Free State Business 2021

FREE STATE 

BUSINESS 

2021 EDITION 

THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT 

IN FREE STATE PROVINCE 

JOIN US ONLINE 

WWW.GLOBALAFRICANETWORK.COM | WWW.FREESTATEBUSINESS.CO.ZA 

Free State Province 

Center yourself in the heart of South Africa

Growing shared value 

in our community 

Kekeletso and Kedibone Tsiloane founded South Africa’s first 

eco-friendly brick manufacturing company in Sasolburg, Ramtsilo 

Manufacturing and Construction. Kekeletso attended cohort 

of the Sasol-NWU Enterprising Women Programme in 2017 and 

was the runner-up in the SAB Foundation Social Innovation 2019 

Awards. Above are the ladies with 50 tons of plastic Sasol donated 

to them. Ramtsilo is part of Sasol’s sustainability projects SMMEs 

and has an enterprise development relationship with Sasol. 

Zikhona Ngubentombi is 

permanently employed at Rates 

and Taxes, Metsimaholo Local 

Municipality after completing the 

2018 Sasol Youth Development 

Programme, a partnership with 

the Free State Department of 

Public Works and Infrastructure. 

It is Sasol’s aim to achieve a 

transformed, sustainable, diverse 

and high performing supplier base 

through simplifying our processes 

and accelerating the development of 

small and transformed businesses 

and giving them enterprise and 

funding support. Our economic 

transformation and local content 

programme is focused to align with 

the shared value approach to integrate 

all our interventions which deal with 

economic inclusion. This includes 

a focus on nurturing early stage 

entrepreneurial talent to enable a 

mindset for development and agility in 

our communities. 

Since Sasol’s Enterprise Development 

relationship started with Kent 

Electrical Services in 2015, the 

company grew from 24 to 30 

employees, increasing their annual 

turnover by 2019 by 60%. Kent 

provides solutions in the industries of 

electrical services, telecommunication, 

oil purification plants, and recently 

expanded to warehousing and 

distribution facilities management. 

Apart from securing contracts with 

Sasol in Sasolburg, they also do work 

for Sasol and other organisations 

in Gauteng. Another company that 

benefited from Sasol’s Enterprise 

Development initiatives is Siyashanela 

Services. Founded in 2002, their 

relationship with Sasol only started 

in 2013. Since then, Siyashanela 

increased their annual turnover by 

more than 100% in 2019.

Green Eden Nursery is another local SMME assisted by Sasol’s Enterprise and Supplier Development 

Programme. Their relationship with Sasol started in 2013, having 16 employees. They increased their 

staff complement to 50 employees while also growing their annual turnover by more than 100%. Green 

Eden renders a number of services to Sasol, from tending to gardens, to weed control and supplying 

of indigenous trees, in particular during Arbor Day. The owner of Green Eden Nursery, Khathutshelo 

Maseleni specialises in indigenous trees, working with the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental 

Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand and the Centre for Environmental Management at the 

North-West University. This work relates to the planting of indigenous trees and furthering biodiversity. 

They also grew their staff complement from 

30 in 2013 to 130 in 2019. They acquired their 

first contract with Sasol for plant and office 

cleaning, but were able to expand their services 

to include load securement that has since become 

their primary business. They also do material 

distribution and render a material handling 

service. 

There are a number of other initiatives in 

and around Sasolburg through which Sasol 

promotes entrepreneurship development. As 

part of Sasol’s Social Investment initiatives 

training opportunities include the Sasol-NWU 

Enterprising Women Programme, the Sasol VUT 

Entrepreneurship programme and the Sasol Youth 

Development Programme done in partnership 

with the Metsimaholo Local Municipality and 

the Free State Department of Public Works and 

Infrastructure. 

“Our aim is to enable 

economic inclusion and 

access for small businesses, 

to contribute to economic 

growth, through our 

economic transformation 

programme.” 

Rightwell Laxa, Senior 

Vice President, Sasolburg 

Operations.

CONTENTS 

CONTENTS 

Free State Business 2021 Edition 

Introduction 

Foreword 4 

A unique guide to business and investment in the Free State. 

Special features 

A regional overview of the Free State 10 

With acquisitions in the chemicals sector, drilling about to start 

for natural gas and the bedding down of a new Special Economic 

Zone, there are opportunities for growth in the Free State economy. 

Economic sectors 

Agriculture 36 

An inland fishery has been launched. 

Mining 38 

Feasibility studies are exploring new gold projects. 

Oil and gas 39 

Logistics companies are signing up for gas. 

Manufacturing 40 

The textile sector is recovering. 

Tourism 41 

Culture and heritage are growth sectors. 

Education and training 42 

Coding and AI are in the curriculum. 

Reference 

Free State provincial and local government 45 

Index 48 

ABOUT THE COVER: 

Sasolburg Operations is one of five 

operating hubs in Southern African. 

This photograph shows the Sasol One 

Site which was established in 1950, 

converted from coal gasification in 2004 

and now uses more efficient natural 

gas in its production processes. Among 

the products produced on this site are 

ammonia, ammonium nitrate, catalyst, 

ethylene, mining chemicals, phenolics, 

solvents and wax. Image: Sasol. 

FREE STATE BUSINESS 2021 

2

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9 WESTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2020 

www.abc.co.za 

Head Office: 023 342 1212 

Area Manager: Fanie Fourie | 073 402 0655 | fanie@abc.co.za

FOREWORD 

Free State Business 

A unique guide to business and investment in the Free State. 

Credits 

Publishing director: 

Chris Whales 

Editor: John Young 

Managing director: 

Clive During 

Online editor: 

Christoff Scholtz 

Designer: 

Simon Lewis 

Production: 

Lizel Olivier 

Ad sales: 

Gavin van der Merwe 

Sam Oliver 

Jeremy Petersen 

Gabriel Venter 

Vanessa Wallace 

Shiko Diala 

Admin & accounts: 

Charlene Steynberg 

Kathy Wootton 

Printing: FA Print 

DISTRIBUTION 

Free State 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, airport lounges, provincial 

government departments, municipalities and companies. 

COPYRIGHT | Free State 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. 

The 2021 edition of Free State Business is the 11th issue of this successful 

publication that, since its launch, has established itself as the premier 

business and investment guide for the Free State. 

The Free State has varied investment and business opportunities 

and the Free State Development Corporation describes some of these in detail 

in these pages. 

Drilling for natural gas is a new phenomenon which may spark activity in 

other sectors and this journal notes significant new investments and projects in 

the chemicals and mining sectors. The official launch of the Maluti-A-Phofung 

Special Economic Zone (MAP SEZ) was a significant event for the economy 

of South Africa’s most centrally located province. Located on the strategically 

significant N3 highway that links the economic heartland of South Africa to the 

coast, the MAP SEZ has the potential to attract new investors and spark a revival 

in the manufacturing sector. 

In addition, overviews on each of the key economic sectors provide upto-date 

information on trends in the mining and tourism sectors, for example. 

Regular information about the size and nature of each sector is also included. 

To complement the extensive local, national and international 

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

www.freestatebusiness.co.za. Updated information on the Free State is also 

available through our monthly e-newsletter, which you can subscribe to online 

at www.globalafricanetwork.com, in addition to our complementary businessto-business 

titles that cover all nine provinces, our flagship South African 

Business title and the new addition to our list of publications, African Business, 

which was launched in 2020. ■ 

Chris Whales Publisher, Global Africa Network Media | Email: chris@gan.co.za 

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 

Member of the Audit Bureau 

of Circulations ISSN 1999-5059 

PHOTO CREDITS | Pics courtesy Agricultural Research Council, BHIT Bulk 

Logistics, Harmony Gold, Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality, Nic Roets/ 

Wikitravel, Omnia Group, Protea Hotel by Marriott Clarens, SAB Foundation, 

SANParks, SA Tourism, Seda, Sibanye-Stillwater, Splendid Inn Bloemfontein, 

University of the Free State, VKB. 

DISCLAIMER | While the publisher, Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd, has used all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained in 

Free State 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. 


4

MESSAGE 

Domestic MESSAGE and international 

investors are invited to 

invest The Free in South State Africa’s most 

centrally welcomes located investors province 

MEC MEC for for Economic, Economic, Small Small Business Business Development, Development, Tourism Tourism and and Environmental Environmental Affairs, Affairs, 

the the Honourable MP MP Mohale, Mohale, outlines relates how how human the province capital formation has supported is at the business heart of the in the 

creation Covid-19 of crisis a conducive and how environment investment for can investment spark further in Free development. State Province. 

It In is with response pleasure to and the gratitude effects of that Covid-19 we, as the and department the subsequent charged 

with lockdown promoting of the investment economy, into Free the State Free enterprises State Province, were introduce invited to 

Free apply State for Business economic 2020. recovery We welcome incentives. this well-known Incentives publication’s 

and support 

regular 

programmes 

description 

were for 

of the 

businesses 

economic 

in the 

environment 

formal and 

of 

informal 

our province 

sectors 

and 

and 

are 

were 

pleased 

focussed 

to contribute 

on saving existing 

to its pages. 

jobs and creating new ones. 

A 

In 

brief 

an effort 

overview 

to improve 

of the 

the 

investment 

uptake of 

climate 

opportunities 

in our 

presented 

province 

by 

is 

government, working with different business chambers in the Free 

provided on the facing page. 

State, the department has assisted businesses to meet the minimum 

Our department also published a dedicated investment prospectus. 

compliance requirements, like business, tax and other licence 

The purpose of the Free State Investment Opportunities Prospectus is 

registration. We would not like to see anybody left behind. 

to provide pertinent information about large-scale investment 

It is with pleasure and gratitude that we, as the department 

opportunities currently available in various sectors. These initiatives 

charged with promoting investment into the Free State Province, 

represent 

introduce 

the 

Free 

Free 

State 

State’s 

Business 

response 

2021. 

to 

We 

President 

welcome 

Ramaphosa’s 

this well-known 

clarion 

call 

publication’s 

for increased 

regular 

long-term 

description 

investment 

of the 

necessary 

economic 

for 

environment 

inclusive growth 

of our 

and province job creation. and are pleased to contribute to its pages. 

While Our department investment is has an essential also published ingredient a dedicated to economic investment growth, it 

should prospectus, be pointed the Free out State that at Investment the centre Opportunities of the Free State Prospectus. government’s These 

economic initiatives represent development the Free strategy State’s is response human capital to President formation Ramaphosa’s and development 

clarion call through for increased universities long-term and investment colleges, and necessary various for institutions inclusive 

pursuing growth and innovation job creation. and offering proof-of-concept services, to name a 

few. While Indeed, investment the Free State is is an poised essential to become ingredient a laboratory economic for excellence 

growth, in education it should outcomes, be pointed research out that and at innovation, the centre particularly of the Free in 

the State fields government’s of health, agriculture, economic agro-processing, development strategy, manufacturing, as well as water the 

management, Value Chains Economic ICT, pharmaceuticals Transformation and rural Approach, development. is human capital 

formation Domestic and and development potential investors through from universities around the and world colleges, are 

welcome and various to contact institutions the DESTEA pursuing Head innovation of Department and offering at: proof-ofconcept 

services, to name a few. The Free State is poised to become 

HoD_office@destea.gov.za. 

a laboratory for excellence in education outcomes, research and 

innovation, particularly in the fields of health, agriculture, agroprocessing, 

manufacturing, water management, ICT, pharmaceuticals 

and rural development. 

Domestic and potential investors from around the world are 

welcome to contact the DESTEA Head of Department at: 

HoD_office@destea.gov.za. 

FREE STATE BUSINESS 2020 

6 

MEC for Economic, Small 

Business Development, Tourism 

and Environmental Affairs the the 

Honourable MP Mohale. 


6

Investing in the Free 

State Investing Province 

the 


Dr Mbulelo Nokwequ, Head of Department at 

DESTEA, outlines some of the Free State’s 

Dr Mbulelo Nokwequ, Head of Department at DESTEA, outlines some of the 

unique selling propositions. 

Free State’s unique selling propositions. 

MESSAGE 

MESSAGE 

Free State Province is situated in the heart of South Africa and 

The 

shares borders 

Free State 

with 

Province 

Lesotho 

is 

and 

situated 

six other 

in the 

provinces. 

heart of South 

It provides 

Africa 

and shares borders with Lesotho and six other provinces. 

easy access to the main ports of Durban, East London and 

It provides easy access to the main ports of Durban, East 

Port Elizabeth. 

London and Port Elizabeth. 

The Free State is an attractive business and investment destination. 

The Free State is an attractive business and investment 

The province is at the centre of South Africa and the dominant sectors 

destination. The province is at the centre of South Africa and the 

are agriculture, mining, manufacturing and the tertiary sectors, making 

dominant economic sectors are agriculture, mining, manufacturing 

it ideal 

and the 

for transport 

tertiary sectors, 

logistics 

making 

and agro-processing. 

it ideal for transport logistics and 

agro-processing. 

Companies locating to Free State not only enjoy the opportunity to 

source The inputs Department at competitive has prices, developed but also a to Value benefit Chains from domestic, Economic 

regional Transformation and international Approach, markets which aims for their to place products the economy and services. on a 

Because path of South reconstruction, Africa has recovery been engaging and development with our economically post the Covid-19 large 

trading pandemic. partners, Maintaining access to sound international relationships markets with is facilitated the private through sector 

various ensures trade that preferences government’s and free-trade economic agreements. transformation agenda 

remains As far as on long-term track. The investment department is is concerned, engaging with there sectors are industrial such as 

parks property and a developers Special Economic issues Zone such (SEZ) as bulk that services are supported and the approval by the 

Department of plans. A of development Trade, Industry committee and Competition. made up Industrial of government, parks 

are developers, situated in financing Maluti-A-Phofung, institution Botshabelo and municipalities and Thaba will Nchu. soon 

Maluti-A-Phofung be established. SEZ is situated in Tshiame. 

