

wheat, maize, peanuts, grapes, beans, potatoes, 

nuts and sheep farming. Pixley Ka Seme is the 

largest wool-producing district in South Africa, 

but most of what is produced is processed in 

the Eastern Cape, so opportunities exist for the 

establishment of a cotton mill, a tannery and a 

facility to add value to semi-precious stones. 

Horse breeding is a valuable contributor to the 

regional economy. 


• De Aar rail cargo hub and workshops 

• SKA engineering, science, logistics 

support and education 

• Douglas holiday resort 

• Booktown Richmond festivals 

• Wool, pistachio nuts and venison 

processing 

• Water tourism activities on dams. 

ZF Mgcawu District Municipality 

Towns: Upington, Kakamas, Kenhardt, 

Groblershoop, Postmasberg. 

The Orange River supports a thriving 

agricultural sector and a growing tourism 

sector. The investment climate is ripe for 

tourism along the Orange River and around 

unique physical attractions such as the 

Augrabies Falls. 

Upington is already a busy town with 

processing facilities for agricultural products. 

The planned development of a Special 

Economic Zone (SEZ) in the town and next 

to Upington International Airport will boost 

manufacturing. The main targeted sectors at 

this stage are in the renewable energy sector, 

for example, solar panels. 

Most of the population of the //Khara Hais 

Local Municipality lives in Upington. Agriculture 

is a prominent feature of the local economy, 

as well as wholesale and retail services in 

and around the town. Various kinds of highspeed 

car racing and testing takes place on 

the roads, tracks and airport runway in or near 

the town. 

The processing of wine and dried fruit is 

one of the biggest manufacturing activities in 

the province. Mining activities take place in 

Kgatelopele, where diamonds and lime are 

found. Together with sheep and cattle farming, 

mining provides most of the employment to 

be found in Siyanda. The diamond mine at 

Finsch is Petra Diamonds’ newest and largest 

acquisition. 


• Upington Special Economic Zone 

• Upington Cargo and Electronics hub: SKA, 

renewable energy and aircraft storage 

• Upington International Airport 

• Orange River Smallholder Farmer 

Settlement and Development Programme 

• Tourism: wine tours, adventure and hunting 

• Upington vehicle testing site 

• Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). 

9 NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019/20


A competitive destination 

A trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) profile for the Northern Cape. 


A competitive destination 

A trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) profile for the Northern Cape 

Between January 2011 and March 2016, a total of 486 FDI projects were recorded. These projects 

represent a total capital investment of ZAR365.63 which is an average investment of ZAR752.23 

m per project. During the period, a total of 68,533 jobs were created. 

Aggregate Annual Figures 

Between January 2011 and 

March 2016, a total of 486 FDI 

projects were recorded. These 

projects represent a total capital 

investment of ZAR365.63-billion 

which is an average investment of 

ZAR752.23m per project. During 

the period, a total of 68 533 jobs 

were created. 

Year Projects Capex Avg Capex Jobs Created Avg Jobs Companies 

2016 15 31 689.9 2112.6 4 062 270 15 

2015 80 53 080.6 663.2 11 209 140 73 

2014 73 37 979.7 520.2 6 747 92 70 

2013 100 74 883.7 748.7 12 981 129 87 

2012 101 46 718.2 462.8 13 328 131 93 

2011 117 121 273.9 1037.0 20 206 172 103 

Total 486 365 626.0 752.2 68 533 141 397 

Notes: 

1) © fDi Intelligence, from the Financial Times Ltd 2016. Data subject to terms and conditions of use 

2) All Capex figures shown in the table are in ZAR - South Africa Rand millions 

3) Capex data includes estimated values Financial Times Ltd takes no responsibility for the accuracy or otherwise of this data. 

4) Jobs data includes estimated values Financial Times Ltd takes no responsibility for the accurac y or otherwise of this data. 

Top 10 Export Countries: 2017 

Country 

Export value (R) 

Aggregate Annual Figures Botswana 6,890,685,954 

China 2,221,952,600 

Projects Created Avg Destination State Capex Avg Capex Jobs Jobs Companies 

India 

129 

1,069,547,234 

Gauteng 197 113 130.5 574.1 28 142 190 

Western Cape 86 26 092.7 303.5 7 154 83 84 

KwaZulu-Natal 

Japan 

49 27 887.8 569.4 5 694 

715,242,337 

116 40 

Eastern Cape 28 28 097.5 1003.0 7 043 251 25 

Northern Cape South Korea 27 82 577.1 3058.2 4 314 696,539,853 159 17 

Mpumalanga 9 5 586.7 621.0 1 471 163 9 

Limpopo Hong Kong 6 7 938.3 1322.9 499599,381,645 

83 4 

Free State 5 18 979.3 3796.3 2 676 535 5 

North West Spain 4 1 160.0 290.6 569528,724,330 

142 4 

Not Specified 75 54 177.3 722.9 10 984 146 71 

Total Netherlands 486 365 626.0 752.2 68 533 468,907,925 141 397 

Notes: 

Russia 444,756,156 

1) © fDi Intelligence, from the Financial Times Ltd 2016. Data subject to terms and conditions of use 

Namibia 

the table are 

380,498,692 

2) All Capex figures shown in in ZAR - South Africa Rand millions 

3) Capex data includes estimated values Financial Times Ltd takes no responsibility for the accuracy or otherwise of this data. 

Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1570 

4) Jobs data includes estimated values Financial Times Ltd takes no responsibility for the accurac y or otherwise of this data. 

Between January 2011 and March 2016 a total of 27 FDI projects were recorded in the Northern 

Top 10 Export Countries: 2017 

Top 10 Export Products: 2017 

Cape. These projects represent a total capital investment of ZAR82.57 which is an average 

Country 


Product 


investment of ZAR3058.2 m per project. During the period, a total of 4 314 jobs were created. 

Botswana 6,890,685,954 

Other mining and quarrying 6,868,457,598 

China 2,221,952,600 

India 1,069,547,234 

Japan 715,242,337 

South Korea 696,539,853 

Hong Kong 599,381,645 

Spain 528,724,330 

Netherlands 468,907,925 

Russia 444,756,156 

Namibia 380,498,692 


Mining of metal ores 6,774,758,037 

Agriculture and hunting 2,662,038,128 

Furniture and other items NEC and recycling 435,389,857 

Metal products, machinery and household appliances 312,717,558 

Food, beverages and tobacco products 235,931,643 

Transport equipment 170,557,206 

Fuel, petroleum, chemical and rubber products 54,817,748 

Electrical machinery and apparatus 53,095,740 

Wood and wood products 34,282,962 



Top 10 Export Products: 2017 

Product 


10 

Other mining and quarrying 6,868,457,598 

Mining of metal ores 6,774,758,037

All FDI into Northern Cape, South Africa 

Data for companies from source countries investing in Northern Cape in activities between January 2011 and March 2016 

Project Date Investing 

NO 

Company 

Mar-15 Enel Green 

1 

Power 

Jan-15 ACWA Power 

2 

International 

3 

Jan-15 Engie (GDF SUEZ) 

(Gaz de France 

Parent 

Company 

Source 

Country 

Source City Capital 

Investment 

Sub-Sector 

Enel Italy Rome 2557.833087 Solar electric 

power 

ACWA Saudi Arabia Riyadh 14060.46589 Solar electric 

Power 

power 

International 

Engie (GDF France Paris 2557.833087 Solar electric 

SUEZ) (Gaz 

power 

de France 

Industry 

Activity 

Electricity 

Electricity 

Electricity 

Jan-15 Sonnedix Solar Sonnedix Netherlands Amsterdam 2568.378436 Solar electric Electricity 

4 

Solar 

power 

Nov-14 Sesa Sterlite Vendanta UK London 7381.744593 Copper, 

Electricity 

5 

Resources 

lead,nickel,zinc 

Nov-13 Sunpower Total France Paris 2343.410982 Solar electric Electricity 

6 

power 

Oct-13 Mainstream Mainstream Ireland Dublin 2568.378436 Wind electric Electricity 

7 

Renewable Renewable 

power 

Power 

Power 

Oct-13 Mainstream 

8 

Renewable 

Power 

Oct-13 Mainstream 

9 

Renewable 

Power 

Mainstream 

Renewable 

Power 

Mainstream 

Renewable 

Power 

Ireland Dublin 2568.378436 Wind electric 

power 

Ireland Dublin 2568.378436 Wind electric 

power 

Electricity 

Electricity 

Sep-13 Acciona Acciona Spain Alcobendas 2441.834243 Solar electric Electricity 

10 

power 

Sep-13 ACWA Power ACWA Saudi Arabia Riyadh 6151.453828 Solar electric Electricity 

11 

International Power 

power 

International 

May-13 Scatec Solar Scatec AS Norway Oslo 2348.449316 Solar electric Electricity 

12 

power 

Feb-13 Globeleq 

Globeleq South East UK London 2568.378436 Solar electric Electricity 

13 

Generation Generation 

power 

Nov-14 Mainstream 17 Mainstream 

Jan-12 Powerway Ireland Powerway Dublin China 2568.378436 Foshan 0.23434109 Solar electric Steel products Electricity Manufacturin 

14 

Renewable Renewable Renewable Renewable Energy 

8 power 

g 

Power 

Power Energy 

Nov-12 Mainstream Mainstream Ireland Dublin 82.01938437 Solar electric Electricity 

15 18 Jan-12 Powerway Powerway 

China Foshan 0.23434109 Other 

Manufacturin 


power 

Renewable Renewable Energy 

8 

fabricated g 

Power 

Power 

Energy 

metal pro 

Jan-12 Powerway 

Powerway China Foshan 0.234341098 Other 

Education & 

16 

Renewable 19 Renewable 

Jan-12 Powerway Powerway 

China Foshan 0.23434109 fabricated Coating, Training heat Manufacturin 

Energy 

Energy Renewable Renewable Energy 

8 metal prds treating ,etc g 


Powerway Energy China Foshan 0.234341098 Steel products Manufacturing 

17 


Energy 

No Energy Projec Investing 

Parent Company Source Source City Capital Sub-Sector Industry 


Powerway 

t Date Company China Foshan Country 0.234341098 Investment Other 

Manufacturing Activity 

18 


fabricated 

Energy 

20 Energy Dec-11 Abengoa Abengoa Spain Seville 2283.65400 metal pro Solar electric Electricity 

2 

power 


Powerway China Foshan 0.234341098 Coating, heat Manufacturing 

19 


treating ,etc 

21 Dec-11 Abengoa Abengoa Spain Seville 2283.65400 Solar electric Electricity 

Energy 

Energy 

2 

power 

Dec-11 Abengoa Abengoa Spain Seville 2283.654002 Solar electric Electricity 

20 

22 Dec-11 Anglo American Anglo American UK London 11717.0549 power Iron ore mining Extraction 

Dec-11 Abengoa Abengoa Spain Seville 2283.654002 1 Solar electric Electricity 

21 

power 

Dec-11 Anglo American 23 Anglo Dec-11 Scatec Solar UK Scatec AS London Norway 11717.05491 Oslo 3091.31059 Iron ore Solar Extraction 

electric Electricity 

22 

American 

7 mining power 

Dec-11 Scatec Solar Scatec AS Norway Oslo 3091.310597 Solar electric Electricity 

23 

24 Dec-11 Solar Reserve Solar Reserve United Santa 2568.37843 power Solar electric Electricity 

States Monica 6 

power 

Dec-11 Solar Reserve Solar 

United States Santa Monica 2568.378436 Solar electric Electricity 

24 

Reserve 

power 

25 Jul-11 David Brown Clyde Blowers UK East 58.5852745 General Maintenance 

Jul-11 David Brown Clyde 

UK East Kilbridge 58.58527455 General 

Maintenance 

25 Group 

Kilbridge 5 

purpose & Service 

Group 

Blowers 

purpose machinery & Service 

machinery 

May-11 Diana Group 26 Diana May- Group Diana France Group Diana Not Group specified France 326.905832 Not 

326.905832 Paints, Paints, Manufacturing 

26 

Manufacturin 

(Groupe Diana) (Groupe 11 (Groupe Diana) (Groupe Diana) 

specified coatings& coatings& g 

Diana) 

adhesive adhesive 

May-11 Diana Group Diana Group France Not specified 326.905832 Paints, 

Manufacturing 

26 

(Groupe Diana) 27 (Groupe Feb-11 Jupiter Mines Jupiter Mines Australia Perth 2343.41098 coatings& Nonmetallic Extraction 

Diana) 

2 adhesive mineral mining 

Feb-11 Jupiter Mines Jupiter Australia Perth 2343.410982 Nonmetallic Extraction 

27 

Mines 

mineral mining 

Source: Investment South Africa (ISA) the dti

FOCUS 

Investment 

Opportunities 

Northern Cape economic potential and investment. 

Several locations within the Northern 

Cape are being developed to be catalysts 

for investment into the province. 

These include the Upington Special 

Economic Zone, the Kathu Industrial Park, 

the De Aar Logistics Hub and the Boegoebaai 

Port Project. 

Other sites attracting different kinds of investment 

include the Square Kilometre Array radio 

telescope project near Carnarvon and the Sol 

Plaatje University in Kimberley. 

The competitive and comparative advantages 

of the Northern Cape can be summarised as 

follows: 

• mineral resources 

• climate 

• open spaces and distances 

• astronomy 

• air quality 

• coastline. 

To realise the socio-economic priorities of the 

Northern Cape Province, there is a focus on the 

following key economic sectors: 

• agriculture and agro-processing 

• fishing and aquaculture 

• mining and mineral processing 

• manufacturing 

• tourism 

• knowledge economy 

• energy sector. 

The following investment opportunities are 

described in detail in the pages that follow: 

Investment opportunity Sectors Location Value 

Kathu Industrial Park 

Upington SEZ Agri-hub 

Aviation Aircraft 

Development 

Maintenance repair and 

operations (MRO) 

Mining, renewable energy, 

service, logistics 

manufacturing 

Kathu 

R530-million (1st phase) 

Agricultural processing and Upington 

R570-million 

logistics 

Aeronautical Upington SEZ R340-million 

Aeronautical Upington SEZ R800-million 

Northern Cape Renewable 

Renewable energy, 

Upington 

R23-million, R240-million or 

Energy Incubator 

manufacturing 

R500-million (options) 

Solar Farm, power for SEZ Renewable energy Upington SEZ R270-million 

Fibre Optics Manufacturing ICT broadband Upington SEZ R228-million 

Nyaniso Healthcare 

Latex condom 

Colesberg 

R150-million 

manufacturing 

Versa Chemicals, Paint and 

Detergent Manufacturing 

Manufacturing Kimberley R100-million 

Promethean Waterfront Tourism and heritage Barkly West R800-million 


12

Fibre Optics 

Manufacturing 

Broadband services. 

Project location 

The project’s physical address is 24 Schroeder 

Street, Upington, in the ZF Mgcawu District. 

Targeted sectors 

ICT broadband. 

FOCUS 

Project description 

The investor is a fibre optic manufacturing and 

broadband solutions company. It is a black 

and female-owned company managed and 

supported by a team of experts in engineering, 

marketing and financial disciplines. The 

company intends to contribute to the 

infrastructural broadband development in 

South Africa and other African countries. 