The Companies Free State’s relocating strengths for to inward Free investment State not are only boosted enjoy by: the 

• opportunity openness to to business, source trade inputs and at foreign competitive investment prices, but also to 

• benefit abundance from of domestic, natural resources regional and international markets for their 

• products low factory and rentals services. 

• Africa’s There leading are industrial telecommunications parks and a Special network Economic Zone (SEZ) 

• that incentive are supported packages uniquely by the developed Department for Special of Trade, Economic Industry Zones and 

• Competition. incentives associated Industrial with parks the revitalised are situated industrial Maluti-A-Phofung, 

parks 

• Botshabelo Free State and Development Thaba Nchu. Corporation The Maluti-A-Phofung (FDC) support SEZ services is situated for in 

Tshiame, priority sectors Harrismith. such as agro-processing and manufacturing 

• a large 

The Free 

labour 

State’s 

pool 

strengths for inward investment are boosted by: 

• 

• 

diverse 

openness 

cultures 

to business, trade and foreign investment 

• abundance of natural resources 

• competitive land and building cost 

• low factory rentals 

• world-class transport and telecommunications infrastructure 

• Africa’s leading telecommunications network 

• incentive packages uniquely developed for Special Economic Zones 

and industrial parks 

7 

• Free State Development 

• an Corporation idyllic climate (FDC) support 

• recreational services for and priority lifestyle sectors 

facilities. such as agro-processing and 

manufacturing 

Select • a large investment labour pool opportunities 

include: • diverse cultures 

• • Agriculture competitive and land agroprocessing 

costs. 

and building 

• Tourism Select and property investment 

opportunities developmentinclude: 

• • Medical Agriculture and and pharmaceutical 

agriprocessing 

• 

production 

tourism 

and 

and 

distribution 

property 

• Manufacturing 

development 

• medical and pharmaceutical 

• Renewable and clean energy 

production and distribution 

• Medical tourism. 

• manufacturing 

• renewable and clean energy 

and medical tourism. ■ 


7 FREE STATE BUSINESS 2021

MESSAGE 

Working together, 

growing the the Free Free State State 

Thabo Lebelo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Free State Development 

The Free State Development Corporation unlocks business opportunities. 

Corporation gives details on how the FDC is delivering on its mandate to 

create a conducive environment for entrepreneurs to thrive and for inward 

investment into the provincial economy. 

In line with Free State Growth and Development 

Strategy and the mandate of broadening 

access to economic opportunities for the Free 

State-based business sector, the Free State 

Development Corporation (FDC) will continue to 

unlock business opportunities for both local and 

foreign direct investors. 

Thabo Lebelo, CEO of the FDC 

The World Bank Group flagship report, June 

In line 2020, with the projected Free State a Growth global and GDP Development contraction Strategy and 

the of mandate 5.2%.The of broadening South African access real to economic GDP is also opportunities for 

the expected Free State-based to go down business by 7.2% sector, in 2020 the Free due State to the Development 

Corporation economic (FDC) restrictions will continue that were to unlock implemented business opportunities 

for both by local government direct and through foreign direct its risk-adjusted investors. alert 

The levels World in Bank response projected to the that Covid-19 the GDP pandemic. growth The for BRICS (Brazil, 

Russia, rand India, has China depreciated and South significantly Africa) will against be 5.4% the in US 2019 and 2020. 

As the dollar bloc’s since powerhouses, the beginning India of and the China year. All are of leading these the pack in 

terms challenges of higher GDP present growth a very rates. difficult The annual road ahead. economic The growth rate 

in India economic was projected recovery to be will 7.5% need in all 2019 the while social China’s partners annual growth 

rate was to hold projected hands to and decline work to together. 6.3% in 2019 from 6.8% in 2017. Brazil, 

Both the national and provincial government 

have provided some relief to businesses in one 

form or another. The FDC has also partnered with 

government departments to assist businesses in 

distress in order to cushion the blow caused by 

the global health crisis. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has dealt a 

tremendous blow to our SMMEs. Many have been 

forced to shut their operations for months due to 

the lockdown regulations. This has had a negative 

impact on their survival and sustainability with 

some downsizing their operations, while others 

have had to cease operations. The FDC continues 

to foster partnerships with various stakeholders 

from municipalities, government departments 

and other state entities with the aim of advancing 

SMME development, promoting exports, 

attracting investments within the province and 

most importantly, saving businesses. 

As an organisation, we believe that the best way 

to grow the Free State and the country is through 

meaningful collaboration and partnerships which 

allows us to pool all our resources together for the 

betterment of our entrepreneurs. 

This Free State Business 2021 publication 

presents the Free State’s value proposition as a 

business and Russia tourism and destination. South Africa Key have opportunities lower 

GDP include growth the following: rates compared 

in the Free State 

• A leading to agricultural China and commodities India. The South producer 

presents significant African economy opportunities was projected across the 

agro-processing to grow value by chain. only 1.7% in 2019. 

• Aquaculture The activities FDC is working associated hard within 

the 

Gariep Dam. this framework to promote and 

• Sheep farming advance economic and related development value-chain 

processing. in South Africa’s most centrally 

• Tourism development located province. potential leveraging off 

heritage sites and The assets. FDC continues to foster 

FREE STATE FREE STATE BUSINESS BUSINESS 2020 2021 8 

8

• Engineering opportunities within the 

Lejweleputswa District as a result of excellent 

engineering training and capacity-building 

within the mining sector. 

• Jewellery beneficiation. 

• The Maluti-A-Phofung Special Economic Zone 

(MAP SEZ), situated at Tshiame in Harrismith 

in the Thabo Mafutsanyane District in the 

Eastern Free State is targeting investments 

into the province. This SEZ is situated midway 

between the biggest port in Africa, Durban, and 

the biggest market in Africa, Gauteng. 

• The Industrial Parks in Sasolburg, the anchor 

town of the Metsimaholo Municipality in the 

Fezile Dabi District in the Northern Free State are 

available for rental to industrial tenants. 

We will utilise all our resources in creating a 

conducive environment for entrepreneurs to 

thrive and unleash the potential of the provincial 

economy to grow through our commitment to: 

• Relationship building. 

• Commitment I N D U S T R I A L P R O P E R T Y T O R E N T I N H A R R I S M I T H 

to our customers and investors. 

renting out • 18 Economic 850 transformation sqm FDC standalone for factory is including the Furniture 

common 

I 

good of all our people. 

I N D U S T R I A L P R O 

Manufacturing Machinery, Equipment, and Furniture for Business 

P M S I R R A H N I T N E R O T Y T R E 

Operation.. 

FDC • Assisting investors with accessing incentives Furn 

including factory standalone sqm 850 18 out renting is 

Business 

for Furniture and Equipment, Machinery, Manufacturing and grants where available. 

Operation.. 

With the continued support from the provincial 

main Quick arterial access routes onto and N3 Freeway. 

government, we will indeed grow the Free State. ■ 

The factory is Situated at Site 2277 in Harrismith and close proximity to all amenities, on 

factory is Situated at Site 2277 in Harrismith and close proximity to all ameni 

This factory offers the following: 

The 

www.fdc.co.za 

arterial routes and Quick access onto N3 Freeway. 

Sprinkler System. 

main 

4 Roller Doors 

factory offers the following: 

Security Guard House 

This 


Well fenced and secured 

Ample parking 


3 phase power with 100 amps 


8 toilets, 6 offices and boardroom, reception, kitchen and separate warehouse ablutions with 


shower 

Ample parking 


Occupation available immediately. Please contact Mr Tefo Matla for more 

8 toilets, 6 offices and boardroom, reception, kitchen and separate warehouse abluti 

information or to view: 

shower 

Tel: 051 4000 800 Email: tefo@fdc.co.za www.fdc.co.za 

available Please Mr Matla for more 

Occupation immediately. contact Tefo 

FDC IS ZERO TOLERANCE TO FRAUD AND CORRUPTION.PLEASE REPORT FRAUD AND 

CORRUPTION INCIDENTS TO THE FRAUD HOTLINE 0800 212 154 

view: to or information 





SPECIAL FEATURE 

A regional overview 

of Free State 

By John Young 

A regional overview 

of the Free State 

By John Young 

With acquisitions in the chemicals sector, drilling about to start for 

natural gas and the bedding down of a new Special Economic Zone, 

there are opportunities for growth in the Free State economy. 

As of February 2020, nearly 100 new 

permanent jobs had been created within 

the Maluti-a-Phofung Special Economic 

Zone (MAP SEZ), the strategically located 

area on the N3 highway designed to attract new 

investment to the Free State Province. 

Sectors prioritised at the MAP SEZ include 

logistics, ICT, automotive, pharmaceuticals, 

manufacturing and agro-processing. The 1 000ha 

site has four zones: agro-processing, light industrial, 

heavy industrial and a container terminal. Control 

of the project now rests with the provincial 

Department of Small Business Development, 

Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA). 

Other areas that are being upgraded to provide 

infrastructure to encourage manufacturing are the 

Phuthaditjhaba Industrial Park and the Botshabelo 

Industrial Park. The N3 is South Africa’s busiest 

road and the Highway Junction truckstop at the 

entrance to Harrismith claims to be Africa’s biggest. 

More than 1 500 vehicles pass through every day 

and three forecourts cater to three fuel brands. 

Refuelling, storage and handling take place here, 

highlighting the province’s strengths in logistics as 

the country’s most central province. 

The country’s two great highways pass through 

the province. The N3 links the ports of Richards 

Bay and Durban with the industrial heartland and 

the N1 provides north-south connectivity. The 

provincial capital, Bloemfontein, is another logistics 

hub. Three other national highways intersect the 

province which is also well served by rail and air 

links. The Bram Fischer International Airport serves 

the provincial capital. 

Links to the west (Kimberley and on to 

Namibia) and east (to Lesotho) underpin the 

planning behind the N8 Corridor concept which 

covers Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu. 

A plan for the coordinated development of the N8 

Corridor has been approved by a range of bodies 

and is being funded by the Development Bank 

of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the Mangaung 

Metropolitan Municipality. 

Projects and purchases 

The Omnia Group is present in 45 countries, 

has more than 4 400 employees and a net asset 

value of R9.7-billion (March 2020). The company’s 

agricultural and chemicals divisions have a large 


10


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presence in the northern Free State town of 

Sasolburg and the company has recently acquired 

a US-based firm that specialises in patented 

agriculture biological products, further expanding 

its geographical footprint and product range. 

International fuel, gas and chemicals company 

Sasol regularly invests in new technologies and in 

expanding production of its many products. 

Renergen, the owners of the Virginia Gas 

Project, announced in March 2020 that their 

findings had “radically improved” the company’s 

drilling plan. One of the key facts to emerge is 

that the gas contains helium of up to 12%, a good 

percentage. Despite the drawback associated with 

Covid-19, Renergen also announced that it was 

going to roll out filling stations across South Africa 

to cater to companies in the trucking industry 

converting to gas. 

Mining is reduced in importance but remains 

a significant employer. Harmony Gold has several 

assets in the province and Sibanye-Stillwater 

has undertaken a feasibility study on a property 

adjacent to its existing Beatrix mine. 

In agriculture, the Free State is looking forward 

to the implementation of the African Continental 

Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), the free trade 

agreement that was stalled by the Covid-19 

pandemic. The Free State’s agricultural export 

basket is well suited to trading with African states 

and strategies are being considered to promote 

apples, asparagus, cherries, cut flowers, sorghum, 

venison and wine. 

The Free State produces significant proportions 

of South Africa’s wheat (30%), sunflowers (45%) 

and maize (45%) and is ranked third in contribution 

to national GDP in agriculture. 

The Free State shares borders with six other 

provinces, in addition to the Mountain Kingdom 

of Lesotho. A summer-rainfall region with a mean 

annual rainfall of 532mm, the Free State’s climate, 

soil types and topography vary greatly within the 

province, with plains in the west and mountains in 

the east. 

The western and southern areas are semidesert, 

with some Karoo vegetation occurring in 

the south. The southernmost region of the Free 

State is a largely dry area with open grasslands 

predominating, although it is also home to the 

Gariep Dam, South Africa’s largest dam. 

Municipalities in Free State 

The Free State has one metropolitan municipality 

(Mangaung), four district municipalities and 19 

local municipalities. 

Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality 

Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality is a Category 

A municipality which governs Bloemfontein, 

Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu. The sixth-largest 

city in the country, the Mangaung municipal area 

covers more than 6 263km² and has a population 

of about 850 000 people. Bloemfontein is 

responsible for about 25% of provincial GDP. 



Xhariep District Municipality 

Towns: Trompsberg, Zastron, Philipollis, Smithfield, 

Wepener 

The southernmost region of the Free State 

is a largely dry area with open grasslands 

predominating, although it is also home to the 

Gariep Dam, South Africa’s largest dam. The dam is 

also the site of small hydro-power and aquaculture 

projects. The nearby Tussen die Riviere Nature 

Reserve and the Mynhardt Game Reserve are 

popular. Crops are produced in the northern parts 

of the district and sheep farming is the biggest 

activity in the south. Diamonds, gravel and clay are 

mined at Koffiefontein. Jagersfontein is one of the 

first places where diamonds were found. 