To discuss this opportunity, contact 

Ms Babalwa Mbobo, Sector Specialist, 

Upington SEZ 

Tel: +27 54 333 1136 

Mobile: 071 016 5813 

Email: 

bmbobo@upington-sez.co.za 

Mr E Ntoba, Dawid Kruiper Local Municipality 

Tel: +27 54 338 5000 

Email: entoba@dkm.gov.za 

Project background 

The investor is a fibre optic ICT broadband 

organisation that specialises in infrastructure 

services, facilitating all light infrastructure 

needs for cloud computing and data centres. 

It distributes passive fibre optic materials. 

Key facts 

Investment value: R228-million 

Job creation: 169 jobs 

Mr T Klassen, Department of Trade and 

Industry 

Tel: +27 12 394 1482 

Finance 

The project will be financed by the investor 

with the government providing enabling 

infrastructure. 

Project status 

The business case and feasibility studies 

have been completed. 

13 


FOCUS 

Kathu Industrial Park (KIP) 

A catalyst for economic growth. 


The KIP targets all economic sectors requiring 

serviced industrial space in the region, 

but with the major portion of the initial tenant 

makeup (study phase) primarily serving the 

established mining sector, by virtue of the 

KIP’s central proximity to the Postmasburg- 

Hotazel iron-ore/manganese belt. The KIP is 

also well positioned to serve the emerging 

REIPPPP sector in the region. In addition to 

the ongoing development of business opportunities 

within the tenant supply chains, 

it will be the role of the KIP business incubator 

to expand coverage of the KIP into 

other sectors. 

Study phase tenant engagement and 

commitment to the project has been concluded 

on a “first come, first served” basis 

and has covered all possible prospective 

tenants, regardless of size or level of development. 

The KIP development caters for all 

nature of tenant facilities, from large customised 

facilities through to smaller, economically 

efficient mini-factories. 


Farm Sekgame, 461 Kuruman Road, Gamagara 

Local Municipality, Kathu. GPS coordinates: 

S27° 42’ 52.5” E23° 02’ 33.8” 

Job creation 

During development: 1 300 (direct), 805 

(indirect) and 2 273 (induced). 

During operations: 2 240 (direct), 3 137 

(indirect) and 3 446 (induced). 


The KIP development comprises the following: 

• Central hub: This will comprise various 

facilities and the associated infrastructure 

network supporting KIP management 

structures. The scope of facilities 

is envisaged to include: central administration 

offices; conferencing facilities; 

an auditorium; a security office; a restaurant; 

and other social facilities. These 

are to be located in a hub within the park 

in a centrally located single-level building, 

with visitor parking and appropriate 

landscaping. 

• A central logistics facility. 

• A Business Incubation Centre and 

Training Centre. 

• Customised warehouses and industrial 

buildings and (standard specification) 

mini-factories. 

• Security fencing and lighting. 

• Additional infrastructure envisaged for 

the functionality of the KIP includes: 

internal roads (tarred and paved), a 

storm-water system and an internal 

water reticulation system. 


Feasibility Study, Project Development Plan, 

Business Plan and Environmental Impact 

Assessment Study completed. Currently in 

the process of finalising KIP Shareholders 

Agreement, with involvement in the project 

currently secured from: IDC, Kumba, SIOC- 

CDT, Assmang and with engagement still 

underway with South32. Partnerships are in 

place with the private sector, the Industrial 

Development Corporation, provincial 

government and local government. 


14

FOCUS 

Finance 

KIP is a strategic Social Economic 

Development (SED) project with extensive 

short- and long-term benefits which also provides 

a key point of integration supporting 

the Northern Cape Share Value Initiative (a 

strategic initiative recently launched by the 

Northern Cape Mining Leadership Forum). 

Government commitment: bulk 

infrastructure contribution. 

Private sector investment required: Phase 

1 estimated R152-million (to crowd out 

Project Summary 

Industrial Development Corporation equity 

1. Kathu Industrial Park 

contribution). 

Project Location 

District:Gamagara Local Municipality 

Physical address: Farm Sekgame, 461 Kuruman Road 

Key facts 

GPS Coordinates: S27° 42’ 52.5” E23° 02’ 33.8” 

Project Name and background 

City/Town: Kathu 

Kathu Industrial Park. Sishen Iron Ore Company (Pty) Ltd (“SIOC”) and the Industrial Development 

Investment Corporation (“IDC”) have funded value: various studies to R530-million assess the feasibility of developing an (Phase industrial 1 

park to stimulate sustainable long-term economic development for the Northern Cape region. The 

estimate) 

envisaged development will attract all nature of tenants delivering industrial goods and services, to 

an environment leveraging economy of scale from centralized facilities and complemented by a 

business incubation and training complex. With the mining industry being the largest real economic 

sector in the Northern Cape economy (based on contribution to GDP), the town of Kathu - located in 

the Gamagara Local Municipality (“GLM”) - is the preferred location due to its central proximity to 

the Postmasburg – Hotazel iron-ore/manganese belt and various established and pending REIPP 


Mr Stuart Dangerfield, Project Lead, Anglo 

American 

Tel: +27 11 679 2181 

Mobile: 083 455 2862 

Email: 

stuart.dangerfield@angloamerican.com 

Mr Mehmood Ahmed, KIP Director 

Tel: +27 53 807 1050 

Mobile: 078 801 4081 

Email: Mehmooda@idc.co.za 


Sishen Iron Ore Company (Pty) Ltd (SIOC) 

and the Industrial Development Corporation 

(IDC) have funded various studies to assess 

the feasibility of developing an industrial park 

to stimulate sustainable long-term economic 

development for the Northern Cape region. 

The envisaged development will attract varied 

tenants delivering industrial goods and 

services to an environment leveraging economies 

of scale from centralised facilities and 

complemented by a business incubation and 

training complex. 

With the mining industry being the largest 

real economic sector in the Northern 

Cape economy, the town of Kathu is the 

preferred location due to its central proximity 

to the Postmasburg-Hotazel iron-ore/ 

manganese belt and various established and 

pending Renewable Energy Power Producer 

Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) projects. 

It is envisaged that the KIP serve as a 

catalyst for accelerated growth of other economic 

sectors. The feasibility study has not 

only confirmed extensive interest from businesses 

with a vested interest in the Northern 

Cape region (ie potential tenants) but has 

also confirmed the support of various key 

stakeholders as well as the commitment of a 

number of investors. There has been interest 

from financial institutions. 

This development, located on the R380, 

is easily accessible from the N14 highway, a 

major service route between Johannesburg, 

the West Coast of South Africa and Botswana, 

and the Kathu airport. The study process has 

included an assessment of infrastructural 

requirements and has confirmed integration 

with Gamagara Local Municipality planning. 


FOCUS 

Aircraft Development 

Aviation potential. 



Street, Upington, in the ZF Mgcawu District. The 

GPS coordinates are: S28°25’51.96”; 21E°14’04.71”. 


The investor intends to develop a new aircraft 

and to initiate a bone-yard recycling operation 

in Upington for other aircraft types. 


Aeronautical. 


Ms Babalwa Mbobo, Sector Specialist. 

Upington SEZ 

Tel: +27 54 333 1136 

Mobile: 071 016 5813 

Email: 

bmbobo@upington-sez.co.za 


Tel: +27 54 338 5000 



Industry 

Tel: +27 12 3941482 

Finance 

The project will be financed by the private 

sector with the government providing 

enabling infrastructure. 


The investor is poised to initiate the 

development of a local aircraft development 

group with a specific focus on helicopter 

manufacturing, bone-yard recycling 

operations and a new training academy for 

commercial pilots, technicians and engineers. 

The aim is to manufacture a new-age aircraft 

with lighter frames, a green end-to-end eco 

system, with energy and fuel efficiency and 

the ability to migrate to electric engines or 

hybrid technologies. 

Key facts 


Job creation: 3 538 jobs 




NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019/20 16

Maintenance Repair 

and Operations 

Aviation park for MRO. 

FOCUS 



Street, Upington, in the ZF Mgcawu District. 


Aeronautics. 


The investor intends to develop an aviation park 

to accommodate Maintenance, Repairs and 

Overhaul (MRO) of aircraft and research and 

development. Activities will also include airline 

storage, dismantling, scrapping, painting, and 

internal refurbishment. 


Ms Babalwa Mbobo, Sector Specialist. 

Upington SEZ 

Tel: +27 54 333 1136 

Mobile: 071 016 5813 

Email: bmbobo@upington-sez.co.za 


Tel: +27 54 338 5000 



Industry 

Tel: +27 12 3941482 

Finance 



infrastructure. Partnerships will be pursued 

with the private sector, provincial government, 

local government and the Northern Cape 

Development Agency. 

Key facts 


Job creation: 400 jobs 




17 NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019

FOCUS 

Northern Cape Renewable Energy 

Incubator 

Renewable energy hub. 


The incubator will be located within the town of 

Upington in the ZF Mgcawu District. 


Primary: renewable energy (utilities). 

Secondary: manufacturing, construction, 

transport, services, trade and ICT. 

Investment value 

Three options: R23-million, R240-million and 

R500-million. 


South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent 

Power Producer Procurement Programme 

(REIPPPP) has been successful in attracting 

billions of rands in investment. The Northern 

Cape has been the leading solar power 

province and intends to further leverage its 

many advantages in this field. The renewable 

energy sector has the potential to unlock 

other sectors such as manufacturing and 

construction. The Renewable Energy Incubator 

will provide local SMMEs opportunities to 

participate in the localisation programme. 



Upington SEZ 

Tel: +27 54 333 1136 

Mobile: 071 016 5813 


Northern Cape Department of Economic 

Development and Tourism 

Mr Riaan Warie, Senior Manager 

Tel: +27 53 830 4058 

Mobile: 079 877 2828 

Email: rwarie@ncpg.gov.za 

Finance 

Funding for top structure and three years of 

operations through government incentives 

and contributions from IPPs. 

Key facts 

Incubator staff jobs: 15-25 

SMME jobs: 150-250 

Construction jobs: about 500 


Business plan and implementation plan 

completed. Partnerships are envisaged 

with national government departments (dti 

and Small Business Development), provincial 

government and IPPs. 


Solar Farm 

Solar energy for SEZ. 


The main focus for the investor will be the 

construction of a solar farm. There are 

possibilities for other opportunities such as 

the manufacture of solar panels and a silicon 

smelter. 


Renewable energy. 



Upington SEZ 

Tel: +27 54 333 1136 

Mobile: 071 016 5813 


FOCUS 



Street, Upington in the ZF Mgcawu District in 

Upington. 


The investor intends to establish a solar farm 

on 75ha of land to supply power to tenants of 

the Upington Special Economic Zone (SEZ). 

The anticipated power to be harnessed will be 

23MW-50MW depending on the technology. 


Tel: +27 54 338 5000 



Industry 

Tel: +27 12 3941482 




Tel: +27 53 830 4058 

Mobile: 079 877 2828 


Finance 




Key facts 


Job creation: 1 000 part-time and 30 fulltime 

jobs 



have been completed. The Environmental 

Impact Assessment and the Geotechnical 

Study Investigation are complete. 


FOCUS 

Nyaniso 

Healthcare 

Latex condom manufacturing. 


The project is situated at the old Colesberg 

Hospital in the Pixley Ka Seme District in 

Colesberg. 


Medical and health sector. 


Mr Choaro Timothy, Project Promoter, 

Nyaniso Healthcare (Pty) Ltd 

Tel: 064 070 9534 

Email: choaro.timothy@gmail.com 




Tel: +27 53 830 4058 

Mobile: 079 877 2828 



Nyaniso Healthcare will produce male latex 

condoms using German technology from the 

technical partner, CPR GmBH. The plant in 

Colesberg will produce 60-million condoms 

annually. The plan is also to later produce 

latex gloves, and thus create meaningful 

employment for the local community. The 

condoms produced will be sold to government, 

private markets and for export markets in Africa 

and globally. 


The project name is Nyaniso Healthcare 

Male Latex Condoms & Latex Gloves 

Manufacturing. The founder and CEO of 

Nyaniso Healthcare first thought of starting 

a condom manufacturing plant in 2007 

when the country was producing only 5% 

of the condoms used in South Africa. The 

HIV/Aids pandemic and the high infection 

rate influenced the decision to assist the 

government in reducing the infection rate 

and promoting safe sex among youth. 

Key facts 


Job creation: 100 direct jobs 




Finance 

The project will be financed by private investor/s 

with the government providing enabling infrastructure 

and various incentives as part of the 

project support. Partnerships will be pursued 

with the private sector, provincial government 

and local government. 

NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2019/20 20

Promethean 

Waterfront 

A tourism node for Barkly West. 


The project is located on the banks of the Vaal 

River in the town of Barkly West in the Dikgatlong 

Local Municipality. 


Barkly West has been earmarked for a 

multifaceted development project with 

the potential to bolster the local economy. 

Promethean Property, a local investment 

company, in conjunction with SIZA Architects 

& Project Managers, has teamed up as 

the developers of the project. Dikgatlong 

Municipality will be engaged through the 

multi-year lease for the land. 

FOCUS 


An entertainment resort that compromises: 

waterpark; arcade games and fun rides; food 

court; wave pool; chalets; upmarket selfcatering 

riverside accommodation; people’s 

park (outdoor events with permanent stage); 

picnic/braai area; lifestyle centre; retail and 

commercial outlets; regional mall; middleincome 

housing; government subsidised 

housing; residential estate; apartments; hotel 

and conference centre; casino (depending on 

legislation) and office park. 


Thabo Makweya, Director, Promethean 

Property 

Tel: +27 53 831 2336 

Mobile: +27 81 337 8492 

Email: makweyat@me.com 

Richard Poulton, Project Director 

Tel: +27 53 831 2336 

Mobile: +27 81 446 5297 

Email: richard@prometheangroup.co.za 

Finance 

The project is being developed in terms of 

the Public-Private-Partnership Project Cycle 

in terms of the Treasury Regulation 16 of 

the Public Finance Management Act, Act 

1 of 1999. 


Tourism and heritage. 

Key facts 

Investment value: Overall R2.5-billion, 

including bulk infrastructure. Phase 1 

(Waterpark and chalets): R800-million 

Job creation: 6 743 jobs 


The project is at the start of the feasibility and 

business case phase. A detailed feasibility 

study will cost about R12-million. 

21 


FOCUS 

Versa Chemicals 

Paint and detergent manufacturing. 


The project is situated in the Pixley Ka Seme 

District Municipality in Kimberley. 


Paint; protective 

coatings; household 

detergents; industrial 

cleaning chemicals. 


The paint plant will produce water-based and 

solvent-based paints or coatings serving 

various markets across South Africa and Sub- 

Saharan Africa. The focus of the products will 

be on architectural or decorative coatings and 

on protective and industrial paints. The factory 

will run three shifts, five days a week. Versa 

has a partnership agreement with a leading 

French road-marking paint manufacturer; SAR 

France, to distribute their products and later 

manufacture these products. 


Mr Choaro Timothy, Project Promoter, 

Versa Chemicals (Pty) Ltd 

Tel: 064 070 9534 

Email: choaro.timothy@gmail.com 


Development and Tourism: 


Tel: +27 53 830 4058 

Mobile: 079 877 2828 



The name of the project is Versa Chemicals, 

Paint and Detergent Manufacturing. The idea 

is to create a sustainable paint and chemicals 

company that can compete with multinational 

companies in the chemical sector. 

Key facts 


Job creation: 100 direct jobs 

Finance 

The project will be financed by a private 

investor/s with the government providing 

enabling infrastructure and various incentives. 





Upington SEZ 

Agri-Hub 

Agricultural processing and logistics. 



Street, Upington, in the ZF Mgcawu District. The 

GPS coordinates are: S28°25’51.96”; E21°14’04.71”. 


Agriculture. 

FOCUS 


The Agri-Hub will consist of various facilities: 

Retail, Mechanisation, Packaging, Quality 

Control, Agri-Processing, Training Centre, 

Research and Development, Logistics and 

Transport, Agricultural Inputs and Distribution, 

Silos, Abattoir, Feedstock, Aquaculture and 

Agri-Tourism and Greenhouse. 



Upington SEZ 

Tel: +27 54 333 1136 

Mobile: 071 016 5813 



Tel: +27 54 338 5000 



Industry 

Tel: +27 12 3941482 

Finance 

The main financing for the project will be 

provided by the private sector. The SEZ and 

municipality will provide incentives. 

Investment value 

Three options: R23-million, R240-million and 

R500-million. 

Key facts 


Job creation: 1 200 jobs 




23 


Key stakeholders 

Transaction advisor 

Technical consultants 

Boegoebaai 

Port, Rail and Infrastructure Development Project. 


Boegoebaai is approximately 60km 

north of Port Nolloth and 20km south 

of othe border between Namibia and 

South o Africa in the Richtersveld Local 

o Services base for oil, gas and offshore mining 

Municipality area. 


The Reducing Northern cost Cape of moving Province cargo has the 

 

volumes of commodities to warrant a 

system 

deep-sea Stimulating commercial regional socio-economic port, specifically 

development 

as a 

Securing 

result 

a competitive 

of mining 

advantage 

and agricultural 

regionally for SA 

ports 

activities. The Boegoebaai site has 

all the advantages for the potential 

Volume 

development of a deep-sea (mtpa) port, 

namely: the 20-metre contour is 250m 

offshore and it is a greenfield site owned 

by the people of the Richtersveld, the 

Community Property Association (CPA). 

Key facts 

Transnet, National Department of Transport, Department of Public Enterprises, Treasury 

TM and Nelutha Consulting JV (TM) 

PRDW, PSP Logistics, NAKO ILISO 

Project status The project is in FEL2 phase. Finalisation of FEL2 is planned for December 2018. 

CAPEX Port = ~R6 billion +/-40% accuracy. Rail = ~R9 billion +/-50% 

Estimated jobs to be created 

3 000 permanent and 18 000 indirect jobs 

Project status PPP Feasibility study at FEL 2 level to be completed end of April 2019 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION 

A greenfield, deep water port. Two berths; one dry bulk export 

berth and one break bulk berth supported by a rail line (550 

kilometers). The port has the potential to accommodate 

Capesize vessels. 

Primary drivers for the development include: 

Capitalizes on new economy, including: 

o Iron ore from junior miners, creates a catalyst for 

junior / development miners currently constrained 

by high transportation costs and exclusion from 

larger logistic solutions i.e. Sishen-Saldanha line 

Provides a more efficient logistic manganese route 

Strategically positioned to capitalize on gas fields 

industry 

o Potential of an Oil Refinery to be constructed close 

to the port 

Economic catalyst for the Northern Cape Province and 

specifically the Richtersveld Community 

Optimizing the cargo distribution within the SA port 

PROJECT COMMODITY MIX 

Commodity 

Dry bulk – iron ore 5-10 New volume from junior miners 

Dry bulk – manganese 2-5 Lower cost logistic solution 

Dry bulk – lead and zinc 1-2 Closest port to mines 

Comment 

Break bulk 0.5 Multi-purpose commodities, agricultural, mining and low container volumes 

FUNDING MODEL 


Deep-water port development comprising two berths: one 

dry bulk export berth and one breakbulk berth, supported 

by a 550km railway line, bulk services and associated social 


Finance 

The project is being developed in terms of the PPP Project 

Cycle in terms of the Treasury Regulation 16 of the Public 

Finance Management Act, 1999. The development of a 

Northern Cape Provincial SEZ Establishment Framework will 


Finance be used for a Special Economic Zone as economic growth 

Exporting bulk commodities, breakbulk and development instrument to attract new local and foreign 

The project is being developed in terms of the PPP Project Cycle in terms of the Treasury 

and container staging. Oil refinery. Ship investment. 

recycling. 

Regulation 16 of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999. The development of a Northern 

Cape Provincial SEZ Establishment Framework will be used for a Special Economic Zone as 

economic growth and development instrument to attract new local and foreign investment. 


Project status Finalisation of phase FEL2 is planned for 31 May 2019. Business 

Investment value: Seaside: R4.2-billion. case and feasibility studies will be completed and submitted 

Finalisation of phase FEL2 is planned for 31 May 2019. Business case and feasibility 

Railway Boegoebaai: line from Upington Port, Rail & Infrastructure to Boegoebaai: Development studies will Project 

be at completed end of the and May submitted 2019. at Several end of the relevant May 2019. studies Several relevant are available studies are 

R12.6-billion. Project Location A total of 10 000 jobs are available for for potential investors investors study, to including study, a including transport investors a transport report investors and a port 

expected to be created. 

competitor analysis. 

The Boegoebaai Port, Rail & Infrastructure Development Project is situated approximately 60km report north of and Port 

a port competitor analysis. 

Nolloth and 20km south of the border between Namibia and South Africa in the Richtersveld Local Municipality area. 

The figure below shows the position of Boegoebaai. 

Project contacts Person Tel Mobile email 

Dept of Transport, 

Safety and Liaison 

Dept of Transport, 

Safety and Liaison 

National Dept of 

Transport 

Transnet Ports 

Authority 

TM Nelutha 

Consultants 

Mr MP Dichaba + 27 53 839 1743 082 675 1933 Lntobela@ncpg.gov.za 

Mr P Mguza, Project +27 53 807 4812 079 694 3254 

PMguza@ncpg.gov.za 

Promoter 

Mr Clement 

Manyungwana 

+27 12 309 3408 083 679 9662 manyungc@dot.gov.za 

Mr H Nxumalo +27 31 361 8821 083 299 7966 Hamilton.nxumalo@transnet.net 

Mr P Maneza +27 53 833 1010 082 889 3685 Info@manzholdings.co.za

De Aar Logistics Hub 

PROJECT INFORMATION 

Project 

CAPEX 

 

Project Estimated project description 

De Aar Logistics Hub 

The Estimated development Vehicle jobs Storage be created Yard. of a Logistics 

Project 

Hub 

statusin 

the 

PROJECT 

town 

DESCRIPTION 

of De Aar that will offer CAPEX the following 

 

infrastructure to identified Estimated tenants: project 

freight/products by small miners and farmers 

• the following Container infrastructure Terminal to identified which tenants: will act 

Northern Cape 

as a Trans-Shipment Inland (Dry) 

Revitalize the rail line to and from De Aar 

Port Influence as well economic as development consolidation point 

Ensure creation of jobs in the area. 

for 

Vehicle 

freight 

Storage Yard. 

 

Further to the above, the Inland Dry Port will: 

• Agricultural Warehouse and 

Facilitate road to rail migration 

Storage Facilities 

 

Port(s) of Export 

• Vehicle Storage Yard. 

The objectives for the development 

specifically Influence the economic Pixley ka Seme development 

District Community 

include but are not limited to: 

Reducing Ensure the creation cost of moving of jobs cargo in the area. 

• 

 

Provide a sustainable transport 

Stimulating regional socio-economic development 


network for the transportation of 

Facilitate road to rail migration 

freight/products by small miners 

to be a minimum and Port(s) farmers of R1.7 of Export billion. 

 

 

• Provide relief from road-based 


 

freight Energy market transportation segment Volume in the 

Commodity 

 

(mtpa) 


 

Container Terminal 

400 000 

• Agricultural Revitalise Commodities 

Reducing the cost rail of line 100 moving 000 to cargo and from 

Break-Bulk 

7 000 

 

 

Vehicles De Aar 

 

 

• Influence economic development 

 

• Ensure creation of jobs in the area. 

Project Sheet 

21 June 2018 

Centrally located hub will reduce costs. 

Project Sheet 


Owner 

Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison (NCDTSL) 


Transnet, National Department of Transport, Department of Public Enterprises, National and Provincial 

Treasury 

Transaction PROJECT INFORMATION 

advisor 


Technical Project consultants 

PSP Logistics, De Aar Fasken, Logistics Aurecon Hub and NAKO ILISO 

The project status is at Feasibility Study Stage. The next steps will be to conduct a Study Tour and Investors 

Project Owner status 

Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison Project (NCDTSL) Sheet 

Roadshow. Issue an RFQ in November 2018 


CAPEX 

Logistics 

Transnet, 

Hub = ~R2.5 

National 

billion 

Department of Transport, Department of Public Enterprises, National and Provincial 


Treasury 

Estimated project 

Financial close and award estimated to be in March 2020 

development Transaction start advisor date 


PROJECT INFORMATION 

Estimated Technical jobs consultants to be created 2 500 permanent PSP and 15 000 indirect jobs 

Project Logistics, Fasken, Aurecon and De Aar NAKO Logistics ILISO Hub 

Funding PROJECT model DESCRIPTION Public 

The 

Private 

project 

Partnership 

status is 

to 

at 

be 

Feasibility 

adopted. 

Study 

Multi-tiered 

Stage. 

sub 

The 

concessions 


Owner 

Northern Cape Department next of steps Transport, will be Safety to conduct and Liaison a Study (NCDTSL) Tour and Investors 

The development of a Logistics Hub in the Roadshow. town of De Issue Aar that an will RFQ offer in November Transnet, 2018 National Department of Transport, Department of Public Enterprises, National and Provincial 

the following infrastructure to identified tenants: Key stakeholders 

Logistics Hub = ~R2.5 billion Treasury 

Container Terminal which will act as a Trans- Shipment Inland 

Transaction advisor 


(Dry) Port as well as consolidation point for Freight 

Financial close and award estimated to be in March 2020 

development Agricultural start Warehouse date and Storage Technical Facilities consultants 

The project status is at Feasibility Study Stage. The next steps will be to conduct a Study Tour and Investors 

2 500 permanent and 15 000 indirect jobs 

The objectives for the development include but are not limited to: 

Provide a sustainable transport network for the transportation 

The development of a Logistics Hub in the town of De Aar that will offer 

development start date 

Provide relief from road-based freight Estimated transportation jobs to be in created the 


(Dry) Port as well as consolidation PROJECT point DESCRIPTION for Freight 

Agricultural Warehouse and The Storage development Facilities of a Logistics Hub in the town of De Aar that will offer 

the following infrastructure to identified tenants: 


(Dry) Port as well as consolidation point for Freight 

The objectives for the development include but Agricultural are not Warehouse limited to: and Storage Facilities 

Provide Provide a more a sustainable efficient logistics transport route for network manganese Vehicle for Storage the the transportation 

Yard. 


Potential Provide of relief a Fuel, from Oil and road-based Gas storage The objectives 

freight facility for the development include but are not limited to: 

transportation in the 

Serving Northern transport Cape and logistics needs of the Provide Renewable a sustainable transport network for the transportation 

Energy market segment 



Economic catalyst for the Northern Cape Province Provide and relief from road-based freight transportation in the 



Optimizing the cargo distribution to the SA port Influence systemeconomic development 

Ensure creation of jobs in the area. 

The Inland 

PSP Logistics, 

Dry 

Fasken, 

Port 

Aurecon 

will: 

and NAKO ILISO 

• Facilitate road-to-rail migration 

Roadshow. Issue an RFQ in November 2018 

• Logistics Provide Hub = ~R2.5 a more billion efficient logistics route for manganese to 

Financial the close Port(s) and award of Export estimated to be in March 2020 

• 2 500 Potential permanent and of a 15 Fuel, 000 indirect Oil jobs and Gas storage facility 

• Serving the transport and logistics needs of the Renewable 

• Energy market segment 

• Economic catalyst for the Northern Cape Province and 

specifically the Pixley ka Seme District community 

• Reducing the cost of moving cargo 

• Optimising the cargo distribution to the SA port system 

• Stimulating regional socio-economic development 

• Securing a competitive advantage regionally for SA ports. 

The envisaged impact on the economy in year one of operation 

is estimated to be a minimum of R1.7-billion. 

Securing a competitive advantage regionally for SA ports. 


Provide a more efficient logistics route 

The envisaged impact on the economy in Year 1 of Operation 

Facilitate for manganese to the 

is estimated 

road to rail migration 

Provide a more efficient logistics route for manganese to the 

Potential of a Fuel, Oil and Gas storage Port(s) facility of Export 

Potential of a Fuel, Oil and Gas storage facility 

Serving the transport and logistics needs of the Renewable 

Serving the transport and logistics needs of the Renewable 

Energy market segment 

Comment 

Economic catalyst for the Northern Economic Cape Province catalyst and for the Northern Cape Province and 

specifically the Pixley ka Seme District specifically Community the Pixley ka Seme District Community 

Reducing the cost of moving cargo 

Optimizing the cargo distribution to 

Optimizing 

the SA port 

the 

system 

cargo distribution to the SA port system 

8 500 Vehicles Stimulating per annum regional (Base socio-economic data: 2015) development 

Stimulating regional socio-economic development 



The envisaged impact on the economy in Year 1 of Operation is estimated 

The envisaged impact on the economy to in be Year a minimum 1 of Operation of R1.7 billion. is estimated 

to be a minimum of R1.7 billion. 


Volume 

PROJECT COMMODITY MIX Commodity 

(mtpa) 

Volume Container Terminal 

400 000 

Commodity 

Comment 

(mtpa) Agricultural Commodities 100 000 

Break-Bulk 

7 000 

Container Terminal 

400 000 

Vehicles 

8 500 Vehicles per annum (Base data: 2015) 

Agricultural Commodities 100 000 

Break-Bulk 

7 000 

Vehicles 

8 500 Vehicles per annum (Base data: 2015) 

Comment 

Contact details: Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison | Tel: +27 53 8391743 or +27 53 8391835 

Email: mdichaba@ncpg.gov.za


Upington Special 

Economic Zone 

More than 500 hectares of prime land is available for investors. 

Upington, the second-biggest town in the Northern 

Cape, is located along the banks of the Orange 

River and is a popular tourist destination 

with warm weather and long sunny days. The 

Northern Cape is ideally situated to serve the following 

industries: solar energy, mining, agricultural, aviation and 

other industries. The Upington SEZ has a geographically 

designated area set aside for specifically targeted economic 

activities to accelerate industrial development. 

In the heart of the Green Kalahari, right next to 

Upington International Airport, there is more than 

500ha of prime land available to be utilised by investors 

(440ha for the Industrial Park and 85ha for the 

Aviation Park). 