The Early Childhood Development Centre at Zamdela 

in Sasolburg is supported by Sasol. Image: Sasol 

Lejweleputswa District Municipality 

Towns: Welkom, Virginia, Boshof, Christiana, 

Bultfontein, Bothaville 

Mining is the most important economic activity 

in this area, also known as the Free State 

Goldfields, but it is also the most important 

maize-growing area in South Africa. A large natural 

gas field has been discovered on what used to be 

gold turf. Bothaville hosts the annual NAMPO maize 

festival and the headquarters of Grain SA. Welkom 

is the major urban centre in the district. The area 

has tourist assets such as a holiday resort on 

the Allemanskraal Dam, the Goldfields Wine 

Cellar in Theunissen and the Willem Pretorius 

Game Reserve. 

Fezile Dabi District Municipality 

Towns: Sasolburg, Parys, Kroonstad, Frankfort, 

Heilbron, Viljoenskroon 

The chemical complex at Sasolburg is the 

economic driver in the district, which shares a 

border with Gauteng province along the Vaal 

River. Kroonstad is the district’s second-largest 

town and has a number of engineering works 

and a railway junction. 

A good proportion of South Africa’s grain crop 

is sourced from this district and when the vast fields 

of sunflowers and cosmos flowers are in bloom, a 

marvellous vista is created. The Vaal River presents 

opportunities for yachting, rafting and resort-based 

enterprises. Parys is a charming town and Vredefort 

is home to a World Heritage site – the Vredefort 

Dome where a meteor crashed to earth. 

Fezile Dabi District Municipality is the 

biggest contributor towards the provincial GDP, 

contributing approximately 35%. The Fezile 

Dabi area is mostly dominated by the industrial 

power of Sasol, with the manufacturing of refined 

petroleum, coke and chemical products adding 

largely to its GDP. 

Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality 

Towns: Phuthaditjhaba, Bethlehem, Ladybrand, 

Clarens, Harrismith, Ficksburg 

Tourism and fruit farming are the two principal 

economic activities of this area which is 

characterised by beautiful landscapes: the Maluti 

and the Drakensberg mountain ranges, wetlands 

in the north, well-watered river valleys and the 

plains of the north and west. The most famous 

asset is the Golden Gate National Park. 

Industrial activity is undertaken at Harrismith 

and Phuthaditjhaba, where the Free State 

Development Corporation is promoting 

investment. The Maluti-a-Phofung Special 

Economic Zone (SEZ) at Harrismith is a multimodal 

transport and logistics hub. The commercial 

centre of the district is Bethlehem while Clarens 

and Ficksburg have become famous for their 

artists and cherries respectively. ■ 


12

is renting out 18 850 sqm standalone factory including Furniture 

FDC 

Machinery, Equipment, and Furniture for Business 

Manufacturing 





Ample parking 



shower 

FDC empowers youth 

Job creation scheme is a multi-agency effort. 

FOCUS 

I N D U S T R I A L P R O P E R T Y T O R E N T I N H A R R I S M I T H 

FDC is renting out 18 850 sqm standalone factory including Furniture 

N D U S T R I A L P R O P E R T Y T O R E N T I N H A R R I S M I T H 


I 

Operation.. 


Operation.. 

main arterial routes and Quick access onto N3 Freeway. 

factory is Situated at Site 2277 in Harrismith and close proximity to all amenities, on 


The 







Ample parking 





shower 


available immediately. Please contact Mr Tefo Matla for more 

Occupation 







Images: DESTEA 

In its efforts to empower youth, the Free State 

Development Corporation (FDC) is participating 

in job creation for unemployed individuals 

in the province. The FDC has signed a 

funding agreement with the Unemployment 

Insurance Fund (UIF) under the Labour Activation 

Programme (LAP) as an implementing agency. 

The LAP is an initiative by the UIF to provide 

work experience, training and skills opportunities 

to former contributors to the UIF who have lost 

their jobs, and unemployed youth. This is carried 

out under the Training and Skills Development 

Business Unit. The UIF is an agency of the 

Department of Labour. 

The unit intends to prioritise employment, 

skills and re-skilling of unemployed individuals, 

combating long-term unemployment and poverty 

alleviation in the province. “The implementation of 

the programme will cultivate an entrepreneurial 

culture and train participants to increase their 

chances of acquiring employment and starting 

their own business,” says Thabiso Tshabalala, FDC 

Project Manager. 

The programme targeted 1 500 learners 

who come from various communities around 

the Free State. The beneficiaries, both male and 

female, have already completed their theoretical 

and practical experience in building and civil 

construction (paving), welding and mixed farming. 

A total of 819 women completed this training. 

Positive feedback received from learners 

indicates that the programme is on the right path. 

This will create an economy that will result in employment 

opportunities for women, youth and many 

currently unemployed South Africans who should 

be productive participants in the economy. ■ 



Manufacturing 

Operation.. 


FDC 


Manufacturing 

FOCUS 

FDC offers affordable rental 

rates for businesses 

The property management and development unit 

of the FDC has a diverse property portfolio. 





Operation.. 


factory is Situated at Site 2277 in Harrismith and close proximity to all amenities, o 


The 






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The Free State Development Corporation 

oversees and administers a diverse and 

substantial portfolio. If you are a small, 

medium, micro enterprise or a labourintensive 

company in search of suitable industrial 

and commercial premises, look no further. FDC’s 

Property Management Unit offers rental space for 

your small to medium enterprise at affordable rates 

through its diverse and substantial property portfolio. 

Over the years the unit has provided business 

premises to the general public, business people 

and government departments who want to initiate 

projects. The unit has also been instrumental in 

providing warehousing, manufacturing space, offices 

and space in various shopping centres across 

the province. 

Offering you quality services 

Overseeing a total of 253 commercial and 290 

industrial properties, FDC uses this infrastructure to: 

• Facilitate commercial and industrial activity 

• Assist new investors who may be looking for 

suitable premises 

• Facilitate SMME development, particularly in rural 

areas. 

shower 

Ample parking 

Our spread 

phase power with 100 amps 

3 

The substantial property portfolio makes 

or view: 

information to 

FDC one of the biggest property owners shower 

in 

the province with industrial, residential and 

commercial properties in excess of 900 000m² 



situated in the Mangaung Metro and Thabo 

Mafutsanyana District. 



8 toilets, 6 offices and boardroom, reception, kitchen and separate warehouse ablutions wit 



Occupation 





Our industrial properties are located in: 

• Thaba Nchu 

• Botshabelo 

• Industriqwa, Harrismith 

• Phuthaditjhaba. 

Our cost structures 

FDC’s property rates of leasing are competitive 

and compare favourably with similar industrial 

and commercial properties elsewhere in the 

country. FDC’s industrial property rates currently 

range from R9.08 to R16.09 per square metre 

for factory space, depending on the features of 

the property, and from R30 to R96 per square 

metre for commercial premises and are adjusted 

from time to time in line with prevailing 

economic conditions. 


14

FOCUS 

Incentives 

Incentives may be granted in the form 

of rental holidays, reduced rental rates 

and discounts on utilities for investments 

contributing to job creation on a large scale. 

Black Economic Empowerment 

Concessions which may be granted to 

businesses with more than 50% black 

ownerships include the following: 

• A discount of 10% on normal rental rates 

• An additional discount of 2% for womenowned 

businesses, where women have 

more than 50% shareholding in the business 

• An additional discount of 2% for youthowned 

entities where more than 50% of 

shareholding in the business belongs to 

individuals below the age of 35 

• An additional discount of 2% for businesses 

where disabled persons hold 25% 

shareholding or more. 

These concessions do not apply in instances 

of lease renewals or existing leases. 

Three easy steps to occupying 

your new premises 

Once FDC has identified a suitable site for 

your business, you will have to confirm 

your interest in the site in writing with the 

corporation. 

Within a week of receiving the 

confirmation and all legal documentation, 

premises will be allocated based on the 

availability and the specific requirements 

of the prospective tenant. You will sign the 

agreement and pay the initial costs which 

include the following: deposits; admin and 

legal fees; two month’s rental in advance. 

You will be able to occupy the premises 

after FDC has prepared the building 

according to the agreed requirements. 

Contact details 

For more information regarding factory space 

to rent please contact us: 

Tel: +27 51 4000 800 

Email: wecare@fdc.co.za 


OVERVIEW FOCUS 

FOCUS 

Phuthaditjhaba Industrial Park 

Phuthaditjhaba Industrial Park 

Phuthaditjhaba IP is strategically located in the 

Phuthaditjhaba Eastern Free State IP and is 40km strategically away from located the N5 in and the 

Eastern N3 highways. Free State The and park 40km is on away the border from the between N5 and 

N3 the highways. Gauteng and The Kwazulu park is on -Natal the provinces. border between 

the Gauteng The Park and is Kwazulu-Natal situated within provinces. the Thabo 

Mofutsanyana The Park is District situated Municipality within the in Thabo the 

Mofutsanyana 

Maluti-A-Phofung 

District 

Local 

Municipality 

Municipality. 

in 

It 

the 

is 


owned and managed 

Local 

by 

Municipality. 

the Free State 

It is 

owned and managed by the Free State 

Development Corporation (FDC), which is the 

Development Corporation (FDC), which is the 

official agency responsible for driving economic 

official agency responsible for driving economic 

development in the Free State Province. 

development in the Free State Province. 

The Park is divided into Industrial estates 

The Park is divided into Industrial estates 

ie factory units, which are further divided into 

ie factory units, which are further divided into 

small 

small and 

and 

large 

large 

units. 

units. 

Small 

Small 

units 

units 

range 

range 

from 

from 

50m² 

50m² 

to 

to 

499m² 

499m² 

while 

while the 

the 

large 

large 

units 

units 

are 

are 

500m² 

500m² 

and and above in in size. size. These These factories factories are are mainly mainly 

rented for manufacturing and and service service industries industries 

and to a lesser extent retail (wholesaling) and and 

warehousing (storage). There are are a total of of 296 296 

factories in the Phuthaditjhaba Industrial Park. 

The Industrial Park Park occupies a total a total of 257 of 

360m² 257 360m² gross gross land land area, area, with approximately 

62% occupancy rate and 185 companies. It It 

has one of the biggest local employers in in the 

CMT sector, employing 1 200 local people, who 

comprise more than 90% women. The Park is is a a 

major economic hub of the district, with varied 

businesses located in in the park. 

The municipality provides services services such such as 

as water water and and electricity, electricity, and and the the infrastructure is 

is owned owned by by the the municipality. municipality. There There is more is more than 

than 120 000m 120 2 000m of vacant 2 of land vacant and land 112 and vacant 112 factories vacant 

factories (large and (large small). Sectors and small). include Sectors textiles, include plastic 

textiles, products, manufacturing, plastic products, construction, manufacturing, food and 

construction, 

snacks. The total 

food 

number 

and snacks. 

of jobs 

The total 

is estimated 

number 

of 

at 7 

jobs 

300. 

is estimated at 7 300. 

Botshabelo Industrial Park 

Botshabelo Industrial Park 

The Botshabelo Industrial Park is situated 

The approximately Botshabelo 60km Industrial from the Park economic is situated hub 

approximately on the eastern 60km side of from the Mangaung the economic Metro. hub 

on The the industrial eastern side area of was the Mangaung developed Metro. in 1985 The 

industrial with the area assistance was developed of DBSA. in 1985 with the 

assistance The Botshabelo of DBSA. Industrial Park boasts 

manufacturing 

The Botshabelo 

and service 

Industrial 

companies 

Park boasts 

in 

manufacturing 

the textiles, electrical, 

and service 

plastic 

companies 

production, 

in the 

textiles, electrical, plastic production, poultry, 

poultry, food and snack sectors. Currently it 

food and snack sectors. Currently it provides 

provides employment to an estimated 7 519 

employment to an estimated 7 519 people, 

people, of which the majority are women. 

of which the majority are women. Mangaung 

Mangaung and Maluti-A-Phofung form part 

and Maluti-A-Phofung form part of the 

of the distressed regions and were declared 

distressed regions and were declared as one 

of 

as 

the 

one 

Presidential 

of the Presidential 

nodal areas 

nodal 

that 

areas 

require 

that 

development. 

require development. 

The The BIP BIP was was the first first to to receive receive phase phase 1 and 1 and 

phase phase 2 of of the revitalisation programme. programme. The The 

initiation of of the revitalisation programme programme has has 

had had some impact and and has has seen an an increase in 

investment investment within within the the park. park. The The Industrial Industrial Park 

has Park 144 has factories 144 factories operating operating with 113 with occupied. 113 

The occupied. total capital The total investment capital is investment around R755- is 

million. around R755-million. 

The factory sizes range from 500m² to to 

22500m². The Park also has an an incubator centre 

known as as the Small Business Park. 

FREE STATE BUSINESS 2018 2020 


16 

16

is renting out 18 850 sqm standalone factory including Fu 

FDC 

Machinery, Equipment, and Furniture for Busine 

Manufacturing 

Office and industrial space available 

Free State Development Corporation (FDC) offers a wide range of spacious and 

affordable rental space for SMMEs. 