Upington is situated 130km from the Namibian 

border post and about 350km from the border post 

to Botswana. Upington also has good access roads 

such as the N10 and the N14, effectively linking up 

Namibia and Botswana. 

KEY CONTACTS 

Mr Thobela Dikeni, Chief Executive Officer, NCEDA 

Tel: +27 53 833 1503 and 060 997 7202 

Babalwa Mbobo, Sector Specialist, Upington SEZ 

Tel: +27 54 333 1136 and 071 016 5813 


Dr Mphulane Ramorena, Project Executive 

Tel: 076 442 4437 

Email: mramorena@upington-sez.co.za 

Physical address: 24 Schroder Street, 

Upington 8801 

The Upington International Airport has a 5km-long 

runway, the longest civilian runway in the southern 

hemisphere. The airport’s location and the dry, 

arid climate add to making the location particularly 

favourable for the establishment of an Aviation Park to 

serve the global markets. 

The Dawid Kruiper Local Municipality (DKLM) has 

made the land available for the development of the 

Upington SEZ. The development will be divided into 

seven phases. The ZF Mgcawu District has a welldeveloped 

economy and active business community 

supported by government and government parastatals. 

Industrial hub 

The main objective for the proposed Upington SEZ in the 

Northern Cape Province is to establish a world-class industrial 

hub to service the Southern African Development 

Community (SADC) region in the following sectors: 

• Renewable energy with the focus on solar 

component manufacturing 

• Aeronautics through the development of an 

Aviation Park 

• Mineral beneficiation 

• Agro-processing 

• Astronomy exploration 

• High-value micro technology. 

Together with our partners, the Northern Cape 

Economic Development Trade and Investment Agency 

(NCEDA), the Northern Cape Department of Economic 

Development and Tourism, the National Department 

of Trade and Industry (dti) and the Airports Company 

South Africa (ACSA), we invite all interested investors 

to contact us. 

NCEDA: 6 Monridge Office Park, Cnr Kekewich and 

Memorial Street, Kimberley 8301 

Tel: +27 53 833 1503 

Fax: +27 53 833 1390 

Website: www.nceda.co.za 

NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2013 2019/20 

26

The Upington SEZ 

boasts several 

advantages 

INTERVIEW 

Thobela Dikeni, CEO of the Upington SEZ, explains how 

climate and location enhance the value proposition. 

Thobela Dikeni 

BIOGRAPHY 

Thobela Dikeni has held various 

managerial positions in the 

private sector, including senior 

positions at Standard Bank and 

FNB (where he was Director Public 

Sector Banking). He was Director 

Business Development and Africa 

for Naspers’ subsidiary Paarl 

Media. He has studied Economics 

and Management and attended 

several executive development 

programmes at international 

institutions. He is currently studying 

for a Master’s degree in Information 

and Knowledge Management. He 

has served on private and public 

sector boards. 

What sectors are you hoping to attract to the SEZ? 

In the first phase, renewable energy and aviation. These sectors are the 

focus of the Economic Development sector of the Northern Cape and 

in line with the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS). 

How does the location of the SEZ support the business 

case for investing? 

Renewable energy: Upington is an area with warm weather and long 

sunny days for solar energy generation. The increasing and sustained 

demand for photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) 

systems will produce a number of assembly opportunities for PV 

panels and inverters as well as CSP in-field mirrors, structures and backward 

integration of manufacturing facilities. European and Chinese 

companies continue to express interest in establishing solar energy 

component manufacturing and assembly plants. About 440ha of land 

is set aside for the development of a solar farm with a complete EIA 

for industrial development. 

Aviation: An arid climate which is not susceptible to accelerated 

corrosion and deterioration and the availability of relatively low-cost 

open land are positive factors. Upington is close to the northern border 

of South Africa which makes it convenient and strategic from the 

African continental perspective and its relative remoteness enhances 

security considerations. 

How important is the airport? 

Successful SEZs are attached to ports, whether airport or sea port. 

Therefore, the proximity to an airport will assist the value proposition 

and logistics connectivity of the SEZ. Upington Airport has an unusually 

long runway (5km) that serves as a designated African landing site for 

the shuttles of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). 

What progress has been made in getting the SEZ off 

the ground? 

Positive feasibility studies have been conducted. Environmental Impact 

Assessments have been completed. A Record of Decision has been 

received. The application for designation was submitted in May 2018. 

27 


OVERVIEW 

Tourism sector boom 

Adventure tourism continues to grow and investors are sought for a 

steam train revival. 

Assets unique to the Northern Cape 

include wonderful spring flower displays, 

spectacular arid areas and brilliantly 

clear night skies for star-gazers. 

Heritage tourism is another important niche. 

SteamNet 2000 and the Railway Museum at 

Kimberley Station maintain and protect fascinating 

rail assets. A Northern Cape Steam Rail 

tourism route might be an attractive opportunity 

for the right investor. 

There are no fewer than six national parks 

and five provincial reserves in the province, each 

showing off distinct geographical and biological 

features. Most of the province lies in the Nama- 

Karoo Biome and the annual display of spring 

flowers is spectacular. 

The north-western portion of the province is 

known as the Green Kalahari, much of which 

is taken up by national parks. The Kgalagadi 

Transfrontier Park (with Botswana) encompasses 

3.7-million hectares, making it one of 

the biggest conservation areas in the world. 

The Kalahari Red Dune Route is a network of 

guesthouses, reserves and farms to guide the 

visitor to the great park. The rushing waters of 

the Augrabies Falls National Park provide another 

popular attraction. 

The Kalahari in the north-east is home to 

many of the province’s biggest mines, but also 

to great numbers of raptors, vultures and owls. 

A specialist raptor route has been developed. 

Birders can look out for 50 species, including 

the Booted Eagle, the Pygmy Falcon and the 

Bateleur. Tours of the area’s vast open-cast 

mining operations can be arranged. 

A new route under development in the region 

is the Heritage Route tracing the footprints of 

the early missionaries to Southern Africa and 

will include Kimberley and surrounds, Kuruman 

and surrounds and the Robert Moffat Mission. 

Hunting is a lucrative subsection of the 

tourism sector that is proving extremely popular 

in this region and brings valuable economic 

development to these rural communities. 

The Diamond Fields region contains the 

spectacular Big Hole, the Mokala National 

Park and portions of the famed South African 

War or Battlefields Route. The Magersfontein 

War Memorial is an iconic attraction on this 

route where you can visit the graves, Burgher 


28


the two major towns in this huge district, which is 

also the only Northern Cape region with a coastline 

and soon to be the home of a new small harbour. 

The decision by UNESCO to inscribe the 

Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape 

as a World Heritage Site has great significance 

for the tourism industry in the Northern Cape, and 

for the prospects for ecotourism in general. This 

160 000-hectare landscape lies on the border 

between South Africa and Namibia. The park 

achieved another a major international accolade 

when it was included in the Rough Guide’s Top 

10 for 2016. 

Investment opportunities 

monument and Boer trenches. The town of 

Kimberley is itself an extremely popular attraction 

and offers fine examples of Victorian 

architecture and the world-class McGregor 

Museum, Sol Plaatje Museum and the famed 

William Humphrey Art Gallery. 

The Karoo region encompasses the southeastern 

portion of the province. While most of 

the region is dry, the Vanderkloof Dam is a major 

tourism asset. Many of the region’s small towns 

are geared to cater to tourists drawn to the magic 

of the Karoo’s open spaces and features famous 

Karoo towns such as De Aar, Britstown, 

Hanover, Victoria West and Carnarvon. The latter 

is especially of importance as home to the 

SKA. Other tourist attractions are the unique 

Karoo architecture, South African War sites, rock 

art, ancient Paleo surfaces, farm stays and the 

famous Karoo lamb. 

The Namakwa region is famous for its flowers, 

but it also hosts the South African Astronomical 

Observatory, several historic mission settlements, 

the Namaqua National Park (on the 

West Coast) and the awe-inspiring Richtersveld 

Transfrontier Park. Springbok and Calvinia are 

General opportunities for investors in the tourism 

sector include: 

• nature and game reserves 

• adventure tourism 

• upgrading of accommodation facilities 

• new attractions and entertainment features 

(theme parks) 

• improve air transport networks. 

Adventure sports at Kimberley: the possible 

establishment of an adventure sports resort in the 

Big Hole Precinct, Kimberley. 

Steam train: reviving steam train tourism (“Gems 

on Track” is the working title) could be done along 

a variety of routes including routes out of Kimberley 

to Belmont and from De Aar to Victoria West. 

Eco-resort at Boesmansput: development of 

a diver training facility would form part of the plan 

at this popular fresh-water cave diving site. An 

eco-lodge is envisaged and a conference facility. 

Wildebeest Rock Art Centre: more than 400 

pieces of rock art would form the cornerstone 

(together with the nearby Nooitgedacht Glacial 

Paving) of a world-class heritage and archaeological 

site. Developments would include the creation 

of a performance arena (for the depiction of San 

Bushman culture) and facilities for game viewing 

and photographic safaris. 


nternational consortiums are using the latest photovoltaic and conentrated 

solar power (CSP) methods. CSP has the benefit of being 

ble to store energy. 

The rise of the renewable energy sector has given the Northern Cape 

chance to break its dependence on the mining sector, subject as it is 


o global price fluctuations. The Provincial Government of the Northern 

ape has plans to further diversify the economy. It has identified three key 

lusters: mineral beneficiation; agri-processing; energy and technology. 

The planned Special Economic Zone (linked to the Upington 

nternational Airport) is intended as a site for solar-related manufacuring. 

The Industrial Development Corporation has spent R11.4-billion exceeding 41 000 tons. 

3 500 metres and carry a load 

f its commitment Sol Plaatje to renewable University energy is reaching so far the for Northern stars Cape. as world’s The Northern biggest Cape produces 

art of the telescope IDC’s role has project been to ramps take up up a 20% in the stake Northern in projects Cape. on more than 84% of South Africa’s 

ehalf of local communities. 

iron ore. Kumba Iron Ore is the 

Education creating trains opportunity 

sometimes extend beyond 

One day in the future, a graduate of Kimberley’s Sol 

Plaatje University will write her or his doctoral thesis on 

some aspect of a far-away star yet to be discovered. 

The information will come from the Square 

NORTHERN Kilometre CAPE BUSINESS Array 2018/19 (SKA) Telescope, currently 8 under construction in 

the Karoo. Unimaginable amounts of data are set to be collected 

in this transformative radio telescope project that is centred on 

Carnarvon but has global reach. 

The data that the SKA will collect in a day would take twomillion 

years to play back on an iPod. The radio telescope’s 

image-resolution quality will exceed that of the Hubble Space 

Telescope by a factor of 50. 

The SKA will be the world’s largest radio telescope, made up 

of thousands of antennae throughout Australia and Africa. SKA 

will be tackling the big questions: What is dark matter? When did 

life begin? How are galaxies created? 

In March 2019, 15 countries involved in the SKA Project 

gathered in Rome for the signing of the international treaty 

establishing the intergovernmental organisation that will oversee 

the delivery of the world’s largest radio telescope. This is the 

Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), which is tasked with 

delivering and operating the SKA. 

the country’s landmass on the 

dry western side of the country 

bordering the Atlantic Ocean, 

Namibia and Botswana. 

The Sishen-Saldanha ore 

export railway line is one of the 

mechanical wonders of the world. 

The line extends 860km and the 

The Sol Plaatje Library and Resource Centre, an award-winning example of innovation and excellence. Architects: 

designworkshop; construction: Murray and Dickson Construction; structural and civils design: Aurecon. 

That inquisitive future 

student will be a graduate of 

the Data Sciences Programme 

of Sol Plaatje University 

(SPU), South Africa’s newest 

tertiary institution. Having a 

technological marvel such as 

the SKA within the province will 

boost scientific curiosity and 

provide many opportunities 

for researchers and academics. 

At community level, an SPU 

Knowledge Hub for Rural 

Development is in the pipeline 

for locals near the town of 

Carnarvon. 

The SPU’s first vicechancellor, 

Dr Yunus Ballim, 

holds a doctorate in civil 

engineering and is rated by the 

National Research Foundation. 

The first intake of students at 

the Kimberley campus in 2014 

was 124. There are now more 

than 1 000 students enrolled in 

a range of degree and diploma 

courses. Approximately 60% 

of the students are enrolled in 

teacher training courses. 

The university has set itself 

a goal of catering to specific 

niches, such as heritage 

studies. The McGregor 

Museum in Kimberley is one of 

the most respected museums 

in the South Africa and heritage 

tourism is seen as a growth 

market, so university students 

concentrating on this area will 


30


have good support and good prospects. SPU’s first postgraduate 

students will include students specialising in agricultural sciences 

and a new course in Creative Writing in African Languages. 

The academic programme is housed in four schools: 

Education; Humanities; Natural and Applied Sciences; Economic 

and Management Sciences. Bachelor’s degrees are offered in 

education, science, science in data, commerce and arts. A diploma 

in retail business management (three years) and a one-year higher 

certificate in heritage studies completes the prospectus. 

Another striking building, 

designed by Savage + Dodd, 

was “highly commended” at 

the World Architecture Festival 

in 2017 in the Higher Education 

and Research category and won 

“Best Use of Colour”. The multipurpose 

building encompasses 

a residence, offices, meeting 

spaces and retail space on the 

ground floor. 

External and internal images 

on this page show the details of 

the design. The colourful, winddriven 

louvres which act as 

sun shading were designed by 

Savage + Dodd Architects and 

executed by RVI Architectural 

Solutions. The project was a 

finalist in the Southern African 

Institute of Steel Construction 

(SAISC) awards. 

The key to education 

More than one philosopher has noted the link between beautiful 

surroundings and a good educational experience, so when the 

decision to create a new university in Kimberley was made, it was 

also decided that every effort would be made to build fine buildings 

that would enhance the experience of lecturers and students. 

A competition was held to choose the architects to work on 

the new university. From a total of 59 entries, nine firms were 

selected in 2013 to enter the second round of the competition. 

Ultimately, five firms were chosen as winners, and they would 

be tasked with completing work on the campus over the three 

years to 2016: Activate Architecture; Savage + Dodd Architects; 

designworkshop:sa; Comrie Wilkinson Cape and Urban Studio JV; 

Wilkinson Architects in Joint Venture with Mashilo Lampbrechts 

Architects and GXY Architects. 

Sol Plaatje University Library and Student Resources Building, 

designed by designworkshop: sa, won the 2017 Fulton Concrete 

Awards for “Buildings Greater Than 3-Stories” (main picture). The 

construction work was done by Murray and Dickson and Aurecon 

provided structural, civil, electrical, fire and wet services design 

for the project. 


INTERVIEW 

Developing local 

intellectual capacity 

Prof Yunus Ballim, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Sol Plaatje 

University, outlines the way forward. 

Yunus Ballim 

What are your goals as VC and Principal? 

Our intentions in these early years has been to develop and consolidate a 

good foundation in the essential areas to sustain a university in the long term: 

• Academic activities: qualifications to be offered, research, 

learning and teaching, academic staff 

• Institutional capacity: governance structures and administrative 

support arrangements 

• Infrastructure: properly constructed buildings with sufficient 

space to accommodate growth plans. We have also focused on 

developing partnerships with social and government institutions 

in the city and the province. 

BIOGRAPHY 

Yunus Ballim holds BSc, 

MSc and PhD degrees in 

civil engineering, a National 

Research Foundation rating 

and a personal professorship 

in Civil Engineering at the 

University of Witwatersrand. 

At Wits he served as Head 

of the School of Civil and 

Environmental Engineering, 

Deputy Vice-Chancellor 

(Academic) and Vice-Principal. 

He was awarded the Bram 

Fisher-Oxford Fellowship in 

2000 and has been Chair of 

the Higher Education Quality 

Council. Yunus chairs the 

Transformation Strategy Group 

of Universities South Africa. 


What is it like to work in award-winning buildings? 

We have worked hard to ensure we have structures and buildings that 

are conducive to working and learning and this seems to have been 

successful to date. Our idea of using our infrastructure development 

project to also reflect the future ambitions of the city of Kimberley has 

been well reflected in the architecture and artwork on our buildings, 

giving a strong sense of place in Kimberley and the Northern Cape. It 

is exciting to be in these buildings. 

With the landmark passed of SPU’s first BEd graduates, what 

lies ahead? 

We also produced the first BSc, BA, BCom and BSc (Data Science) 

graduates in 2018 as other important academic landmarks. The next 

landmarks will be our first postgraduate students, particularly those 

from our planned programme in Creative Writing in African Languages 

and academic qualifications in agricultural sciences. 

What links does SPU have with the SKA project? 

Our Data Science programmes were specifically started to develop the 

local intellectual capacity to contribute to the collection and analysis 

of large data sets such as that to be generated at the SKA. Our 

hope is that, when the SKA is fully functional in 2025, some of our 

graduates will hold doctoral degrees and be contributing to the SKA 

activities. Furthermore, we are in discussion with provincial government 

to establish the SPU Knowledge Hub for Rural Development near 

Carnarvon. This will bring a stronger community link to the general 

scientific and knowledge development activities in the area. 

32

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CREDIT: VEDANTA ZINC INTERNATIONAL (VZI) 

KEY SECTORS 

Overviews of the main economic 

sectors of the Northern Cape 

Agriculture 340 

Grapes and wine 38 44 

Mining 42 48 

Water 50 56 

Tourism Renewable energy 52 58 

Banking and financial services 58 60 

Development finance 

and SMME support 6061 

The tower at Khi Solar One is one the tallest structures in South Africa.

Agriculture 

Agri-processing is set to drive economic growth. 

Compared to other types of manufacturing, agriprocessing 

can be scaled up relatively quickly with 

good financial rewards. It can also be labour-intensive. 

As such, agri-processing is a key plank in the growth 

plans of the Northern Cape. 

Work has already been done in providing manufacturing facilities 

for the speciality tea, rooibos, at Niewoudtville and investments 

have been made in fisheries and new vineyard development for 

groups of people who previously had not had exposure to the 

grape and wine sector. 

The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and 

Rural Development (DALRRD) was behind the rooibos tea factory, 

which now trades as Bokkeveld Rooibos. The factory takes tea 

from 85 local farmers with the goal of helping to integrate these 

farmers into the agricultural and agri-processing business chain. 

Two particular areas of interest to assist small-scale farmers 

are being explored with regard to hemp and crops that can 

produce liquor. The dry interior of the Northern Cape is suitable 

SECTOR INSIGHT 

Hemp and liquor hold enormous 

potential. 

• A commercial goat kid 

project has expanded into 

Namibia. 

for the growing of Agave that 

provides the source material 

for tequila and there are 

several other opportunities. 

The rapidly changing legislative 

environment for hemp and 

marijuana holds potential in 

textiles and medicine. 


40

OVERVIEW 

Long-term thinking underpins the adoption by the 

provincial government of the Northern Cape Climate Change 

Adaptation Response Strategy. This allows for a framework 

to tackle drought and other climate change issues. 

Occupying 36-million hectares, the Northern Cape is the 

largest province in the country, almost a third of South Africa’s 

total land area. Although the province is a predominantly 

semi-arid region, agriculture is a major component of the 

economy of the regional economy and the province’s farmers 

contribute 6.8% to South African agriculture. 

The agricultural sector also plays a vital role in the broader 

economy of the Northern Cape, employing as it does about 

45 000 people. This represents about 16% of employment, 

a much higher figure than the national figure of 5.5%. 

Agricultural development takes place along defined 

corridors within the province: 

In the Orange River Valley, especially at Upington, Kakamas 

and Keimoes, grapes and fruit are cultivated intensively. Highvalue 

horticultural products such as table grapes, sultanas 

and wine grapes, dates, nuts, cotton, fodder and cereal crops 

are grown along the Orange River. 

Wheat, fruit, groundnuts, maize and cotton are grown in 

the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme in the vicinity of Hartswater 

and Jan Kempdorp. The Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme is one 

of the biggest systems of its kind in the world. Ranging over 

more than 30 000ha, it has transformed a semi-desert zone 

into a productive area that sustains cotton, wheat, maize, 

lucerne, citrus, peanuts, fruit, grapes, olives and pecan nuts. 

Vegetables and cereal crops are farmed at the confluence 

of the Vaal River and the Orange River in the vicinity of 

Douglas. Of the nearly 40-million 10kg bags of onions 

produced in South Africa (outside of linked production chains 

set up by supermarkets), about 10-million 10kg bags come 

from the Northern Cape. 

Wool, mohair, karakul, Karoo lamb, venison, ostrich meat 

and leather are farmed throughout most of the province. The 

province is second only to the Eastern Cape in terms of the 

number of sheep farmed and it is the fourth-largest woolproducing 

province based on annual sale of producer lots. 

The Beefmaster abattoir in Kimberley is one of three abattoirs 

in South Africa to export frozen beef to China. The company 

processes and packages about 30 000 tons at the abattoir. 

The karakul-pelt industry is one of the most important 

in the Gordonia district of Upington. Agri-company KLK 

is the only organisation that handles these pelts in South 

Africa, which are sorted in Windhoek before being sent to 

Copenhagen for auction. 

Companies 

KLK is based in Upington and 

does much more than karakul 

pelts. The company’s interests 

include 19 retail outlets, 12 

petrol stations, four Build it 

franchises and a strong auction 

division. 

KLK runs three abattoirs 

in Calvinia, Carnarvon and 

Upington that slaughter lamb 

and beef carcasses. SA Dorper 

manages the production and 

export of dorper skins and the 

production of cattle hides. 

GWK is another company 

with its headquarters in the 

Northern Cape, in this case 

the town of Douglas. In 2016 

GWK invested R400-million in 

a wheat mill, pasta plant and 

biscuit factory in Modder River. 

GWK Farm Foods’ new plant 

has a capacity of 25t/h for 

wheat flour, 1.3t/h for biscuits 

and 1t/h for pasta. R60-million 

was spent on increasing silo 

capacity to feed the plant. The 

company reported turnover in 

2016 of R8.3-billion. 

Senwes is one of the 

country’s biggest agricompanies 

and its Northern 

Cape area of operation is 

mostly around the Vaalharts 

irrigation area, which is fairly 

close to the headquarters just 

over the provincial border in 

North West, at Klerksdorp. 

Storage and handling of grains 

and oilseeds are the speciality 

of Senwes. 

OVK controls the large 

Gariep abattoir at Strydenburg, 

which has a daily capacity of 

41 


OVERVIEW 

1 300 sheep, 100 cattle and either 250 ostriches or 750 small 

game animals. OVK also has trade branches, vehicle dealerships, 

a finance division and manufacturing facilities for maize meal and 

wheat meal. 

Kaap Agri is a Western Cape company with a presence in the 

Northern Cape and Namibia. 

Rooibos tea 

Health trends around the world are helping the sales of rooibos 

tea, most of which is farmed and processed in the Western Cape 

and Northern Cape provinces. 

Recent studies proving that rooibos tea increases antioxidant 

capacity in human blood are further proof of the beverage’s 

healthy qualities. The unique climate and soil of the western part 

of the province support this niche crop. About 6 000 tons of tea 

is exported to more than 30 countries and domestic consumption 

is about 8 000 tons. 

In several coffee shops in London, Red Espresso has replaced 

the traditional double-shot of pure coffee, and a more recent use 

of the tea is to spruce up cocktails. The Rooibos Council states 

that more than 5 000 people are employed in the rooibos industry. 

Only the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis (a legume that is 

part of the fynbos family) are used in making rooibos (Afrikaans 

for “red bush”). Harvested while still green, the leaves are left to 

dry and ferment in the sun after being cut up. Naturally high in 

a range of vitamins and potassium, zinc and iron, its low tannin 

content makes it an excellent alternative as a hot drink. Fair Cape 

Dairies has a product called Rooiboost. 

Plans 

Consulting firm Aurecon was involved in doing a feasibility study 

and compiling a business plan for the rehabilitation and upgrading 

of the irrigation scheme and agribusiness development in the 

Vaalharts and Taung areas, a 

major concern of the DALRRD. 

The aim is to anchor the project 

in Ganspan. Another goal is 

to establish black pecan nut 

farmers in the area. 

Another new area where the 

DALRRD is involved is in issuing 

permits and licences for trout 

production at the Vanderkloof 

Dam. This aims to create new 

stream of food production, 

reduce anxiety related to food 

security and create jobs. 

Other priority projects to 

support the rollout of agriprocessing 

include: 

• Namaqua irrigation 

development 

• Rooibos development 

• Vanderkloof fisheries 

• Vaalharts revitalisation 

• Vineyard development 

scheme. 

The Agri-parks initiative is 

designed to promote inclusivity 

in agriculture and to grow 

agri-processing, particularly 

closer to where farmers farm. 

The concept brings together 

farmers, traders and agriprocessors 

(such as abattoirs) 

in convenient sites within each 

district municipality. Within 

these parks, support for rural 

smallholders will be available 

in terms of equipment hire 

from a central source, storage 

facilities, packaging of produce 

and getting products to market. 

The Agri-park intends to 

provide a network for farmers 

and manufacturers. There will 

also be training available. 

The provincial department 

has a programme to place 


42

unemployed agricultural graduates at land-reform farms in the 

province to make sure that the farms are run well, at the same 

time giving the graduates hands-on experience. 

The commercialisation of the goat project which has been 

running in the Northern Cape for some time has been expanded 

into Namibia. Emerging farmers in Namibia are being exposed 

to the benefits of the programme. 

Aquaculture and mariculture 

The Northern Cape’s 313km-long coastline means that the 

province is well placed to take advantage of growing global 

demand for abalone. 

The aquaculture consultancy Sustainable Environmental 

Aquaculture Services (SEAS) helped create an abalone farm at 

Kleinzee which will produce 200 tons of product per year when 

it is at full capacity. The Western Cape company Tuna Marine 

is contracted to buy abalone from the Kleinzee facility, which 

is owned by Ponahalo Holdings (the empowerment partners of 

De Beers Consolidated Mining South Africa). 

With food security an important consideration, the provincial 

government has committed to supporting small-scale fishers. 

Forty farmers have signed up for a Catfish Project in the Vaalharts 

area. The scheme lies in the Phokwane Local Muncipality, north of 

Kimberley, which falls under the Frances Baard District Municipality. 

A joint venture by the National Department of Science and 

Technology (DST) and HIK Abalone is running an abalone project in 

Hondeklip Bay with the intention of producing 120 tons of abalone 

for sale. This seaside town is very well known for its kelp. The 

coastline of the Northern Cape has 2 000 hectares of kelp beds. 

There is a growing domestic and international demand for kelp. 

The old John Ovenstone factory in Port Nolloth is now the site 

of small-scale hatcheries for abalone and oysters. Premier Fishing 

has a lobster-processing plant in Port Nolloth. 

ONLINE RESOURCES 

Agri SA: www.agrisa.co.za 

Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural 

Development: www.agrinc.gov.za 

Northern Cape Economic Development Trade and Investment 

Promotion Agency: www.nceda.co.za 

Niewoudtville: www.niewoudtville.com 

Rooibos Council: www.sarooibos.co.za 

South African Pecan Nut Producers Association: 

www.sappa.za.org 

Nuts 

OVERVIEW 

Nuts-in-shell pecan nuts are 

popular in China. South African 

producers are able to supply 

fresh nuts for the Chinese New 

Year when demand for the 

snack is high. 

Some analysts believe 

that the Northern Cape could 

become a global centre 

for pecan nut production. 

Figures released by the South 

African Pecan Nut Producers 

Association (SAPPA) suggest 

that huge increases in 

production and the extent of 

land planted to nuts is already 

underway. 

Production of pecan nuts 

grew from 5 000 tons in 2010 

to 10 500 tons in 2015, and 

the figure continues to rise as 

world markets react positively 

to the South African product. 

At one time it was thought that 

pecan nuts were better suited 

to tropical and subtropical 

climates, but the consensus is 

now that the Northern Cape is 

ideal for the cultivation of the 

versatile and healthy nut. 

Hot summers and short, 

cold winters are perfect, 

together with the dry air which 

has made areas like Prieska, 

Upington, the Orania district 

and the Vaalharts area the 

site of many new groves. 

SAPPA says that 90% of the 

new plantings in South Africa 

are happening in the drier, 

western parts of the country. 

Farmers have to be patient 

because the nut takes a long 

time to grow. 


OVERVIEW 

Grapes and wine 

Record harvests are being recorded. 

The Orange River region produced a record grape harvest 

in 2016/17, going above 20-million 4.5kg equivalent cartons 

for the first time. Despite what were described as ideal 

conditions, berry sizes were smaller in the 2017/18 season 

and production was down by 7%. However, with new, more hardy 

varietals being developed and planted, the outlook for the grape 

industry in the Northern Cape is good. 

A variety of seedless grapes dominate plantings, with Thompson 

Seedless, Prime, Sugraone, Grapaes and Crispy Flame Seedless 

among the most popular. The South African Table Grape Industry 

(SATI) reports that the Orange River region has 1 975 permanent 

employees and 16 926 seasonal employees. 

If ambitious plans to create a Special Economic Zone at Upington 

come to fruition, the grape, raisin and wine traders of the Northern 

Cape could be among the beneficiaries, providing logistical support 

for getting their products to international markets more rapidly than 

is currently the case. 

On a provincial level, there are plans to add 40 000 tons of 

grapes for wine, juice and raisins to the Northern Cape’s capacity. 

A draft six-year plan has been developed for the Northern Cape 

Vineyard Development Scheme which will be implemented by the 


Development (DALRRD), the National Agricultural Marketing Council, 

the Land Bank, Distell, Winetech and Orange River Wine Cellars. 

Almost a third of South Africa’s table grape crop is produced 

in the fertile Orange River region of the Northern Cape. The South 

African table grape industry has been investing in some new 

varietals which produce a better yield. 

Seventy percent of the Sultana grapes grown in the Lower 

Orange River Region are used for vine-fruit products. There are 

1 250 Sultana grape growers in the province, producing three 


A Special Economic Zone could 

boost exports. 

Sultana-type grapes which rank 

among the best in the world: the 

Sultana Clone H5, a new hybrid 

called Merbein Seedless, which 

has proved resistant to splitting 

after rain, and the most popular 

type, the 143B. 