N D U S T R I A L P R O P E R T Y T O R E N T I N H A R R I S M I T H 

I 

is renting out 18 850 sqm standalone factory including Furnitu 

FDC 


I N D U S T R I A L P R O P E R T Y T O R E N T I N H A R R I S M 

Operation.. 

There are opportunities to rent factory space at 

Free State Development Corporation properties in 

Botshabelo, Phuthaditjhaba and Industriqwa. 

The FDC offers affordable rental space, ranging 

from massive stand-alone industrial buildings, office 

blocks and shopping centres, to loose single-tenant 

commercial buildings situated in rural areas to suit 

different needs. 


main 

Commercial portfolio 

This portfolio is divided into urban and rural areas 

The factory is Situated at Site 2277 in Harrismith and close proximity to all amenities 

Operation.. 


2277 in Harrismith and close proximity to all ame 

Site at Situated is factory The 


and access N3 main routes onto Freeway. 

arterial Quick 

Roller 4 Doors 

and typically consists of the following: shopping 

Guard House 

offers the following: 

This factory Security 

centres, office blocks, market stalls, kiosks and 

secured 

and fenced Well 

System. 

Sprinkler 

containers. 

Industrial incentives 

Ample parking 




offices and boardroom, reception, kitchen and separate warehouse ablutions 

6 toilets, 8 

fenced and secured 

Well 

shower 

parking 

Ample 


Rental holiday of up to six months. 

3 


Industrial portfolio 

Industrial building: Mainly stand-alone industrialtype 

buildings designed for manufacturing and/or 

warehouse purposes. 

Large factories (>500m²): Consists of mainly 

standard and custom-built factories used for 

manufacturing, service industries and warehousing. 

Small industrial units (

PROFILE 

Free State Development 

Corporation (FDC) 

Driving enterprise development and investment in South Africa’s 

most central province, the Free State. 

The FDC contributes to the Free State’s 

economic development through four service 

delivery pillars: 

SMME/co-operative funding and support 

The FDC provides products and services to SMMEs 

and co-operatives in the form of financial support 

(business loans) as well as business development 

support (facilitating training and mentoring service 

providers). The principal loan products offered to 

Free State entrepreneurs by the FDC are: 

• Start-up loans for recently established businesses 

that are mainly at formative stages. 

• Expansion loans offering viable and existing 

businesses the capital needed to expand. 

• Business take-over finance to assist potential 

clients to acquire a business as a going concern. 

• Bridging finance for SMMEs with short-term cashflow 

problems with contracts or tenders. 

Property management 

The FDC administers a diverse property portfolio 

and can offer small to medium enterprises suitable 

premises at affordable rates. The corporation has 

some 253 commercial properties, 290 industrial 

properties and a large number of residential and 

vacant land for development. 

The corporation aims to use them to facilitate 

commercial and industrial activity, while assisting 

new investors looking for suitable premises. 

The FDC offers advice and guidance in terms of 

the following incentives: 

• Subsidised rental rates. 

• Rental holidays of up to three months. 

• Special incentives and discounts for BEE 

companies or individuals. 


18


FDC 


Manufacturing 

PROFILE 





Operation.. 


Operation.. 









This 



Investor services 

Export-related services 

parking 

Ample 

Roller Doors 

4 

The FDC offers a range of services to investors and The FDC services to exporters include the 

with 100 amps 

3 phase power 

businesses looking to trade in the Free State. These Export Promotion 

Security House 

Programme, which aims 

Guard 

to 

boardroom, toilets, reception, kitchen separate warehouse with 

8 6 offices ablutions and 

fenced and secured 

include the following: 

grow demand for Free State products in global 

Well 

shower 

• Project appraisal and packaging. 

Ample parking 

markets through capacity-building workshops, 

• Promotion and facilitation of investment projects the dissemination of trade leads, networking 



3 

and facilitation of access to finance. 

opportunities with inbound trade missions, 

and and separate 6 warehouse boardroom, ablutions toilets, with 

reception, information offices or kitchen to 8 view: 

• Providing access to business and government product promotion through participation in 

networks 

shower 

and 4000 assistance 800 with Email: business tefo@fdc.co.za retention 

www.fdc.co.za 

outbound group missions and on national Tel: and 

051 

and expansion. 

international exhibitions, access to national exportincentive 

• Information Occupation available immediately. Please contact Mr Tefo Matla for more 

on statutory 

FDC IS ZERO 

requirements, 

TOLERANCE TO FRAUD AND CORRUPTION.PLEASE 

programmes, 

REPORT FRAUD 

market 

AND 

access information 

investment advice and assistance CORRUPTION with investment 

INCIDENTS TO THE and FRAUD technical HOTLINE 0800 advice 212 on 154 exporting procedures ■ 


incentive applications and business permits. 

www.fdc.co.za 

tefo@fdc.co.za Email: 800 4000 051 Tel: • Assisting with the development of local 


and international markets and facilitating 

joint ventures/equity partnerships through Free State Development Corporation 

FDC IS ZERO TOLERANCE TO FRAUD AND CORRUPTION.PLEASE 

identification of local partners. 

Tel: +27 51 4000 800 

REPORT FRAUD AND 

CORRUPTION INCIDENTS TO THE Emails: FRAUD HOTLINE wecare@fdc.co.za 0800 212 154| invest@fdc.co.za 

Website: www.fdc.co.za 


OVERVIEW PROFILE 

PROFILE 



SEZ 

SEZ 

investment investment opportunities 

opportunities 

The SEZ is booming with investment to the tune of R1.1-billon for 2020. 

Maluti-A-Phofung Special Economic Zone SEZ project pipeline 

(MAP SEZ) has been established in terms There are various companies that have signed 

of the Special Economic Zones of Act the No. traffic letters to different of intent locations to locate in South in the Africa MAP and SEZ. neighbouring 

Some of 

16 of 2014. The programme is intended countries such the as sectors Lesotho targeted and Swaziland. for establishment Through its within cross-docking the 

to deepen industrial development and precinct improve and MAP its logistics SEZ are as and follows: warehousing sectors the MAP SEZ 

manufacturing competitiveness in the Maluti-A- presents itself • as Logistics a solution and to lighten distribution. the traffic pressure on the N3. 

Phofung region. 

This Special • Agro-processing. 

Economic Zone (SEZ) is part of the Free State leg 

Situated in Harrismith and Tshiame in the of Eastern the massive • Durban-Free Food processing. State-Gauteng logistics and industrial 

Free State, MAP SEZ is strategically located on corridor the N3 that • is Rail-based intended to container strengthen terminal the logistics (Transnet and Freight transport 

national road, halfway between Johannesburg 

corridor 

and 

between 

Rail). 

South Africa’s main industrial hubs to: 

Durban. MAP SEZ offers 1 038 hectares of 

• 

land 

Ignite 

for 

the economy 

• Starch 

of 

chemicals. 

the region through industrialisation. 

• Attract foreign and direct investment. 

industrial development. 

• Biogas. 

• Create access to export and import markets. 

Since the Durban port is the busiest in the 

• Integrate Free State industrial strategy activities into the corridor. 

southern hemisphere, it therefore means that the N3 MAP SEZ milestones 

• Create job opportunities and grow the economy within the region. 

carries the majority of the traffic to different locations 

in South MAP Africa SEZ and CEO neighbouring Mpho Mgemane countries such as 

Lesotho and Swaziland. Through its cross-docking 

precinct and its logistics and warehousing sectors 

• MAP SEZ was launched by President Zuma on 25 

April 2017 to operate as a Special Economic Zone. 

• Maluti-A-Phofung SEZ was granted an operator 

permit in 2017 by the Minister of Trade and 

Industry after cabinet approval. 

• Perimeter fencing and lighting have been 

completed. 

• Bulk infrastructure roll-out is in progress and is 

90% complete. 

• The SEZ has developed a marketing and 

promotion pipeline which has attracted 

30 potential investors with an estimated 

investment value of R 2.6-billion and will create 


the MAP SEZ presents Special itself Economic as a solution to lighten 

the traffic pressure Zone the (MAP N3. SEZ) has 

This Special Economic been established Zone (SEZ) is in part of the Free 

State leg terms of the of massive the Special Durban-Free Economic State-Gauteng 

logistics Zones and Act industrial No 16 corridor of 2014. that The is intended 

to strengthen programme the logistics intended and transport to corridor 

between deepen South industrial Africa’s main development industrial hubs to: 

• Improve and access improve to export manufacturing and import markets. 

• Integrate competitiveness Free State industrial the Maluti- strategy activities 

into A-Phofung the corridor. region. 

Objectives approximately 22 130 permanent and temporary 

• Create job Since opportunities the Durban and port grow is the economy As part of its mandate, job opportunities the MAP in the SEZ next is intended 5 to 10 years. to establish 

within the the busiest region. in the southern 

hemisphere, it therefore means 

Investor that benefits the N3 carries the majority 

manufacturing • opportunities Construction and of top create structures a regional commenced and international 

trade environment June with 2019. added value-chain benefits. It has also been 

established to simulate social and economic benefits and regional 

Benefits that will be derived from locating within What the MAP SEZ offers development and to create 

MAP SEZ include: 

• Lots of space – more a than prosperous 1000ha available trade city to and 

• 15% corporate tax instead of 28% corporate tax. prospective investors. functional trade ecosystem. 

• Building allowance. 

• Long-term lease periods Finally, which provide to investors encourage 

• Employment incentive. 

an opportunity to beneficiation recoup investment activities on that 

• Customs controlled area (CCA). 

infrastructure. promote value-added benefits 

• 12i Tax allowance. 

• Affordability in the form 

and 

of 

help 

concessions 

to create a 

offered 

prosperous 

on rentals. 

trade city and functional trade 

ecosystem. 

FREE STATE BUSINESS 2018 2020 


20 

20

PROFILE 

Priority sectors 

Some of the many MAP SEZ 

priority sectors are: 

• Automotive 

• Agro-processing 

• Logistics 

• General processing 

• ICT 

• Pharmaceuticals. 

From this pipeline MAP SEZ is proud to 

pronounce that it has secured investments 

from five investors to the value of R1.1-billion 

in various sectors. The operations of 

these investors were established in June, 

September and November 2020. 

These investors are a source of great pride 

for the MAP SEZ as they have created 103 jobs since the start of their 

operations and are projected to create 466 jobs collectively, once 

they are fully operational. 

The MAP SEZ is now gaining momentum in terms of attracting 

local and foreign investors and is supported by its healthy investment 

pipeline of approximately R3.2-billion, which is project-ed to create 

12 000 work opportunities. ■ 

Investor benefits 

Some of the many investor 

benefits that can be derived 

from locating within MAP SEZ 

include but are not limited to 

the following: 

• 15% corporate tax instead of 

28% corporate tax. 

• Building allowance tax. 

• Employment incentive tax. 

• 12i tax allowance. 

MAP SEZ milestones 

Maluti-A-Phofung SEZ was 

granted an operator permit in 

2017 by the Minister of Trade, 

Industry and Competition after 

cabinet approval. MAP SEZ was 

gazetted as a Special Economic 

Zone on 2 June 2017 and its tax 

incentives were gazetted on 6 

July 2018. 

SEZ project pipeline 

Since inception the MAP 

SEZ has engaged numerous 

investors and through these 

engagements has built a 

pipeline of lucrative local and 

international investments to the 

tune of R2.3-billion. 


Any investor interested in establishing their business within 

the SEZ can contact: 

Ms M Setai, Manager in the Office of the Chief Executive Officer 

Maluti-a-Phofung Special Economic Zone 

Tel: +27 51 4000 800 | Cell: +27 73 210 0935 

Email: maphoika@mapsez.co.za | Website: www.mapsez.co.za 



Free State Gambling, 

Liquor and Tourism 

Authority 

Driving economic transformation in the Free State. 


Center yourself in the heart of South Africa 

Vision 

A transformed economy and a prosperous society with an 

effective, well-regulated gambling and liquor industry and a vibrant 

tourism sector. 

Mission 

To be a leading developmental institution that drives economic 

transformation, regulation and adaptation to the ever-changing 

industry dynamics to benefit the Free State. 

CEO of Free State Gambling, 

Liquor and Tourism Authority, 

Mr Kenny Dichabe 

The Free State Gambling, 

Liquor and Tourism 

Authority (FSGLTA) 

is one of the two 

entities of the Department 

of Economic, Small Business 

Development, Tourism and 

Environmental Affairs (DESTEA). 

The FSGLTA was established by 

the FSGLTA Amendment Act 4 

of 2017, which was amended 

to incorporate the former Free 

State Tourism Authority and 

Free State Gambling and Liquor 

to form the new entity which is 

known as FSGLTA. 

Mandate 

The mandate of the Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism 

Authority is to regulate the gambling and liquor industries within 

the province and to market and promote tourism in the province. 

The Authority’s purpose is to promote legally compliant, responsible, 

sustainable and transformed gaming and liquor industries through 

effective licensing, regulating and reporting on the activities of 

the industries, and to position the Free State Province as a tourist 

destination of choice. 