The following vine-fruit 

products are produced in 

the Northern Cape: Sundried 

Thompson Seedless Raisins; 

Dipped Orange River Sultanas; 

Golden Sultanas; Muscat 

Raisins; and Monuca Raisins. 

An example of successful 

Sultana-grape production in 

the province is SAD Vine Fruit 

(Pty) Ltd, which owns the largest 

dried-vine fruit processing 

and packaging plant in South 

Africa. The Upington-based firm 

employs more than 350 people 

when in full production. As 

much as 80% of vine fruit grown 

in South Africa is exported, 

primarily to Europe. 


44

OVERVIEW 

Diversified agri-company KLK recently purchased a half share 

in Carpe Diem Raisins, an exporter of high-quality raisins. The 

raisin factory has a production capacity of 12 000 tons and the 

company packages and sells about 22% of South African raisin 

production. All of the products in the Carpe Diem Group, including 

table grapes and pecan nuts, are certified organic. With about 

135ha under production, the farm lies 10km east of Upington. 

Wine 

According to SA Wine Industry Statistics, the Orange River region 

has about 5% of the total hectares under wine grapes in South 

Africa, and just over 3% of the total number of vines. New vineyards 

are being planted. 

Warm to hot conditions, coupled with the nutrient-rich land on 

the banks of the Orange River and sharply contrasting temperatures 

at times, combine to produce consistently excellent wines. Average 

annual rainfall in the area is 150mm, but the eastern part of the 

region from Kanoneiland to Groblershoop have been receiving 

more than their due in recent seasons. 

The Northern Cape’s Orange River wine region accounts for 

25.6% of South Africa’s Colombard vines and 10% of Chenin 

Blanc. The focus is on Colombard and Hanepoot grapes. 

Orange River Wine Cellars (ORC) is a large co-operative 

with six wineries. Grapes are collected from 749 farmers. OWC 

has a winery at its head office in Upington and at Keimoes, 

Groblershoop, Kakamas and Grootdrink. 



Development: www.agrinc.gov.za 

Orange River Wine Cellars: www.orangeriverwines.com 

SA Wine Industry Information & Systems: www.sawis.co.za 

South African Table Grape Industry: www.satgi.co.za 

South African Wine and Brandy Company: www.sawb.co.za 

Orange River Concentrate 

Producers (part of the ORC 

group) produces about 7.5-million 

litres of white grape juice 

concentrate, a percentage of 

which is exported to Japan where 

the Itochu Corporation uses it in 

soft drinks and food. 

ORC supplies wine to Tops 

at Spar which has more than 

700 stores across the country 

and makes Tops’ private label 

“Carnival”. ORC has also been 

selling wine in China, the USA 

and Europe for a number of 

years through its Norweco 

division. Unique labelling aims 

to capture local markets, so ORC 

wines are called “Star Tree” in the 

US and “Goddess” in Denmark. 

The Douglas Wine Cellar 

produces about 6 000 cases 

per year. Together with the 

Landzicht cellar (just over the 

border in the Free State), the 

Douglas Wine Cellars is a GWK 

company. The Douglas cellar 

crushes 7 000 tons of grapes 

every year and produces 

5.6-million litres of wine. 

Hartswater Wine Cellar is a 

part of the region’s other big 

agricultural company, Senwes. 

Two wine brands (Overvaal and 

Elements) are produced in the 

Hartswater irrigation area north 

of Kimberley. 


PROFILE 

South African Table 

Grape Industry 

South Africa: Preferred Country of Origin for the world’s best-tasting grapes. 

jobs. Several downstream industries 

are also supported. The harvesting 

of table grapes in this region takes 

place from about early November 

until early February. 

SATI represents growers in key government and industry initiatives 

aimed at creating more opportunities in the sector, from ownership 

to accessing new markets in a sustainable way. 

SATI assists growers with crucial industry information, transformation, 

statistics, research, technology and technical transfer as well as 

training and education with the aim of establishing South Africa as 

the Preferred Country of Origin for the world’s best-tasting grapes. 

There are five major table grape-growing regions in South Africa. 

The difference in soil and climate enables growers to supply the markets 

from November to May. The early season is dominated by varieties from 

the Northern Provinces and the valleys of the Orange and Olifants River. 

The Northern Cape has one of the biggest table grape-growing 

regions, known as the Orange River region, represented by the Orange 

River Producer Alliance (ORPA), chaired by Willie du Plessis. This table 

grape region, with more than 5 688 hectares of vines planted, stretches 

from Upington to Kakamas, Augrabies and Blouputs. The table grape 

industry is a key industry in the Northern Province, contributing to direct 

employment in the order of 1 415 permanent and 12 415 seasonal 

CONTACT INFO 

Manager: Communications: Clayton Swart 

Email: clayton@satgi.co.za 

Chairperson ORPA: Willie du Plessis 

Email: willie@omdraai.co.za 

Physical address: 63 Main Street, Paarl 7624 

Tel: +27 21 863 0366 | Fax: +27 21 863 3039 

Email: info@satgi.co.za 

Website: www.satgi.co.za 

Mission 

SATI delivers service excellence to 

create a progressive, equitable and 

sustainable industry. 

Vision 

South Africa is the Preferred Country 

of Origin for table grapes and will 

provide every table grape producer 

as wide a choice as possible with 

profitable markets. 

SATI’s key areas of 

intervention 

• Technical market access 

• Research and technology transfer 

• Information and knowledge 

management 

• Transformation 

• Communication and stakeholder 

engagement 

• Human capacity and skills 

development 

• Technical support. 

These interventions are aimed at 

assisting producers to Gain, Retain 

and Optimise (GRO) market access. 


46

OVERVIEW 

Mining 

A huge zinc project near Pofadder could lead to the Northern Cape 

acquiring a smelter and a refinery. 

When phase three is reached, the biggest new 

mining project in South Africa will deliver 

600 000 tons of zinc for Vedanta Zinc 

International. 

Located about 60km from the small Northern Cape 

town of Pofadder, the Gamsberg zinc project (pictured) 

has so far attracted $400-million in investment from the 

company and started trucking product to the Port of 

Saldanha in 2018. Phase one of the open-pit operation 

will deliver an annual load of 250 000 tons of zinc. If it 

proceeds to phase three, it would likely go underground. 

Anil Agarwal, chairman of Vedanta Resources Limited, 

was quoted by the Sunday Times in 2019 saying that 

another $400-million might well be committed by the 

company as it strives to ramp up production volumes. 

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, a former 

mine union official, was the guest of honour when the 

Gamsberg project was officially opened. He made a plea 

for South Africa to create more value from its mineral 

products. He said, “We must therefore move away from 

the ‘pit to port approach’ where resources mined here 

are transported out of the country as raw as they are from 

along the Sishen-Saldanha route.” 

Ramaphosa was referring to the 861km railway line 

that carries iron ore from the northern parts of the 

Northern Cape Province to the Port of Saldanha on the 

west coast. The line has a capacity of 60-million tonsper-year 

but a truck colliding with a bridge in November 

2018 led to the closure of the line and reduced capacity. 

The line was quickly repaired in record time and services 

returned to normal. 

The president’s wishes might well be answered by 

Vedanta who have expressed an interest in building a 

refinery and a smelter. The fact that South Africa’s power 

grid has been experiencing shutdowns is less of a problem 

when one considers that Vedanta is the world’s largest 

single independent power producer. In India it uses coal 


Ekapa Mining paid R300-million to 

buy out Petra Diamonds from a JV. 

• Assmang will spend R2.7-billion at 

its Gloria manganese mine. 

and renewable resources to generate 

10 000MW. 

At the same time, the Northern Cape 

Province is continuing with planning 

towards developing a deep harbour at 

Boegoebaai. Part of the strategy involves 

the creation of a commodities corridor 

linking the Upington Special Economic 

Zone (SEZ) with the port. The Gamsberg 

Mine and related industrial investment 

along the corridor would increase the 

sustainability of the project. 

Ramaphosa made specific pledges 

from government’s side to fast-track 

development around the zinc project. 

He announced the establishment of an 

intergovernmental task team led by the 

Department of Trade and Industry to 

explore the possibility of establishing 

a Special Economic Zone to unlock 

further investment in sulphuric acid 

and fertiliser. The aim is to develop 

infrastructure, accelerate skills 

development and empowerment, and 

consolidate economic development in 

the Northern Cape. 

The president praised Vedanta 

for spending R44-million on skills 

development, health, enterprise 

development and municipal 


48

infrastructure support in 2018 with a further R77.5-million spent 

on local businesses. Ramaphosa also noted the significance of 

the Gamsberg Mine being considered one of the most digitally 

advanced mines in South Africa. 

Other news in the zinc sector is that Australian miner Orion 

is putting considerable resources into investigating the possible 

revival of the Prieska Zinc-Copper Project. A maiden mineral 

resource estimate was published in February 2018 and 14 drill 

rigs are at work looking into the site’s prospects. 

Small-scale mining has been problematic in recent years. It is 

hoped that the recent issuing of small-scale mining permits will 

allow individuals access mineral resources in a way that reduces 

risk. The Office of the Premier, in partnership with the National 

Department of Mineral Resources, has held a workshop for artisanal 

mine workers on how to conduct legal mining operations. The 

Swedish International Housing Company is another partner in 

identifying possible land on which artisanal miners can legally start 

sustainable mining operations. Land owned by municipalities at 

Prieska, Niekerkshoop, Marydale and Griekwastad is the focus 

of these initiatives. 

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), the provincial 

government and Mintek are collaborating on the Prieska Loxion 

Hub (PLH), which beneficiates tiger’s eye for jewellery and stonecutting 

products. 

Mining sector employment rose somewhat in 2017/18, reaching 

a total of 27 000. 

Mining assets in the Northern Cape 

• 95% of South Africa’s diamond output 

• 97.6% of alluvial diamond mining 

• 13.4% of world lead exports 

• 80% of the world’s manganese resource 

• 25% of the manganese used in the world 

• 100% of South Africa’s tiger’s eye 

• largest national production of sugilite (a semi-precious 

stone). 

Rare earth elements 

Rare earth elements (REE) are a very modern mineral, in that large 

parts of the modern economy rely on them. Super-conductors, 

X-ray machines, nuclear batteries and PET-scan detectors are 

just some of the technologies that rely on rare earth elements 

such as promethium, thulium and holmium. China controls 

95% of the world’s supply of REEs and the search is on for 

OVERVIEW 

alternative sources. Two sites 

in western South Africa have 

attracted investors attention: 

Zandkopsdrift (Northern Cape) 

and, close by but in the adjoining 

province of the Western Cape, 

Steenkampskraal. 

Diamonds 

Another change took place in the 

diamond ownership environment 

in 2018 when Ekapa Mining paid 

R300-million to buy out Petra 

Diamonds from its Kimberley 

Ekapa Mining Joint Venture (KEM 

JV). Petra held 75.9% of the old 

De Beers assets that include 

Kimberley Underground Mines, 

various dumps around the town 

and underground resources 

at Bultfontein, Dutoitspan and 

Wesselton. Ekapa’s plans to keep 

the mines and tailings in profit entail 

the use of modern technology. 

This includes an automated pan 

plant in support of an upgraded 

Combined Treatment Plant. 

Rockwell Diamonds, which is 

listed on the TSX and JSE, has 

several assets in the Northern 

Cape. They lie between Prieska 

and Douglas, south-west 

of Kimberley: Wouterspan, 

Nieuwejaarskraal, Remhoogte 

and Saxendrift. 

Away from the underground 

kimberlite pipes and fissures, 

river and coastal deposits 

are also present. Diamonds 

have been recovered along 

the Orange, Buffels, Spoeg, 

Horees, Doom and Swart rivers 

in the province, while coastal 

deposits have been found from 

the mouth of the Orange River 

to Lamberts Bay. 


OVERVIEW 

In 2018, Trans Hex sold two mines to LOR Diamonds, a blackowned 

company led by women, but will continue to mine the 

property as an independent contractor. 

The Kimberley International Diamond and Jewellery Academy 

continues to provide training with a total of 406 graduates having 

so far passed through the academy. In a recent development, De 

Beers Sightholder Sales South Africa awarded KIDJA an amount 

of R500 000 for bursary students. Ten diamond processing 

bursaries will also be supported by Alexkor for local Richtersveld 

communities. 

Quartz 

Quartz is used in the manufacture of semiconductors, fibre-optic 

cables and ceramics. Fused quartz improves the efficiency of solar 

powered devices and quartz glass is used in the manufacture of 

photovoltaic cell manufacturing. Positive tests have been done 

at Riemvasmaak where the silica content is 99.98% in some 

places. Difeme, a black start-up, will mine the quartz with technical 

help from Mintek. Investors are sought for the development of 

processing and beneficiation plant for high-purity quartz. 

Iron ore and manganese 

In 2019, Sitatunga Resources purchased the East Manganese 

project on the Hotazel-Kalahari ore belt from Southern Ambition. 

Menar Holdings, which controls a majority share in Sitatunga, is 

mostly invested in coal. 

Afrimat, a listed construction materials supplier and industrial 

minerals group, has added open-pit mining to its portfolio with 

the R322-million acquisition of the Diro mine, which had been in 

business rescue. The Diro mine has proven run-of-mine reserves 

of 10-million tons. 

The overwhelming majority of the world’s manganese comes from 

the Postmasburg and Kalahari regions of the Northern Cape. Assmang 

has two manganese mines in the province: Nchwaning and Gloria. 


Minerals Council of South Africa: www.mineralscouncil.org.za 

Mining Qualifications Authority: www.mqa.org.za 

National Department of Mineral Resources: www.dmr.gov.za 

Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and 

Tourism: www.economic.ncape.gov.za 

South African Mining Development Association: 

www.samda.co.za 


50 

The Northern Cape 

produces more than 84% of 

South Africa’s iron ore. The 

province has two major iron 

belts, from Postmasburg to 

Hotazel, and running through 

Sishen and Kathu. Sishen is 

the most important iron-ore 

mine in South Africa, where 

operations include extraction 

and four beneficiation plants. 

The availability of natural 

resources, labour and 

infrastructure (including the 

Sishen-Saldanha railway 

line), make Sishen the ideal 

location. 

Kumba Iron Ore has the 

huge Sishen facility at Kathu 

and Kolomela. Assmang, 

a joint venture comprising 

African Rainbow Minerals and 

Assore, mines at Khumani. 

The company will spend 

R2.7-billion on upgrading its 

Gloria mine. 

South32 is very active 

in the Northern Cape. The 

Hotazel Manganese Mines 

is made up of two mines, 

Wessels (underground) and 

Mamatwan (open cut), and 

the Metalloys manganese 

smelter. The company has 

30% of the product from 

its mines processed at the 

smelter where a managese 

alloy is made. 

Hotazel is also the site of 

a relatively new manganese 

mine, Tshipi é Borwa. Tshipi e 

Ntle Manganese Mining (Tshipi) 

is a joint venture between 

Pallinghurst Co-Investors (led 

by Brian Gilbertson) and a 

black empowerment company 

representing several groups 

called Ntsimbintle Mining.

Working smart to 

unlock more value 

INTERVIEW 

Deshnee Naidoo, CEO Vedanta Zinc International (VZI), 

expands on plans for the company’s new Gamsberg Mine. 

Deshnee Naidoo 

How is Gamsberg Mine digitally advanced? 

For VZI, the digital transformation is not something that is planned in years 

to come, but one that is taking shape today. The next wave will be in the 

integration of systems to enable our teams to make data-driven decisions 

to find efficiencies, improve planning, lower risk, create safer working 

environments and unlock more value from our resources. 

When do you expect to be operating at full capacity? 

Gamsberg Phase 1 has a Life of Mine of 13 years. Four-million tons a year 

of ore will be produced from Gamsberg’s open pit and 250 000t/y of concentrate 

from its concentrator plant. By March 2019, we achieved a mining 

rate of over five-million tons of ore and waste combined. Concentrate 

volumes are in the process of ramp-up as the Gamsberg plant reaches 

full steady state by mid-2019. 

BIOGRAPHY 

After a 20-year career at Anglo 

American in various roles, 

including CFO of Anglo Thermal 

Coal, Deshnee Naidoo was 

appointed CEO of Vedanta 

Zinc International in 2014. Her 

responsibility covers operations 

in South Africa and Namibia, 

the now closed Lisheen Mine 

in Ireland and Copper Mines of 

Tasmania in Australia. In May 

2018, Deshnee was appointed 

to the board of the Minerals 

Council of South Africa, a first 

for a woman in South African 

mining. 

Do you have plans to build a smelter and a refinery? 

In parallel with the Phase 2 mine and plant, we are looking at developing 

a modular smelter/refinery beneficiation complex, which would represent 

an estimated direct capital investment of USD-800 million. The complex 

would be the first integrated zinc manufacturing facility in South Africa 

and the largest in Africa. External factors that will make a critical difference 

include power security, competitive power tariff, an offtake for the 1 000 

tons of sulfuric acid the complex will produce every day and an efficient 

freight transport solution. This will have to be supported by an aggressive 

spatial development plan for the region. 

When will a decision be taken on investing further? 

Vedanta has already committed that Phase 2 of Gamsberg will get 

underway as soon as is economically and logistically feasible. Phase 1 

was executed with a much larger project in mind. We estimate that up 

to 12 000 direct and indirect jobs will be created in Phase 2. 

How does Vedanta view its responsibility to the people of 

the surrounding area? 

Vedanta has always viewed the communities surrounding our mines 

as partners and stakeholders. Making sure you contribute to improving 

the lives of the communities around your operations is simply the right 

thing to do. 

51 


THE STORY OF GAMSBERG – 

HOW VEDANTA IS WORKING TOWARDS 

“FULFILLING DREAMS” 

IN THE NORTHERN CAPE 

Vedanta Zinc International (VZI), 

headquartered in Johannesburg, is a 

grouping of zinc assets located in South 

Africa, Namibia and Ireland, owned by 

India-based Vedanta Limited, a listed 

subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Limited. 

As a globally diversified natural resources 

major, Vedanta has interests in zinc, lead, 

silver, copper, iron ore, aluminium, power, 

and oil and gas. 

GAMSBERG TIMELINE 

1972 

1998 

2009-2010 

2011 



Gamsberg 

zinc deposit 

discovered by 

Okiep Copper 

Company (OCC) 

Anglo American 

acquired 100% 

interest in 

Gamsberg 

Anglo American 

pre-feasibility 

study, additional 

drilling in open 

pit area 

Vedanta acquired 

Black Mountain 

and Gamsberg 

mines from Anglo 

American 

Gamsberg 

feasibility study 

completed and 

Phase 1 of project 

is approved 

Gamsberg project 

site breaks 

ground

Head office 

NAMIBIA 

Skorpion 

Zinc 

Black Mountain Mining 

Gamsberg project 

SOUTH AFRICA 

A major focus on VZI’s growth front is Gamsberg – 

a new zinc mine and its associated infrastructure, 

Phase 1 of which is now fully operational. VZI’s vision 

is to create an integrated world-class regional zinc 

complex comprising Black Mountain Mining 

(including Gamsberg) and the Skorpion Zinc mining 

and refining operations. 

Gamsberg is one of the largest zinc deposits in the 

world. Although discovered more than 40 years ago, 

it was held undeveloped by its various owners before 

Vedanta acquired it from Anglo American in 2011. 

It has a reserve and resource of more than 214Mt and 

an estimated life of mine (LoM) of 30+ years. 

Vedanta knew that Gamsberg’s impressive scale would 

contribute to its our overall global position in zinc. 

Vedanta committed to our South African stakeholders 

that the mine would be developed within fi ve years. 

Despite being at the height of the global economic 

downturn in 2014, Vedanta still took the decision to 

go ahead with the project. 




2019 


Engineering, 

procurement and 

construction services 

contracted awarded 

to ELB Engineering 

Services Proprietary 

Limited 

Gamsberg Phase 1 

LOM extension 

Gamsberg Phase 2 

feasibility 

Gamsberg officially 

opened by President 

Cyril Ramaphosa and 

Vedanta Chairman 

Anil Agarwal 

Gamsberg Phase 3

Gamsberg was offi cially inaugurated by 

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Vedanta 

Chairman Mr Anil Agarwal on 28 February 2019. 

Vedanta anticipates that Phase 1 of Gamsberg 

will be at full production by mid-2019. 

Gamsberg’s development forms part of 

Vedanta’s long-term commitment to the 

development of the Northern Cape. Vedanta is 

one of the largest private sector employers in the 

province and the construction of Gamsberg has 

had a meaningful impact on the local economy. 

WHAT WE ARE WORKING TOWARDS 

Now that Phase 1 of Gamsberg – representing an 

investment by Vedanta in South Africa of US$400 million – 

is officially opened, and is working towards full production, 

Vedanta is focusing on Phase 2, and the potential for a 

smelter-refi nery complex. Phase 2 would see a larger pit 

and a second plant stream, increasing ore production to 

8 million tons and concentrate to 450 000 tons per annum. 

It would represent a further investment of around 

US$350 million. 

Vedanta is currently assessing the feasibility of developing 

a smelter-refi nery benefi ciation complex – which would 

be a direct capital investment of US$800 million. This 

benefi ciation complex will have a wider regional and even 

national impact, creating industrialisation and employment 

(estimates suggest construction will create around 

4 000 jobs). The complex would be the fi rst integrated 

zinc manufacturing facility in South Africa, and the largest 

on the continent. 

Vedanta is looking at a range of options to make 

the complex a reality. These include: 

• Building the complex at Gamsberg in the Northern 

Cape – this would have a signifi cant spillover and 

multiplier effect – a fertiliser industry, the potential to 

accelerate the region’s agricultural activities, a possible 

agro-processing industry, and the need (and potential) 

for both solar and wind power. Vedanta is working with 

government to create a Special Economic Zone which 

would support and stimulate this vision. 

• Building the complex at a port – Port Nolloth, 

Saldanha Bay or Richards Bay – this would signifi cantly 

decrease logistics costs, unlock wider economic 

opportunities, and position the complex as one of the 

top port-based smelters in the world. 

The development of Gamsberg Phase 2 will create benefi ts 

for communities and for South Africa as a whole. Vedanta’s 

estimates suggest that the project phase will generate a

• 3 000 people employed during 

construction; 750 people employed 

for operations to date 

• 34% women employees 

• 500 – 1 000 youth in development 

programs 

• Improved education facilities 

for 3 000 learners, 23 students 

awarded tertiary bursaries 

(2017/18) 

• 45 black-owned businesses 

supported 

• 12 local businesses created –tripled 

in value since creation in 2015 

once-off contribution to GDP of around R4.3 billion. 

Once operational, it should generate around 

R6.4 billion per annum – excluding the tax revenue 

it will generate. Estimates also indicate that around 

12 000 direct and indirect jobs will be created. 

Critical success factors 

For all of this to happen, Vedanta is dependent on 

a number of key external factors, including power 

security at competitive tariffs, an offtake for the 

approximately 1 000 tons of sulphuric acid the 

complex will produce every day and an effi cient 

freight transport solution. All of this will have to be 

supported by and aggressive spatial development 

plan for the region which will allow for the 

development of housing and towns closest to the 

complex to enable a thriving community. 

Our communities are critical stakeholders and partners 

in our work. We get our social licence to mine from 

them, and Vedanta’s commitment has always been that 

we will deliver value to all our stakeholders. 

Corporate Social Responsibility plays a critical role in VZI’s 

relationships with its communities and employees. The 

concept of ‘Business with Purpose’ is one which we take 

very seriously. We are obliged to deliver returns for all 

stakeholders, not just to shareholders. VZI can extract value 

from this vision for our shareholders but more importantly 

facilitate value for the communities in which we operate. 

CSR spend for BMM 

overall sits at over 

R17.5 million so far, 

with over R8 million 

committed.

OVERVIEW 

Water 

Department of Scientific Services 

Water projects are stimulating economic growth. 

From providing water for an attempt on a world land speed 

record to laying on bulk water facilities for small rural 

municipalities — national, provincial and local authorities 

have a wide range of challenges to overcome in ensuring 

that life is sustained, and economic activity can thrive. 

The dry area around Hakskeenpan is ideally suited to driving 

vehicles fast but the world record land speed attempt is going to 

attract big crowds (and large technical support teams) and so a 

special effort has been made to provide infrastructure that will 

make sure that a reliable water supply is on tap. This investment 

will also secure the venue as a future site of similar open-air events 

or competitions. 

Six municipalities have been identified for the eradication of 

informal settlements. A major obstacle in the municipalities of Sol 

Plaatje, Phokwane, Tsantsabane, Dawid Kruiper, Gamagara and 

Ga-Segonyana is the lack of bulk water and sanitation facilities. 

Ring-fenced funding in terms of the Division of Revenue Act has 

been approved. 

Two projects being run by the Provincial Government of the 

Northern Cape in conjunction with national government departments 

relate to water. Solar water heaters are being provided to residents 

of the Sol Plaatje Municipality and training for maintenance and 

repair is also being offered by the National Department of Energy. 

The National Department of Public Works is running a Shared 


“Sustaining the source and flow of life forever” 

Sedibeng Water has opened 

a laboratory in the Northern 

Cape. 

• Twenty-two villages will 

benefit from the Vaal 

Gamagara project. 

Water Efficiency Programme 

on 30 Northern Cape provincial 

government properties. The 

provincial government has 

adopted a Climate Change 

Adaptation Response Strategy. 

Assets 

Two of South Africa’s great 

rivers meet in the Northern 

Cape at a point south-west of 

Kimberley. After absorbing the 

Vaal River, the Orange River 


56

OVERVIEW 

continues westwards to the Atlantic Ocean and provides the 

basis for agriculture all along its path. 

North of Kimberley, the confluence of the Vaal and the Harts 

rivers encompasses one of South Africa’s most intensely irrigated 

areas. The Vaal-Harts irrigation system is one of the most productive 

in the country, covering about 38 000 hectares with a variety of 

crops. Various water users’ associations (WUAs) representing 

particular areas (such as the Vaal-Harts) are recognised by the 

national water authority. 

Two of South Africa’s biggest dams, the Gariep and Vanderkloof, 

also provide water for irrigation and hydro-electric power. 

But many parts of the province are dry with sections of the north 

and north-west classified as semi-arid and arid. The southern 

Kalahari Desert receives rain (sometimes a lot of rain in a very short 

space of time) but the fact that mining is a primary economic activity 

in the dry regions of the province presents many challenges. The 

town of Kuruman is an exception in that it has a natural and prolific 

spring, the Eye of Kuruman. 

The National Department of Water and Sanitation is consolidating 

the country’s water boards into nine regional water utilities. Some 

boards have merged to create new entities while others have 

extended their area of supply. Sedibeng Water now offers water 

supply services across three provinces, including most of the 


Sedibeng Water’s Central Laboratory, based at Balkfontein 

near Bothaville, is a SANAS-accredited facility. A new laboratory 

has been built to monitor the quality of water at the revamped 

Vaal Gamagara scheme. The laboratory’s four sections cover 

Instrumentation, Wet Chemistry, Sewage and Microbiology. When 

the laboratory gains SANAS accreditation, it will be the first in the 

province to have such a rating. The water laboratory image is 

supplied by Sedibeng Water. 

Projects 

The Vaal Gamagara and Namakwa bulk water supply projects hold 

the key to boosting the mining sector and laying the foundation 

for expansion in outlying districts. The projects will give additional 

security to mines, businesses and households in the target areas. 


National Department of Water and Sanitation: www.dwa.gov.za 

South African Association of Water Utilities: www.saawu.org.za 

Water Institute of South Africa: www.wisa.org.za 

Water Research Commission: www.wrc.org.za 

Engineering group ELB 

Group has been appointed by 

Vedanta Zinc International to 

do a wide range of jobs at its 

new Gamsberg project. This 

includes laying a water pipe from 

the Orange River to the mining 

company’s processing plant. 

The town of Springbok has 

been plagued by water supply 

problems for several years, with 

pipes failing on a regular basis. 

The copper mining company 

that used to see to water delivery 

operations in the area has closed 

down. The Namakwa water 

project will deliver water to about 

11 000 households. Twenty-two 

villages in six municipalities will 

benefit from the Vaal Gamagara 

Refurbishment and Upgrading 

Project. 

The existing scheme, run 

by Sedibeng Water, supplies 

about 22-million m³ of water 

to industry, mines, agricultural 

enterprises and domestic 

users, but demand is growing. 

Existing manganese and 

iron ore mines near Hotazel 

and Kathu are heavy water 

users and if any new mines 

are to be considered in the 

area, a reliable water supply 

is needed. The cost of the 

project, which falls under the 

National Department of Water 

and Sanitation, is R18-billion. 

Sedibeng Water has been 

selected as the implementing 

agent for the project and it will 

work with the Kgalagadi Joint 

Venture. Once the project 

is complete, the scheme 

will be able to deliver water 

to neighbouring country, 

Botswana. 


OVERVIEW 

Renewable energy 

Technical innovation comes to the Northern Cape. 


The tower at Khi Solar One is 

one of South Africa’s tallest 

structures. 

The renewable energy revolution is speeding up. In recent 

months, landmarks such as the start of commercial 

operations by the 100MW Kathu Solar Park and the 

reaching of financial closure of the 147MW Roggeveld 

Wind Farm mark what can be described as the first phase of the 

coming of renewable energy to South Africa. 

In less than a decade, an entirely new sector has been created 

through legislation that invited local and foreign investors to bid 

for and then build renewable energy generation plants. South 

Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) requires 20 000MW of 

renewable energy by 2030. That will be achieved mainly through 

the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement 

Programme (REIPPPP). 

The wind and solar parks now spreading over the vast spaces 

of the Northern Cape indicate that renewable energy has well 

and truly arrived. 

Projects such as Kathu Solar Park, a concentrating solar power 

(CSP) project, and the Roggeveld Wind Farm are indicative of the 

large scale of most of the energy generation that is being rolled 

out, but at Black Rock Mine solar power is being put to use on 

a smaller, but no less important scale. To light the intersections 

leading to the mine, BEKA Schréder has installed solar-powered 

street lights. 