The gambling industry 

• Invite applications for licences (gambling) 

• Consider, grant or refuse applications 

• Cancel, suspend, vary, renew or revoke a licence or registration 

approved 

• Implementation of norms and standards in the gambling industry 

as determined by the National Gambling Act 

• Ensure that gambling activities are effectively regulated, licensed 

and controlled 

• Ensure compliance to the act, rules and regulations 

The liquor industry 

• Receive applications for registrations (liquor) 

• Reduce the socio-economic and other costs of alcohol 

• Promote the development of a responsible and sustainable liquor 

industry in relation to gambling 

• Generate revenue for the Free State Province 


22


Image: iStock 

The tourism industry 

It is important that the FSGLTA intensifies 

its efforts to ensure effective marketing 

of the province in order to attract 

domestic tourists as well as international 

tourists. The province continues to 

enhance tourism infrastructure, up-skill 

the sector, inculcate the culture of service 

excellence and enhance the provision 

of world-class visitor experiences. The 

Authority has partnered with event 

organisers and tour operators to market 

and promote the Free State as a tourist 

destination. These are achieved through 

the following: 

• Forging strategic partnerships with the 

public and private sectors to leverage 

from each the capability and capacity 

to improve the industry 

• Streamlining the impact of events 

through partnerships and sponsorships 

• Improving on Meetings, Incentives, 

Conferencing and Events (MICE) as a 

focused growth area of the market 

• Continuous review of the marketing 

plans to stay on par with the industry 

trends. ■ 

GAMBLING AND LIQUOR CONTACT DETAILS 

• Mangaung Metro Abraham Classen 

classena@fsglta.gov.za | 051 404 0320 | 079 506 0272 

• Thabo Mofutsanyana Peter Moleko 

molekop@fsglta.gov.za | 078 309 4178 

• Lejweleputswa Thabo Tlake 

tlaket@fsglta.gov.za | 057 492 0001 | 072 533 6681 

• Fezile Dabi Bongakele Nzunga 

nzungab@fsglta.co.za | 056 492 0001 | 082 256 5926 

• Gariep Abraham Classen 

classena@fsglta.gov.za | 051 404 0320 | 079 506 0272 

TOURISM ROUTE CONTACT DETAILS 

• Cheetah Route Nthabiseng Methola 

cheetah@freestatetourism.org | 073 125 1614 

• Eagle Route Bonolo Molefe 

eagle@freestatetourism.org | 072 056 6090 

• Flamingo Route Dineka Lephowane 

flamingo@freestatetourism.org | 073 796 8577 

• Lion Route Keakabetse Ramokonopi 

lion@freestatetourism.org | 084 951 1564 

• Springbok Route Kefiloe Molefe 

molefek@fsglta.gov.za | 079 496 2999 



South African 

investment incentives 

The South African government, particularly the Department of Trade, Industry 

and Competition, has a range of incentives available to investors, existing 

companies, entrepreneurs and co-operatives across many sectors. 

South Africa wishes to diversify its economy 

and incentives are an important part 

of the strategy to attract investors to 

the country. 

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition 

(the dtic) is the lead agency in the 

incentives programme, which aims to encourage 

local and foreign investment into targeted 

economic sectors, but the Industrial Development 

Corporation (IDC) is the most influential funder of 

projects across South Africa. 

There are a variety of incentives available 

and these incentives can broadly be categorised 

according to the stage of project development: 

• Conceptualisation of the project – including 

feasibility studies and research and develop- 

ment (grants for R&D and feasibility studies, 

THRIP, Stp, etc) 

• Capital expenditure – involving the creation 

or expansion of the productive capacity of 

businesses (MCEP, EIP, CIP, FIG, etc) 

• Competitiveness enhancement – involving the 

introduction of efficiencies and whetting the 

competitive edge of established companies and 

commercial or industrial sectors (BBSDP, EMIA, 

CTCIP, etc) 

• Some of the incentives are sector-specific, for 

example the Aquaculture Development and 

Enhancement Programme (ADEP), Clothing 

and Textile Competitiveness Improvement 

Programme (CTCIP) and the Tourism Support 

Programme (TSP). 


24


FDC 


Manufacturing 


Manufacturing 

Key components of the incentive 

programme are the Manufacturing 

Incentive Programme 

(MIP) and the Manufacturing 

Competitiveness Enhancement 

Programme (MCEP). The initial 

MCEP, launched in 2012, 

was so successful that it was 

oversubscribed with almost 890 

businesses receiving funding. 

A second phase of the programme 

was launched in 2016. The grants are 

not handouts as the funding covers a maximum 

of 50% of the cost of the investment, with the 

remainder to be sourced elsewhere. 

The Enterprise Investment Programme (EIP) 

makes targeted grants to stimulate and promote 

investment, BEE and employment creation in the 

manufacturing and tourism sectors. 

Aimed at smaller companies, the maximum 

grant is R30-million. Specific tax deductions are 

permissible for larger companies investing in the 

manufacturing sector under Section 12i of the 

Income Tax Act. 

Other incentives 

Other incentives that are available to investors as 

well as existing businesses in more than one sector 

include the following: 

• Technology and Human Resources for Industry 

Programme (THRIP) 

• Support Programme for Industrial Innovation (SPII) 

• Black Business Supplier Development Programme 

(BBSDP), which is a cost-sharing grant offered to 

black-owned small enterprises 

• Critical Infrastructure Programme (CIP) that covers 

between 10% and 30% of the total development 

costs of qualifying infrastructure 

• Co-operative Incentive Scheme, which is a 

90:10 matching cash grant for registered primary 

co-operatives 

• Sector Specific Assistance Scheme, which is a 

reimbursable 80:20 cost-sharing grant that can be 

applied for by export councils, joint action groups 

and industry associations. 



O P E R T Y T O R E N T I N H A R R I S M I T H 


R P L A I R T S U D N I 

Operation.. 


Operation.. 


main 


2277 in Harrismith and close proximity to all amenities, on 



and Quick access onto N3 Freeway. 

routes arterial main 



This 

System. 


Sprinkler 

Ample parking 

Doors 

Roller 4 


House 

Guard Security 


Well secured 

and fenced 

shower 

Ample parking 



3 

toilets, 6 offices and boardroom, reception, kitchen and separate warehouse ablutions with 


8 

shower 





Occupation 



Incentives for SMMEs 




A lot of emphasis is placed on the potential 

role of small, medium and micro enterprises in 

job creation and a number of incentives are 

designed to promote the growth of these 

businesses. These include: 

• Small Medium Enterprise Development Programme 

(SMEDP) 

• Isivande Women’s Fund 

• Seda Technology Programme (Stp). 

• Seda is the Small Enterprise Development Agency, 

an agency of the Department of Small Business 

Development that exists to promote SMMEs. 

Trade-related incentives 

The Export Marketing and Investment Assistance 

(EMIA) Scheme includes support for local 

businesses that wish to market their businesses 

internationally to potential importers and 

investors. The scheme offers financial assistance 

to South Africans travelling or exhibiting abroad 

as well as for inbound potential buyers of South 

African goods. ■ 

Online Resources 

Department of Trade, Industry and Competition: 

www.thedtic.gov.za 

Free State Development Corporation: 

www.fdc.co.za 

Industrial Development Corporation: 

www.idc.co.za 

Official South African government incentive 

schemes: www.investmentincentives.co.za 



Establishing a business 

in South Africa 

South Africa has eased the barriers to doing business for locals as well as 

international companies and individuals. 

new legislation, no new Close Corporations can 

be created but CCs can convert to companies. 

Registration of company 

The company must be registered with the 

Companies and Intellectual Properties 

Commission, (CPIC) in Pretoria within 21 days of 

the company being started. There are a range of 

administrative procedures that need to be fulfilled. 

Bank account 

A business bank account must be opened in the 

company’s name with a bank in South Africa. 

South Africa has a sophisticated legal, 

regulatory and banking system. Setting 

up a business in South Africa is a relatively 

straightforward process with assistance 

being offered by organisations such as the 

Department of Trade, Industry and Competition 

and provincial investment agencies like the Free 

State Development Corporation (FDC). 

South African law regulates the establishment 

and conduct of businesses throughout the 

country. Tax, investment incentives, regulations 

governing imports, exports and visas are uniform 

throughout the country. 

The particular environment varies from 

province to province with regard to the availability 

of human and natural resources, the infrastructure 

and support services, business opportunities and 

the quality of life. In this respect, the FDC can offer 

specific advice about the business environment in 

the province. 

Business is regulated by the Companies Act 

and the Close Corporation Act, which cover 

accounting and reporting requirements. Under 

Registration with the receiver of revenue 

• As a Provisional Taxpayer 

• As a VAT vendor 

• For Pay As You Earn (PAYE) income tax payable on 

money earned by employees 

• For Standard Income Tax on Employees 

Registration with the Department of Labour 

Businesses employing staff will have to contact the 

Department of Labour regarding mandatory contributions 

to the Unemployment Insurance Fund 

(UIF). Register with Compensation Commissioner 

for Compensation Fund: Files with the Compensation 

Fund (in the Department of Labour) for 

accident insurance (Workmen’s Compensation). 

Registration with the local authority 

Relevant only to businesses dealing in fresh 

foodstuffs or health matters. 

Other procedures 

• Checking exchange control procedures (note 

that non-residents are generally not subject to 

exchange controls except for certain categories 

of investment). 


26


FDC 


Manufacturing 


• Obtaining approval for building plans 

• Applying for industry and export incentives 

• Applying for import permits and verifying import 

duties payable 

• Registering as an exporter if relevant and 

applying for an export permit. 

Business entities 

There are a variety of forms which businesses can 

take, including private and public companies, 

personal liability companies, non-profit companies, 

state-owned companies and even branches of 

foreign companies (or external companies). 

Branches of foreign companies fall under 

Section 23 of the Companies Act of 2008 and are 

required to register as “external companies” with 

the CIPC. An external company is not required 

to appoint a local board of directors but must 

appoint a person resident in South Africa who 

is authorised to accept services of process and 

any notices served on the company. It must also 

appoint a registered local auditor and establish a 

registered office in South Africa. 

Patents, trademarks and copyrights 

Trademarks (including service marks) are valid for 

an initial period of 10 years and are renewable 

indefinitely for further 10-year periods. Patents are 

granted for 20 years, normally without an option 

to renew. The holder of a patent or trademark 

must pay an annual fee in order to preserve its 

validity. Patents and trademarks may be licensed 

but where this involves the payment of royalties 

to non-resident licensors, prior approval of the 

licensing agreement must be obtained from 

the dtic. South Africa is a signatory to the Berne 

Copyright Convention. 

Permits for foreign nationals 

Work permits 

In considering whether or not to grant a work 

permit, the Department of Home Affairs will first 

evaluate the validity of the offer of employment 

by conducting a number of checks to confirm the 

following: 

• Has the Department of Labour been contacted? 

• Has the position been widely advertised? 

• Is the prospective employer able to prove that he 

or she has tried to find a suitably qualified local 

employee prior to hiring a foreigner? 

• Is the prospective employee appropriately 

qualified and do they have the relevant 



O P E R T Y T O R E N T I N H A R R I S M I T H 


R P L A I R T S U D N I 

Operation.. 

experience? 


Operation.. 


main 

Business permits 

Foreign nationals who wish to establish their own 

business or a partnership in South Africa must, 

apart from having sufficient funds to support 

themselves and their family, be able to invest at 

least R2.5-million in the business. 


CORRUPTION The INCIDENTS funds TO THE FRAUD HOTLINE must 0800 212 154 originate overseas, be 

transferable to South Africa and belong to the 

applicant (ie emanate from the applicant’s own 


bank account). The business must also create 

jobs for South African citizens. After six months 

to a year, proof will have to be submitted that the 

business is employing South African citizens or 

permanent residents, excluding family members 

of the employer. 

Applications for work permits for selfemployment 

can only be lodged at the South 

African Consulate or Embassy in the applicant’s 

country of origin. The processing fee is US$186. The 

applicant would also have to lodge a repatriation 

guarantee with the consulate/embassy equivalent 

to the price of a one-way flight from South Africa 

back to his or her country of origin. 

This guarantee is refundable once the 

applicant has either left South Africa permanently 

or obtained permanent residence. Any application 

for an extension of a business permit may be 

lodged locally. The processing fee per passport 

holder is R425. Some countries also need to pay 

R108 per return visa. 

A list of countries to which this applies is 

available from the Department of Home Affairs. 

The FDC assists investors in applying for the 

relevant work permits to conduct their business. 


2277 in Harrismith and close proximity to all amenities, on 



and Quick access onto N3 Freeway. 

main arterial routes 

Doors 

Roller 4 



This 

System. 


Sprinkler 

Ample parking 

Doors 

Roller 4 


House 

Guard Security 


Well secured 

and fenced 

shower 

Ample parking 



3 

toilets, 6 offices and boardroom, reception, kitchen and separate warehouse ablutions with 


8 

shower 

051 4000 800 Email: tefo@fdc.co.za www.fdc.co.za 

Tel: 





What can the FDC do for you? 

The FDC will help new businesses by assisting in 

project appraisal and packaging, putting investors 

in touch with relevant agencies and government 

departments, alerting investors to investment 

incentives and setting up joint ventures where 

required. ■ 

27 

FREE STATE BUSINESS 2021

State Province 

FOCUS 

Growing the 

tourism sector 

Dr Mbulelo Nokwequ, Head of Department at 

DESTEA, outlines some of the Free State’s 

unique selling propositions. 

The Tourism Unit of DESTEA is providing market access for local operators. 

Free State Province is situated in the heart of South Africa and 

DESTEA’s shares borders with Tourism Lesotho Unit’s and objective six other provinces. is to It provides 

easy access grow the tourism sector’s contribution 

to Free the State main economy. ports of In Durban, achieving 

East London and 

Port Elizabeth. 

The Free State this, is various an attractive activities business and functions and investment are destination. 

The performed, province is which at the include: centre of South Africa and the dominant sectors 

are 

• 

agriculture, 

Creating a 

mining, 

conducive 

manufacturing 

environment 

and 

for 

the 

tourism 

tertiary 

to 

sectors, making 

it ideal 

thrive 

for transport logistics and agro-processing. 

• Formulating and implementing a Provincial 

Companies locating to Free State not only enjoy the opportunity to 

Tourism Sector Strategy to guide tourism activities 

source inputs at competitive prices, but also to benefit from domestic, 

in the province 

regional and international markets for their products and services. 

• Providing market access opportunities both 

Because South Africa has been engaging with our economically large 

locally and internationally to provincial tourism • Promotion of tourism safety through among others, 

trading partners, access to international markets is facilitated through 

enterprises 

programmes such as the Provincial Joint 

various 

• Roll 

trade 

out programmes 

preferences and 

to enhance 

free-trade 

visitor 

agreements. 

services Operational and Intelligence Structure (Provjoints), 

As 

and 

far 

experience 

as long-term investment is concerned, there are 

with 

industrial 

law enforcement agencies, and also through 

parks • Facilitate and a Special and promote Economic tourism Zone (SEZ) education that are and supported implementing by the the Tourism Monitors Programme. 

Department capacity-building of Trade, for Industry the tourism and sector Competition. Industrial parks 

are • Promote situated in the Maluti-A-Phofung, culture tourism Botshabelo and service and Thaba Journey Nchu. to Service • an Excellence idyllic climate 

Maluti-A-Phofung excellence SEZ is situated in Tshiame. 

The J2SE will focus • recreational nominating and lifestyle a small town 

• The Promote Free State’s transformation strengths of for the inward tourism investment sector for are boosted in the rural by: tourism facilities. nodes and assisting the 

• 

• 

• 

• 

openness inclusive tourism business, economy, trade and as well foreign as providing investment 

abundance support to of youth natural and resources women in tourism 

• low Facilitating factory rentals events tourism to reduce seasonality 

Africa’s and enhance leading geographic telecommunications spread network 

town to develop a service excellence-orientated 

culture in their Select organisations investment opportunities 

and different 

structures with include: strong media attention and focus 

during the activation. • Agriculture A town and will agroprocessing 

be identified 

• 

• 

• 

of Service Excellence will be 

• incentive Facilitate packages funding uniquely for initiatives developed that for Special seek to Economic and the Zones principles 

incentives develop and associated grow tourism with the in the revitalised province industrial parks communicated • to all Tourism organisations. and property A criterion has 

Free State Development Corporation (FDC) support services been for developed development for the nomination which 

priority sectors such as agro-processing and manufacturing has been shared • Medical and discussed and pharmaceutical with relevant 

• 

• 

• 

a large labour pool 

diverse cultures 

competitive land and building cost 

stakeholders. production A number of and activities distribution will be 

implemented • Manufacturing 

anticipation of the big media 

event to launch • Renewable J2SE Town. and clean energy 

• world-class transport and telecommunications infrastructure At its core, • the Medical J2SE aims tourism. 

bring together 

the entire town including restaurants, 

accommodation facilities, tourist attractions, 

police, banks and petrol attendants, among 

7 others, to be informed, FREE trained STATE and BUSINESS exposed 2020 to 

the four components of the SANS 1197:2012. 

A secondary objective of this programme is 

to establish a local Tourism Service Excellence 

structure or to link with existing structures to 

build a sustainable service culture. ■ 


28

Environmental 

sustainability 

The Environment and Conservation Branch is working to promote a pristine 

environment that facilities economic transformation. 

FOCUS 

Environmental sustainability within the Free 

State Province is conducted within the 

prescripts of promoting Section 24 of the 

South African Constitution, recognising 

and promoting environmental rights as contained 

in the Bill of Rights. We also recognise our 

responsibility to promote a pristine environment 

that facilitates a transformative economic agenda 

to create jobs and a just society. 

The main focus areas are: 

• Environmental Quality and Protection: 

environmental education and awareness; waste 

and air quality management; environmental 

impacts and assessments; EPWP. Also promoting 

the circular economy with a particular focus on 

waste and recycling. 

• Biodiversity Conservation and Research: 

maintenance of resorts and reserves; 

protected areas maintenance and expansion; 

biodiversity research; game culling and 

auctions including the transformation 

and promotion of Biodiversity Economy; 

transformative entrepreneurship; development 

and promotion of the wildlife economy. 

Current considerations 

• Ensuring sustainable environmental 

management. 

• Improve national and provincial state of 

environmental reporting. 

• Integration of environmental objectives in 

national, provincial and instruments and tools. 

• Implementation of Chapter 4 of NEMA provisions 

in relation to fair decision-making and conflict 

management (conciliation, arbitration and 

investigations). Responding to EIA complaints 

and appeals without compromising on 

economic transformation, job creation and the 

promotion of spatial integration. 

Conservation priorities 

The Free State is 128 000km² in extent, or 

12.8-million hectares. This means that it is the 

third-largest province in South Africa. Located 

in the centre of the country, with ideal soils and 

climate, the province is an extremely important 

food producer and the environmental health of 

the province is therefore vital to the food security 

of the country. 

The province boasts a strong conservation 

mindset, not only from within the DESTEA but 

also from land owners generally. 

Prior to the adoption of the Free State Protected 

Area Expansion Strategy there were already 240 

formally declared Nature Reserves in the province. 

Since the inception of the Biodiversity Stewardship 

programme an additional 53 000 hectares of 

private land have been declared and added to 

the conservation estate. Priority focus is now 

on extending these conservation areas into the 

remaining natural areas of the province thereby 

conserving wetlands, rivers, terrestrial ecosystems 

and species for future generations. 

In addition to the formal conservation areas, 

there are over 300 000 hectares of game and 

mixed-species ranches. The province generates 

over R600-million per annum from the local 

hunting industry, which maintains many huntingsupport 

businesses such as taxidermists, curio 

producers, etc. ■ 


ADVERTORIAL 

see money differently 

RELATIONSHIPS AND 

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CLIENT NEEDS ARE KEY, 

SAYS EXPERT 

Loderick Lubisi, Nedbank’s Provincial 

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’ 

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ADVERTORIAL 


NEDBANK BUSINESS 

BANKING HELPS PUBLIC 

SECTOR SEE MONEY 

DIFFERENTLY 

Nedbank is committed to delivering 

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Monei Seleho, Nedbank's Provincial 

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‘ 

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’ 

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To find out more about how Nedbank can 

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ADVERTORIAL 


MONEY EXPERTS BRINGING 

21ST-CENTURY BANKING TO 

LIMPOPO AND MPUMALANGA 

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‘ 

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’ 

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visit www.nedbank.co.za.

ADVERTORIAL 


NEDBANK: PARTNERING FOR 

GROWTH AND SUSTAINABLE 

AGRIBUSINESSES 

According to the Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz), 

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Ivor Meeding, Nedbank Regional Manager 

Agriculture for Mpumalanga, says that 

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sustainable farming interventions where the 

commodity produced or infrastructure itself 

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‘ 

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funding solutions designed to 

support farmers with sustainable 

farming interventions … 

’ 

Africa faces, our funding solutions range 

from water-efficiency innovations and 

cutting-edge irrigation to shade-netting, 

which improves the yield of underperforming 

crops, protects them from natural hazards 

and reduces water use.’ 

Nedbank's purpose is to help clients 'see 

money differently' and we do this by 

applying our bigger-picture business 

banking approach to understand each 

client’s business and the specific challenges 

and opportunities they face. This enables us 

to provide the banking solutions they need, 

ranging from the innovations mentioned 

above to short- and long-term financial 

support,’ he says. 

If you would like to see how our specialist 

teams can assist you,orwantmore 

information, please send email Ivor Meeding 

at ivorm@nedbank.co.za or visit 

www.nedbank.co.za/business. 

Nedbank Ltd Reg No 1951/000009/06. Authorised financial 

services and registered credit provider (NCRCP16). 

SPO6014

KEY SECTORS 

Overviews of the main economic sectors 

of the Free State 

Agriculture 36 

Mining 38 

Oil and gas 39 

Manufacturing 40 

Tourism 41 


Education and Training 

34 

42

35 FREE STATE BUSINESS 2021 

Image: Protea Hotel by Marriott Clarens.

OVERVIEW 

Agriculture 

An inland fishery has been launched. 

Oranjeville, on the southern banks of the Wilge River, is 

the site of a fisheries project which has created seven 

new jobs in its first phase. The river flows into the Vaal 

River and the town is located in the Metsimaholo Local 

Municipality (under which Sasolburg also falls) within the Fezile Dabi 

District Municipality. 

Five agri-parks are planned in each of the Free State’s district 

municipalities. The concept brings together farmers, traders and agroprocessors 

at convenient sites. 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. 

Image: VKB 

As part of the agri-parks programme a warehouse is under 

construction at Springfontein and the Thaba Nchu abattoir is being 

upgraded. In Sediba, Farmer Production Support Units supplied a 

tractor and implements to participants. A goat development project 

has been launched by the provincial government, intended to create 

agriculture opportunities for young people and women. 

Key to the growth of these small-scale operations is access to 

finance and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is a key roleplayer 

in the Free State. The launch of the Maluti-A-Phofung Special 

Economic Zone (MAP SEZ) has created another platform to boost the 

agro-processing and agro-logistics sectors. 

Cannabis is a potential new sector. A Cannabis Expo was held in 

November 2019 at which experts, industry leaders and regulators 

from met to discuss the economic benefits of medicinal cannabis. 

A provincial strategy will be developed in the course of 2020/21. 

Sector Insight 

Omnia has bought Oro Agri 

Opportunities. 

Company news 

The Agriculture RSA division 

of chemical group Omnia has 

bought Oro Agri Opportunities, 

a producer of agriculture 

biologicals, for a reported 

$100-million (Engineering News). 

The US-based Oro Agri has 

production facilities in the US, 

Brazil and South Africa where it 

makes crop protection products, 

fertilisers and soil conditioners. 

Omnia has a big presence 

in Sasolburg: its facilities include 

an ammonium nitrate/calcium 

nitrate plant, two nitric acid/ 

ammonium nitrate plants, a 

porous ammonium nitrate 

plant, granulation plants and a 

nitrophosphate plant. Research 

facilities, the Chemtech group 

of laboratories, 185 specialised 

ammonia rail tankers and 

another production facility at 

Wesselsbron (south of Bothaville) 

make up the balance of Omnia’s 

presence in the Free State. 

The purchase of a 21% stake 

in BKB by VKB has given the latter 

company extended geographical 

reach and opportunities in new 

markets. While VKB is strongest 

in the Free State and Limpopo 

with a grain focus, BKB is wellestablished 

in the Eastern Cape, 

deals mainly in wool and mohair 

and runs many auctions. 


36

OVERVIEW 

VKB is already a diverse 

group, with the capacity to 

produce soybean meal and 

soybean cake and flour from its 

plants, mills and factories. Grain 

Field Chickens, a large abattoir 

in Reitz, is one of the company’s 

biggest facilities in the province. 

The Industrial Development 

Corporation (IDC), which has a 

23% stake in the project, aims to 

help develop the Free State as 

the poultry hub of South Africa. 

VKB has six agro-processing 

companies including VKB Flour 

Mills and Free State Oil and is 

active in auctioning, storage, 

packaging and fuel sales, 

among other activities. VKB’s 

headquarters are in Reitz in the 

eastern part of the province and 

the group is one of the province’s 

largest employers. 

The Imbani Homsek Group 

is an integrated dairy-products 

producer with one of the biggest 

Ayrshire herds in the world. The 

head office of Country Bird 

Holdings is in Bloemfontein: its 

brands are Supreme Chicken, 

Nutri Feeds and Ross (breeding). 

Country Bird Logistics controls 

45 chilled and frozen vans. 

Image: Omnia 

Image: Agricultural Research Council 

Clover has three factories in the Free State: Bethlehem (milk 

powder, whey mixtures and creamers); Frankfort (butter, the largest 

such factory in the country, where ghee and roller dried milk powder 

is also made) and in Heilbron (whey, buttermilk, condensed milk 

and packaging). 

Not many rural landing strips have to deal with 376 aeroplanes and 

63 helicopters in a short space of time. That’s what Bothaville had to do 

when it again hosted the country’s largest agricultural festival, NAMPO 

Harvest Day, in 2019. Grain SA’s big day had 775 exhibitors catering to 

81 345 visitors. 

Bothaville is on the western edge of the Free State and the town falls 

under the North West in the organisational chart of giant agricultural 

company Senwes, which has its headquarters in Klerksdorp. The rest of 

the Free State is divided into three regions by Senwes, which deals with 

about 20% of the country’s oilseeds and grain through its 68 silos. 

The province supplies significant proportions of the nation’s 

sorghum (53%), sunflowers (45%), maize (45%), potatoes (33%), wheat 

(30%), groundnuts (32%), dry beans (26%), wool (24%) and almost all 

of its cherries (90%). Red meat and dairy are other important products. 

Game hunting is a significant sector, and several large Free State farms 

have been converted from stock to game farms. Crop production 

represents about two-thirds of the province’s gross agricultural income. 

The main crops are maize and wheat. Sunflowers, sunflower seeds, 

sorghum and soy beans are other major crops. The Mangaung Fresh 

Produce Market plays a vital role in the sector, catering as it does to 

householders, bulk buyers, informal traders, agents and farmers. ■ 


Agricultural Research Council: www.arc.agri.za 

Bothaville: www.bothaville.info 

Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development: 

www.ard.fs.gov.za 

Grain SA: www.grainsa.co.za 


OVERVIEW 

Mining 

Feasibility studies are exploring new gold projects. 