The 2018 signing ceremony by new Energy Minister Jeff Rabebe 

restarted the REIPPPP when he signed off on projects totalling 

R56-billion that will add 2 300MW to the national grid. There had 

been a long delay in the process as national utility Eskom argued 

against accepting more power 

purchase agreements while they 

had a surplus. Most of South 

Africa’s electricity comes from 

coal and Eskom is building two 

huge coal-fired power stations. 

When a group of dignitaries 

gathered a month after that 

important signing ceremony 

to inaugurate a solar plant that 

covers 300ha in the Northern 

Cape, there was therefore a lot 

of optimism in the air. National 

government’s confirmation of its 

commitment to the REIPPPP is 

vital for growth. Approximately 

60% of the projects so far 

allocated have been in the 

nation’s sunniest province. 

Xina Solar One is located at 

Pofadder on the N14 between 

Upington and Springbok. The 

R9.4-billion project is a joint 

venture between Spanish 

energy firm Abengoa Solar, 

the Industrial Development 

Corporation (IDC), the Public 

Investment Corporation (PIC) and 

a community trust representing 

the local population. The plant is 

Abengoa’s third in the Northern 

Cape. Kaxu Solar One is also 

near Pofadder but Khi Solar One 

is closer to Upington. All three 

use concentrated solar power 

which reflects the sun’s rays 


58

OVERVIEW 

during the day in to a molten salt storage system. The energy 

is then slowly released during the night. The 205m tower that 

collects the rays at the Khi Solar One site is one of the tallest 

structures in South Africa. The image across two pages that 

introduces the sector overviews (pages 38 and 39) shows the 

tower at Khi Solar One. 

The Northern Cape is the natural home for the generation of 

solar power. Long-term annual direct normal irradiance (DNI) 

at Upington is 2 816kWh/m², according to a survey done for 

Stellenbosch University by Slovakian company GeoModal Solar. 

South Africa’s national average is among the best in the world. 

Stellenbosch University’s Solar Thermal Energy Research Group 

has six sites monitoring irradiation levels. 

The small towns of Postmasburg and Groblershoop lie between 

Upington and Kimberley. They are modest settlements which 

have ticked along in support of surrounding farmers with some 

diamond mining and wine cultivation. They are now the centre 

of some of the world’s most advanced technological innovation 

in concentrated solar power. 

Saudi Arabian electricity group ACWA Power has won approval 

for the 100MW Redstone project near Postmasburg and the 

50MW Bokpoort CSP plant near Groblershoop is in operation. 

Large wind projects are also winning approval in the Northern 

Cape. The commissioning of the 100MW De Aar Wind Power 

Project brings together Mulilo Renewable Energy and the China 

Longyuan Power Group Corporation. 

Commercial operations have begun on Khobab Wind Farm 

and Loeriesfontein Wind Farm, collectively providing 280MW via 

61 wind turbines. The projects were developed by Lekela Power, 

a joint venture between Actis and Mainstream Renewable Power. 

Noblesfontein (main picture) was one of the earliest wind farms to 

be constructed in the Northern Cape, about 40km from Victoria 

West. Spanish company Gestamp Wind was an early investor. 

The 147MW Roggeveld Wind Farm, which has 47 Nordex wind 


IPP projects: www.ipp-projects.co.za 

National Energy Regulator of South Africa: www.nersa.org.za 

South African Photovoltaic Industry Association: 

www.sapvia.co.za 

South African Renewable Energy Council: www.sarec.org.za 

South African Wind Energy Association: www.sawea.org.za 

ACWA Power’s Bokpoort 

CSP project uses innovative 

technology. (Image: Abengoa). 

turbines and was developed by G7 

and then taken over by Building 

Energy, will operate commercially 

in the first quarter of 2021. 

The support of two of South 

Africa’s biggest institutional 

investors, the Industrial 

Development Corporation (IDC) and 

the Public Investment Corporation 

(PIC), has been crucial in getting 

the renewable energy sector off the 

ground. They have also played a role 

in helping communities fund their 

participation in community trusts. 

According to Business Day, the PIC 

has so far invested in 16 unlisted 

projects and its total investment 

stands at R11-billion. The IDC’s 24 

projects are valued at R14-billion 

and will contribute 1 100MW to the 

national power grid. 


OVERVIEW 

Banking and finance 

New banks are targeting niche markets. 

News in 2018 that a mutual bank in Limpopo had been 

hollowed out by corrupt activities put the spotlight on 

banking practice in South Africa. Mutual banks do not 

offer full-service banking but focus rather on encouraging 

savings and providing benefits to their depositors. 

Despite the experience in Limpopo, the appetite for mutual 

banks is strong, given the nature of the South African market. The 

Young Women in Business Network (YWBN) intends applying for a 

mutual bank licence in 2019. Bank Zero will use the mutual model 

while other new entrants such as Timebank (free transactional 

accounts) and Discovery Bank (which will apply the behavioural 

model it uses in its health business to reward good financial 

behaviour) are introducing innovations. 

South Africa’s four big retail banks (Nedbank, Absa, Standard 

Bank and First National Bank) have a solid presence in the major 

towns in the province. Capitec is rapidly moving towards being part 

of a Big Five and it announced in 2018 that it would partner with 

Centriq Life to enter the insurance market. 

The established banks have specialists in the province and 

dedicated units such as Nedbank Agribusiness. Focus areas for 

this unit are agronomy (grain, oil seeds, sugar and cotton), livestock 

(including game farming), horticulture (fruit and vegetables, for 

example), and secondary agriculture which covers agricultural 

processing and storage. 

With the renewable energy sector booming in South Africa, a 

whole new sector in need of project funding has opened up for 

banks. The Northern Cape has attracted a high percentage of 

independent power producers which have won the right to build 

power plants, especially in the solar power sector. 

The other new sector is astronomy as represented by the 

Square Kilometre Array project. This will attract investments, one 

of the first of which is in education by Absa Bank. The bank has 


Association for Savings and Investment South Africa: 

www.asisa.org.za 

Chartered Institute for Government Finance, Audit and Risk 

Officers: www.cigfaro.co.za 

Financial Services Board: www.fsb.co.za 


Sol Plaatje University has 

received R4.5-million from 

Absa Bank for Data Science. 

given R4.5-million to Sol Plaatje 

University to develop the field of 

Data Science. 

The Land and Agricultural 

Development Bank of South 

Africa (Land Bank) is a major 

participant in the Northern 

Cape financial sector and 

the Industrial Development 

Corporation (IDC), as an equity 

investor in several businesses 

in strategic sectors, is another 

important player. 

Most agricultural companies 

in the Northern Cape have 

financing and services 

divisions, as one would expect 

in a province with a strong and 

varied agricultural sector which 

exports much of its produce. 

GWK has six units within its 

Corporate Services division and 

these mostly relate to finance: 

Finance, Financing, Risk 

Management, and Financial 

Agricultural Advice. 

In 2017 Senwes and its 

holding company Senwesbel 

became the first new stocks to 

be listed on the country’s new 

stock exchange, the ZAR X. 

Upington-based KLK Landbou 

offers insurance and medical 

cover while OVK has insurance 

and financing options. 


60

Development finance and 

SMME support 

An industrial park at Kathu will boost SMMEs. 

An opportunity to move materials and do production drilling 

for Kumba Iron Ore has not only spurred Kele Mining 

Solutions, a Northern Cape SMME, to hire 150 people, 

it has led to the establishment of a subsidiary logistics 

company. Kefilwe and Jomo Khomo (pictured with some of their 

staff) experienced a huge increase in turnover when they teamed 

up with minerals giant Kumba, which has set aside R1-billion 

specifically for local procurement and supplier development. The 

company’s supplier development programme also gives advice 

on business practices and marketing. With a head office in Kathu, 

Kele is expanding to the platinum sector in Rustenburg and looking 

for business in Botswana. The Khomos are also doing their bit for 

SMME development by contracting other local businesses when 

they can. 

SMMEs will be catered for in the planned Kathu Industrial Park 

which is being supported by the Industrial Development Corporation 

(IDC) and companies in the mining sector. The focus of the park will 

be metals. The park’s infrastructure will enable smaller companies 

to be in a position to tender for supply contracts to mines. 

The Industrial Development Corporation is one of the biggest 

funders of projects in the Northern Cape. Through the IDC’s 

Transformation and Entrepreneurial Scheme, a black economic 

empowerment project is underway at Kakamas, where emerging 

farmers are planting citrus. 

A 2018 conference on renewable energy laid out opportunities 

in this growing sector for interested SMMEs. The theme of the 

conference was “Driving economic growth and transformation 

through renewable energy”. 

A provincial local economic development (LED) forum was held 

with a focus on finance and commercial banking. The opportunities 

for small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) were explained 


Industrial Development Corporation: www.idc.co.za 

Small Enterprise Development Agency: www.seda.org.za 

Small Enterprise Finance Agency: www.sefa.org.za 


OVERVIEW 

Kumba will spend R1-billion on 

local suppliers and procurement. 

and various supplier development 

and training programmes were 

detailed. 

The provincial government 

supports small enterprises, rural 

enterprises and co-operatives 

through business and financial 

management training and 

procurement of goods from 

SMMEs. In partnership with the 

Small Enterprise Development 

Agency (Seda), cadets receive 

training before receiving work 

places at various municipalities. 

There is a plan to create a 

Provincial Incubation Strategy 

and planners are also looking into 

creating a specialist Renewable 

Energy Incubator to support 

smaller entrants into that growing 

sector. Many programmes focus 

on agricultural production and 

food security. 


PROFILE 

Northern Cape Chamber 

of Commerce and Industry 

Your ultimate business connection. 

Our heritage in brief 

NOCCI was established on 22 February 2000 

when the Chamber of Business and the Kimberley 

Afrikaanse Sakekamer amalgamated. At the time, 

these two organisations had served the business 

community of Kimberley for 120 years. 

Membership advantages 

A Chamber assesses and evaluates the needs of 

the local business community, especially regarding 

the need for services to small business at a 

reasonable cost: 

• Monitors developments at the local level 

• Mobilises business opinion on local issues 

• Exerts a positive influence on the environment in 

which business operates and helps prospective 

members grow their business 

• Promotes and encourages the pursuit of a high 

standard of business ethics 

From left: Hannes van Niekerk, Riaan Vorster, Marie Parsons 

(NOCCI President), Innes Joubert, Jan van Vuuren, Tasneem 

Motlekar, Charlene Zondagh, Pieter Serfontein and Jaime 

Goncalves. Absent: Mr Gerrie Cloete, Mr Harry Hurndall 

and Ms Nicola Smith 

• Disseminates information that is useful to the 

business fraternity 

• Creates opportunities for improving business skills 

• Extends business contacts locally, regionally and 

nationally, and allows individual businesspeople 

to share in the provincial and national business 

decision-making processes 

• Upholds the market economy and private 

enterprise system 

• Has committees which are ideal places for 

members of diverse interests to consolidate 

and unify their thinking as they work together – 

committees accurately sense the environment, 

process information and provide valuable 

guidance to the member 

• Holds functions and special events, allowing members 

to network and learn about interesting topics 

Through affiliation with national organised business 

structures, the “Voice of Business” is representative 

as memberships grows. The “Voice of Business” is a 

binding force combining the skills and influences of 

men and women engaged in all forms and sectors 

of business. 

Can you afford not to belong? 

The increasingly complex business and social environment 

requires a comprehensive support structure 

to ensure the most favourable climate for the 

continued viable existence of individual businesses 

in a system of free enterprise. At the same time, 

the Chamber movement facilitates adjustment by 

business to those realities that cannot be altered. 

Involvement in the Chamber movement bears 

abundant fruit for the well-being of each business. 


62

EXPO AND TRADE FAIR 

Hosted by NOCCI in association with OFM 

KIMBERLEY: 1 - 3 AUGUST 2019 

MITTAH SEPEREPERE 

CONVENTION CENTRE 

PROFILE 

NOCCI staff: Cornel Snyman - PA, Sharon Steyn - CEO and 

Beverley Deke - Members Manager 

Thousands of successful businesspeople can testify 

to the enrichment of their own skills and the development 

of a network base through active participation 

in the Chamber affairs. If you are a businessperson 

with vision, you cannot afford not to join the Chamber 

movement. 

Executive Committee of NOCCI 

President: Marie Parsons (Parsons Home Appliances) 

1st Vice-Chairperson: Riaan Vorster (GW Rugby Union) 

2nd Vice-Chairperson: Charlene Zondagh (Halsted) 

Treasurer: Jan van Vuuren (Bishops Lodge) 

Executive members: Hannes van Niekerk (Super 

Armature Winding), Innes Joubert (GWK), Tasneem 

Motlekar (Engelsman Magabane), Pieter Serfontein 

(Hancor Dairy), Jaime Goncalves (KEW), Harry Hurndall 

(Roburn Construction) 

Staff: Sharon Steyn (CEO), Cornel Snyman (PA to CEO), 

Beverley Deke (Members Manager). 

CONTACT INFO 

CEO NOCCI: Kimberley: Sharon Steyn 

Tel: +27 53 831 1081 | Fax: +27 53 831 1082 

Cell: 083 457 8148 | Email: Sharon@nocci.co.za 

Website: www.nocci.co.za 

Face -to-face interaction is the best way to build 

business relationships with suppliers and peers. 

Who will attend? 

Corporate managers, engineers, sales 

managers, plant managers, the public, research/ 

development and purchasers. 

What NOCCI Expo and Trade Fair offers 

NOCCI offers you the keys to gaining a competitive 

edge. In a single trip, you can visit all 

your vendors. You have a chance to source new 

suppliers, get ideas from other industries and 

pursue professional development. 

No other show in the Northern Cape offers so 

much. 

Stands 

The Expo has grown from 62 stands. In 

2018, a total of 176 stands were sold. 

Stands are located in the auditorium of the 

convention centre. Seize this amazing opportunity 

and BOOK YOUR STAND NOW. 

NOCCI Members: R7 000 

Non-members: R8 600 

Contact Beeda on 083 279 2929 

Stalls now open for 2019 

63 


INDEX 

INDEX 

Black Management Forum (BMF) ..................................................................................................................... 5 

Nedbank........................................................................................................................................................... 34-37 

Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) ............................................................62 

Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism ................... IFC, 10-25, OBC 

SA Airlink............................................................................................................................................................... IBC 

Sol Plaatje University ...........................................................................................................................................32 

South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) ..................................................................................................46 

Upington Special Economic Zone (SEZ).......................................................................................................26 

Vedanta Zinc International ................................................................................................................. 51, 52-55 


64

Travel 

effortlessly 

46459 

Time is money. Spend it wisely. 

Airlink connects you from Cape Town and 

Johannesburg to Upington direct to your 

business. We offer the widest network and 

choice of flights within southern Africa with 

more than 25 years of customer-focused 

experience. You have the freedom to 

enjoy Airlink hospitality. 

flyairlink.com @fly_airlink Fly Airlink

Promotion of Economic Growth and Economic 

Development in the Northern Cape Province 

Physical: Metlife Towers, 

13th Fl, Cnr Stead & Knight Sts, Kimberley, 8309 

Postal: Private Bag X6108, Kimberley, 8300 

Tel: 053 839 4000 | Fax: 053 832 6805 

Web: http://economic.ncape.gov.za 

Email: dedat@ncpg.gov.za

Northern Cape Business 2019/20 edition

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