Diamonds, coal and gold are the main minerals found in the 

Free State but the decline of gold mining is a cause for concern. 

Several summits and a Mining Indaba have focussed 

on what kind of economic activity can replace gold mining. 

However, Sibanye-Stillwater is bucking the trend with the investigation 

of a possible new project next to its existing Beatrix mine. Gold prices 

rose appreciably during the Covid-19 pandemic. The mining sector 

makes up 11% of provincial GDP. A minerals beneficiation strategy has 

been developed because this is a key area for potential growth. 

Beatrix gold mine. Image: Sibanye Stillwater 

The Free State Provincial Government announced in February 

2020 the creation of a company that will manufacture mining 

equipment, to be called Newco. Small mining companies have been 

promised technical support and with health and safety and access to 

beneficiation opportunities. 

Sibanye-Stillwater’s Beatrix mine, with a life-of-mine projected to 

2025, produced 196 698 ounces of gold in 2019. Beatrix also holds 

26.97-million pounds of uranium resources. Mining rights to the 

Southern Free State project adjacent to Beatrix have been approved 

and a feasibility study on part of it, the Bloemhoek decline, was done 

in 2019. The company reported that the Southern Free State property 

had surface and underground gold reserves of 2.1-million oz and 

mineral resources of 8.2-million oz. 

AngloGold Ashanti has sold most of its assets to Harmony Gold. 

Most of the mines are in the North West Province, but the Great Noligwa 

and Kopanang mines are in the Free State. The complex includes one 

uranium plant, four gold plants and one sulphuric acid plant. 


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

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

South African Mining Development Association: www.samda.co.za 


A new equipment 

manufacturer is planned 

for Welkom. 

These assets increased 

Harmony’s underground 

resource base in South Africa by 

nearly 40%. The mines include 

Tshipong and Phakisa (near 

Odendaalsrus), Virginia, Target 

(near Allanridge), Masimong 

(Riebeeckstad), Joel (near 

Theunissen) and Bambanani at 

Welkom. Phakisa has mineral 

reserves of just over five-million 

ounces of gold and Harmony has 

invested heavily in the project. 

Gold mines in the Free 

State also supply a substantial 

portion of the total silver 

produced in the country, and 

large concentrations of uranium 

occurring in the gold-bearing 

conglomerates of the goldfields 

are extracted as a by-product. 

Petra Diamonds’ Koffiefontein 

mine is on the western edge of 

the province, about 80km from 

Kimberley. The Voorspoed mine 

of De Beers Consolidated Mines 

closed in 2018. 

Coal is mostly found in the 

northern part of the Free State. 

The Sigma-Mookraal mine is 

run by Sasol Mining and has 

the capacity to supply Sasol 

Infrachem in Sasolburg with 

two-million tons of coal per year. 

Seriti Resources has purchased 

the New Vaal Colliery from Anglo 

American. ■ 


38

Oil and gas 

Logistics companies are signing up for gas. 

OVERVIEW 


Filling stations offering liquified 

natural gas are planned. 

Image: BHIT Bulk Logistics 

The Virginia Gas Project is making good progress. The project 

is owned by Tetra4 which is a Renergen company. The 

company has invited bids for the allocation of liquefied 

natural gas (LNG) and expects to start drilling in 2020. Tetra4 

holds the rights for onshore petroleum production, the only such 

licence in the country which is issued by the Department of Mineral 

Resources and Energy through Petroleum Agency South Africa. 

Renergen intends equipping filling stations with LNG at strategic 

locations across South Africa to cater for the logistics industry. The 

first two such stations will be Total stations in Johannesburg and 

Durban that will be rebranded in green. One station is planned for 

Harrismith on the busy N3 highway which links these two cities. 

Bulk Hauliers International Transport (BHIT) has signed an 

agreement to take LNG to fuel 50 of its trucks, which should lead 

to lower operating and maintenance costs. South African Breweries 

is another client. Tetra4 has a R218-million loan from the Industrial 

Development Corporation to build a 107km pipeline network from 

Virginia and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), an 

agency of the US government, will lend Renergen $40-million (more 

than R600-million) over 12 years to build a gas plant in the Free State. 

The area around Virginia has proven reserves of 25-billion cubic feet. 

The chemical complex at Sasolburg is the economic driver of the 

oil and gas sector for the province. One of the Sasol companies at 


Petroleum Agency SA: www.petroleumagencysa.com 

South African Oil and Gas Alliance: www.saoga.org.za 

South African Petroleum Industry Association: www.sapia.co.za 

Sasolburg, Sasol New Energy, 

is moving the group away 

from reliance on fossil fuels. In 

2020 Sasol called for bidders to 

construct an embedded 10MW 

solar PV facility at Sasolburg. The 

company’s larger goal across all 

its sites is eventually to procure 

600MW of renewable energy 

and achieve a 10% greenhousegas 

(GHG) emission reduction 

by 2030. 

The regulator and promoter 

of oil and gas exploration in 

South Africa, Petroleum Agency 

South Africa, has awarded 

coalbed-methane-gas 

exploration rights in KwaZulu- 

Natal and natural gas exploration 

permits in the Free State. Early 

surveys suggest that the Free 

State has 23-billion cubic feet 

of gas underground. If this is 

confirmed, then four new power 

stations could be built in the 

province. Tests have begun in 

the Karoo in search of shale gas. 

The Natref fuel refinery is 

one of only four in South Africa, 

and the country’s only inland 

refinery. The refinery is a joint 

venture between Sasol Oil 

(63.6%) and Total SA (36.3%). It 

is a technologically advanced 

facility, which refines heavy 

crude oil into petrol, diesel, 

commercial propane, jet fuel 

and bitumen. ■ 


OVERVIEW 

Manufacturing 

The textile sector is recovering. 

Seed funding and investment are critical in helping businesses 

get started, but sometimes good advice can be just as valuable. 

Tehilaa Golden CC, a clothing manufacturer, more than 

doubled its annual turnover to R11-million with the support 

of the SAB Foundation’s 18-month Tholoana Enterprise Programme. 

Tholoana offers skilled mentorship, business development tools 

and training, access to peer networks and finance. Founder Cherilyn 

Lucena (pictured) also expanded her workforce from 46 to 135. 

The SAB Foundation has provided over R8-million in grant 

funding and business support to 70 entrepreneurs in the Free State. 

Collective turnover has grown by 271%. 

A 172ha business park in Sasolburg designed to incubate black 

industrialists is a joint venture between the National Department 

of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and Sasol. There are 

five buildings on the site, training is provided, and companies have 

access to Sasol’s diverse supply chains. 

In 2018 Kevali Chemicals became the first 

beneficiary of the dtic’s Black Industrialists Scheme 

(BIS). A grant of R35-million allowed the company to 

acquire machinery and equipment to start a new line of 

manufacturing in the Maluti-a-Phofung SEZ (MAP SEZ). 

Sasolburg in the northern Free State is a key asset 

in South Africa’s chemicals industry. International giant 

Sasol has the biggest presence but companies such as 

Omnia and AECI are other major companies which give 

the Free State the lead in this sector which relies on 

advanced technology. Sasol in particular is faced with 

some tough decisions as its plants must start to comply with stricter 

sulphur dioxide emission standards. 

Manufacturing makes up 9% of Free State gross domestic 

product, and this comprises 4% of South Africa’s total. The Free State 

Regional Industrialisation Policy is under review to ensure integration 

of infrastructure, bulk service provision, industrial sites and export 

and tax incentives to attract investment. 

The existing manufacturing sector covers chemicals, agroprocessing, 

textiles, carpets, engineering, packaging, furniture 

and jewellery. 


Chemical and Allied Industries’ Association: www.caia.co.za 

Free State Development Corporation: www.fdc.co.za 

South African Textile Federation: www.texfed.co.za 

Image: SAB Foundation 


The Sasol complex is 

the province’s biggest 

enterprise. 

About 20% of the Free 

State’s manufacturing sites are 

devoted to food and beverages, 

with soft drink giant Coca- 

Cola Fortune operating a large 

bottling plant in Mangaung. 

Landzicht Wine Cellar distributes 

2.4-million litres of wine 

every year from Jacobsdal. 

Harrismith is home to both 

Nouwens Carpets and Boxmore 

Plastics. Boxmore Packaging’s 

new PET beer bottles are the first 

PET bottles specifically designed 

for beer on the South African 

market. Empire Gloves makes 

industrial gloves. 

Kroonstad-based Octa 

Engineering makes specialised 

rail carriages for the mining 

sector. In Bloemfontein, Transnet 

Engineering manufactures new 

wagons for the Transnet group, 

including iron ore and cement 

wagons and fuel tankers. ■ 


40

Tourism 

Culture and heritage have potential. 

OVERVIEW 

The global pandemic closed down the tourism sector and it Sector Insight 

will take some time to recover. The requirements for social Cancelled festivals will 

distancing mean that festivals will be one of the last types of mean job losses. 

tourism to restart. 

This will be a big blow for the Free State, where festivals such as the Bloemfontein has 151 rooms, 

Mangaung African Cultural Festival (Macufe) have become a fixture on and there is a Road Lodge at 

many calendars. In 2019, a total of 921 temporary jobs were created the airport. 

at the festival. Other festivals that normally attract good crowds are The Rantsoareng Group 

the Cherry Festival (Ficksburg), the Rose Festival (Bloemfontein), the operates exclusively in the Free 

Clarens Craft Beer Festival and the Vintage Tractor Fair (Clocolan). State and has three properties, 

Bloemfontein’s Kunstefees celebrates artistic expression and the the biggest of which is the 

connections between cultures. 

President Hotel in Bloemfontein. 

Heritage is seen as a sector with growth potential. A Heroes’ Park is Sun International runs the 

to be constructed at Thaba Nchu and Tumahole with statues of Oliver Lesotho Sun and the Maseru 

Tambo and Fidel Castro. The much-delayed museum 

and statue at Brandfort to commemorate Winnie 

Madikizela-Mandela will be opened in the course of the 

2020/21 financial year. 

The Free State is a good destination for water 

recreation. The Gariep Dam offers resorts and large 

expanses of water on which pleasure crafts can 

meander. Forever Resorts runs a popular resort with 

chalet accommodation and a caravan park. Overlooking 

the dam is the 43-room de Stijl Gariep Hotel. The Vaal 

River is another popular place. The town of Parys, which 

also boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the shape 

of the Vredefort Dome, is geared to river sports. 

The annual NAMPO Harvest Day is a major event. In 

2019 more than 81 000 people descended on the small 

town of Bothaville on the banks of the Vals River. 

In 2019 the 88-room Splendid Inn Bloemfontein (pictured) was Sun in neighbouring Lesotho. 

opened by Premier Hotels & Resorts. Protea Hotels has four properties In Bloemfontein, the Windmill 

in the Free State, two in Bloemfontein, one in Harrismith and the Protea 

Image: 

Casino 

Protea Hotel 

and 

Clarens 

Entertainment 

Hotel Clarens. 

Centre offers slot machines and 

The Tsogo Group’s properties include the four-star Southern Sun gaming tables, plus conference 

Bloemfontein and the Goldfields Casino in Welkom. The City Lodge facilities. The four-star Willow 

Lodge has 80 rooms. The Naledi 


Sun Hotel and Casino is about 

Bloemfontein Tourism: www.bloemfonteintourism.co.za 

65km from Bloemfontein. 

Free State Gambling, Liquor & Tourism Authority: www.gla.fs.gov.za The Golden Gate Highlands 

Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, National Park in the Maluti 

Tourism and Environmental Affairs: www.destea.gov.za 

Mountains is one of South 

Africa’s great parks. ■ 


OVERVIEW 

Education and training 

Coding and AI are in the curriculum. 

Image: UFS 


Flavius Mareka TVET College 

is a Centre of Specialisation 

for two trades. 

Anational policy of promoting training in critical trades has 

been adopted. Two of the three campuses of Flavius Mareka 

TVET College are designated Centres of Specialisation, for 

electrical work at Sasolburg and plumbing at Kroonstad. The 

Mphohadi campus of the college is also in Kroonstad. 

The Free State has about 14 000 students at four Technical and 

Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, taught by 400 

lecturers. All of the colleges have multiple sites. Maluti TVET College in 

Phuthaditjhaba, for example, offers classes at eight sites. Motheo TVET 

College operates in Bloemfontein and Thaba Nchu, while Goldfields 

TVET College is headquartered in Welkom with some classes offered in 

Thabong and a satellite campus at Virginia (Meloding). 

In early 2020 the completion of the building of three new schools 

was announced by the Premier of the Free State, Sisi Ntombela. A 

further six new schools will be built in the 2020/21 financial year. 

Coding has been introduced at some schools and the first winner of 

the Robotic League was Albert Moroka High School in Thaba Nchu. 

Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) handed over its 16th 

sponsored ICT and Science laboratory in 2020 to Akademia High 

School, Brandfort. The donation forms part of a five-year “Back to 

School” CSI initiative which has seen ATNS sponsor laboratories across 

the country to schools from impoverished communities. 

The Free State Provincial Government is implementing South 

Africa’s largest global skills development programme in support of 

the National Development Plan (NDP). The free overseas training 

programme entails about 905 students studying in leading universities 

in China, India, Germany, Portugal, Russia, Turkey and Belarus. 


Central University of Technology: www.cut.ac.za 

Flavius Mareka TVET College: www.flaviusmareka.net 

Free State Department of Education: 

www.education.fs.gov.za 

University of the Free State: www.ufs.ac.za 

Fields of study range from 

engineering to computer 

science, medicine and 

pharmacy. Of the 175 young 

people who were awarded 

overseas bursaries in the 

Department of Agriculture, 

46 have graduated and were 

placed in the department and 

some have been employed in 

agro-businesses. 

The University of the Free 

State has 158 researchers 

rated by the National Research 

Foundation (NRF), two A-rated 

scientists and five tier-one SARChi 

research chairs. The university 

has 18 international research 

partnerships and produces an 

average of 240 postgraduate 

research degrees every year. 

The Central University of 

Technology (CUT) has four 

faculties: Engineering, Built 

Environment and Information 

and Technology, Health and 

Environmental Sciences, 

Humanities and Management 

Sciences. Researchers at 

units such as the Centre for 

Community, Environmental 

and Industrial Development 

tackle important regional issues. 

The CUT has started training 

programmes in artificial 

intelligence, 3D cloud computing 

and data screening. ■ 


42

Free State Black 

Business Chamber 

Driving business excellence. 

Through business advocacy, the chamber 

supports business member organisations 

and civil society organisations with an 

interest in supporting business to engage 

in private-public dialogue and to advocate improvements 

in the business environment. 

Business matchmaking and networking 

ensures that businesspeople and entrepreneurs 

meet to form business relationships and to 

recognise or create business opportunities, share 

information and seek potential partners. 

We aim to promote investment by introducing 

investors to local suppliers, providing useful data 

and business information and by managing 

investment incentives. 

Vision To be the catalytic voice 

for economic growth and development 

in the Free State Province. 

Mission To represent and support 

the Free State business community. 

Values Integrity. Results-driven. 

Accountability. Agility. Innovation. ■ 


Mr Lucky Motsamai, 

Chief Executive Officer 

Physical address: No 7, 107 Zastron Street, 

Westdene, Bloemfontein. 

Tel: +27 51 430 1525. Fax: +27 51 430 1525 

Email: info@fsbbc.co.za. Website: www.fsbbc.co.za 

Mangaung Chamber of 

Commerce and Industry 

The voice of business in the Free State. 

The Chamber seeks to be the voice of business 

in Mangaung and to assist in promoting 

economic development and investment 

in the province. In these endeavours 

the MCCI won the PMI Africa award for the organisation 

doing the most for business development as 

well as triple-BEE in the province. 

Objectives 

The MCCI is creating entrepreneurs to transform this 

region’s economy. We serve our members and the 

community with innovative approaches to establish 

a vibrant business network. 

We promote and support local businesses 

through specific interventions like the “Membersupport-Member” 

campaign. Triple-BEE is promoted 

by linking big and small businesses through the 

chamber’s network. 

The MCCI is a strategic vehicle for the 

participation of member businesses in social 

responsibility programmes and supports renewable 

and alternative energy initiatives. 

Benefits include networking events, training, 

an SMME development and support centre and an 

import and export support centre. ■ 


Tel: +27 51 522 1710 

Email: President@bcci.co.za 

Website: www.mcci.co.za 


Promoting and developing 

small business 

The National African Federated Chamber of Commerce 

and Industry is active in the Free State. 

NAFCOC’s main objective is to promote, 

unite and encourage the development 

of small business in South Africa in general 

and black entrepreneurs in particular, 

thereby drawing the majority from the peripheries 

of the consumption-based economy to the frontlines 

of production-based economic activity and 

decision making processes. 

NAFCOC Free State responded in a special way 

to address the distress faced by members during 

lockdown. In 2020, the chapter: 

• Lobbied for localised provincial funding during 

the lockdown. 

• Campaigned for the regulation of township businesses 

(trading permits and adherence to bylaws). 

• Assisted small and informal businesses in applying for 

Covid-relief funding. 

• Worked with government on a programme to assist 

people living with disability to gain access to markets 

and procurement opportunities. 

• Encouraged youth to be more involved in agriculture 

and try to find solutions to the lack of access to 

funding. 

• Worked with Standard Bank to assist small enterprises 

to open business accounts. 

Vision To be the leading voice of business in 

South Africa. 

Mission To develop and promote economic growth 

among existing and new businesses. 

Values Empowerment, dignity, integrity, hard work 

and commitment. ■ 

NAFCOC members applying for permits. 


Chairperson: Tshepo Matsaba 

Tel: 083 485 7883 

Email: matsabat@nafcocfs.org.za 

National website: www.nafcoc.org.za 

BUSINESS CHAMBERS IN THE FREE STATE 

Free State Black Business Chamber 

Contact: Mr Lucky Motsamai Cell: 066 204 5295 Email: info@fsbbc.co.za 

Free State Youth Chamber of Business and Commerce 

Contact: Mr Sam Motlogeloa Cell: 081 442 8928 Email: yccifs@gmail.com 

Mangaung Chamber of Commerce and Industry 

Contact: The President 

Tel: +27 51 522 1710 Email: President@bcci.co.za 

Phenomenal Women 

Contact: Ms Thato Mokhothu Cell: 071 383 4183 

Vredefort Tourism Association 

Contact: Ms Renee de Jong Cell: 071 448 4332 Email: vredefortinfo@gmail.com

Free State Provincial Government 

LISTING 

A guide to Free State’s provincial government departments. Visit: www.freestateonline.fs.gov.za 

Office of the Premier 

Premier: Mrs Sefora Ntombela 

4th Floor, OR Tambo Building, Cnr St Andrews and 

Markgraaff Streets, Bloemfontein 9300 

Tel: +27 51 405 5496 | Fax: +27 51 405 4803 

Website: www.premier.fs.gov.za 

Department of Agriculture 

and Rural Development 

MEC: Mr KW Bulwane 

Main Building, Gielie Joubert Street, Glen, 

Bloemfontein 9360 

Tel: +27 51 861 8509 | Fax: +27 51 861 8452 

Website: www.ard.fs.gov.za 

Department of Cooperative Governance 

and Traditional Affairs 

MEC: Mr Skully Nxangisa 

7th Floor, Lebohang Building, Cnr St Andrews 

and Markgraaff Streets, Bloemfontein 9301 

Tel: +27 51 405 5719 

Website: www.cogta.fs.gov.za 

Dept of Economic, Small Business Development, 

Tourism and Environmental Affairs 

MEC: Mr Makalo Mohale 

Bojanala Building, 113 St Andrews Street, 


Tel: +27 51 404 9600 | Fax: +27 51 400 4732 

Website: www.dedtea.gov.za 

Department of Education 

MEC: Mr Pule Makgoe 

Fidel Castro Building, 55 Miriam Makeba Street, 


Tel: +27 51 404 8430 | Fax: +27 51 404 8269 

Website: www.education.fs.gov.za 

Department of Health 

MEC: Ms Montseng Ts’lu 

Cnr Harvey and Charlotte Maxeke Streets, 


Tel: +27 51 408 1108 | Fax: +27 51 408 1950 

Website: www.fshealth.gov.za 

Department of Human Settlements 

MEC: Ms Motshidise Agnes Koloi 

7th Floor, Lebohang Building, Cnr Markgraaff and 

St Andrews Streets, Bloemfontein 9300 

Tel: +27 51 405 3379 | Fax: +27 51 403 3699 

Website: www.humansettlements.fs.gov.za 

Department of Police, Roads and Transport 

MEC: Mr Sam Mashinini 

4th Floor, Perm Building, 45 Charlotte Maxeke Street, 


Tel: +27 51 409 8849 | Fax: +27 51 409 8864 

Website: www.policeroadstransport.fs.gov.za 

Department of Public Works 

and Infrastructure 

MEC: Ms Motshidise Agnes Koloi 

Cnr Markgraaff and St Andrews Streets, 


Tel: +27 51 405 3909 | Fax: +27 51 405 4490 

Website: www.publicworks.fs.gov.za 

Department of Social Development 

MEC: Ms Mamiki Qabathe 

Civilia Building, 14 Miriam Makeba Street, 


Tel: +27 51 409 0555 | Fax: +27 51 409 0618 

Website: www.socdev.fs.gov.za 

Department of Sports, Arts, 

Culture and Recreation 

MEC: Ms Limakatso Mahase 

Civilia Building, 14 Miriam Makeba Street, 


Tel: +27 51 407 3520 | Fax: +27 51 407 3541 

Website: www.fssacr.gov.za 

Provincial Treasury 

MEC: Ms Gadija Brown 

Fidel Castro Building, 55 Miriam Makeba Street, 


Tel: +27 51 405 4229 | Fax: +27 51 405 4152 

Website: www.treasury.fs.gov.za 


LISTING 

Free State Local Government 

A guide to metropolitan, district and local municipalities in the Free State Province. 

METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY 

Physical address: Bram Fischer Building, cnr Nelson 

Mandela and Markgraaff Streets, Bloemfontein 9301 

Postal address: PO Box 3704, Bloemfontein 9300 

Tel: +27 51 405 8911 | Fax: +27 51 405 8663 

Website: www.mangaung.co.za 

FEZILE DABI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 

Physical address: John Vorster Road, Sasolburg 1947 

Postal address: PO Box 10, Sasolburg 1947 

Tel: +27 16 970 8600 | Fax: +27 16 970 8747 

Website: www.feziledabi.gov.za 

Mafube Local Municipality 

Tel: +27 58 813 1051 | Fax: +27 58 813 3072 

Website: www.mafubemunicipality.gov.za 

Metsimaholo Local Municipality 

Tel: +27 16 973 8301 | Fax: +27 16 973 2191 

Website: www.metsimaholo.gov.za 

Moqhaka Local Municipality 

Tel: +27 56 216 9911 | Fax: +27 56 216 9122 

Website: www.moqhaka.gov.za 

Ngwathe Local Municipality 

Tel: +27 56 816 2700 | Fax: +27 56 817 6343 

Website: www.ngwathe.fs.gov.za 

Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality offices 

LEJWELEPUTSWA DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 

Physical address: cnr Jan Hofmeyer and Tempest 

Streets, Welkom 9460 

Postal address: PO Box 2163, Welkom 9460 

Tel: +27 57 353 3094 | Fax: +27 57 353 3382 

Website: www.lejwe.co.za 

Masilonyana Local Municipality 

Tel: +27 57 733 0105 | Fax: +27 57 733 2217 

Website: www.masilonyana.fs.gov.za 

Matjhabeng Local Municipality 

Tel: +27 27 57 391 3611 | Fax: +27 57 357 4393 

Website: www.matjhabeng.co.za 

Nala Local Municipality 

Tel: +27 56 514 9200 | Fax: +27 56 515 3922 

Website: www.nala.org.za 

Tokologo Local Municipality 

Tel: +27 53 541 0014 | Fax: +27 53 541 0360 

Website: www.tokologo.fs.gov.za 

Tswelopele Local Municipality 

Tel: +27 51 853 1111 | Fax: +27 51 853 1332 

Website: www.tswelopele.gov.za 

THABO MOFUTSANYANA 

DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 

Physical address: Old Parliament Building, 

1 Mamopi Street, Phuthaditjhaba 9870 

Postal address: Private Bag X810, 

Witsieshoek 9870 

Tel: +27 58 718 1000 | Fax: +27 58 713 0940 

Website: www.thabomofutsanyana.gov.za 

Dihlabeng Local Municipality 

Tel: +27 58 303 5732 | Fax: +27 58 303 4703 

Website: www.dihlabeng.gov.za 

Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality 

Tel: +27 58 718 3700 | Fax: +27 58 718 3777 


46

LISTING 

THABO MOFUTSANYANA DISTRICT 

MUNICIPALITY 

Mantsopa Local Municipality 

Physical Tel: +27 address: 51 924 Old Parliament 0654 | Fax: Building, +27 151 Mamopi 924 0020 Street, 

Phuthaditjhaba Website: www.mantsopa.fs.gov.za 

9870 

Postal address: Private Bag X810, Witsieshoek 9870 

Tel: Nketoana +27 58 718 Local 1000 Municipality 

Fax: Tel: +27 +27 58 58 713863 09402811 | Fax: +27 58 863 2523 

Website: www.thabomofutsanyana.gov.za 

www.nketoana.fs.gov.za 

Dihlabeng Local Municipality 

Tel: +27 58 303 5732 

Fax: +27 58 303 4703 

Website: www.dihlabeng.gov.za 

Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality 

Tel: +27 58 718 3700 | Fax: +27 58 718 3777 

Website: www.map.fs.gov.za 

LISTING 

Phumelela Local Municipality 

Tel: Phumelela +27 58 913 8300 Local | Fax: Municipality 

+27 58 913 2317 

Website: Tel: +27 www.phumelela.gov.za 

58 913 8300 | Fax: +27 58 913 2317 

Setsoto 

Setsoto Local 

Local 

Municipality 

Municipality 

Tel: +27 +27 51 51 933 933 9300 9300 | Fax: +27 | Fax: 51 +27 933 9383 51 933 9383 

Website: www.setsoto.info 

XHARIEP DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 

Physical address: address: 20 Louw 20 Street, Louw Trompsburg Street, 9913 Trompsburg 9913 

Postal address: address: Private Private Bag X136, Bag Trompsburg X136, 9913 Trompsburg 9913 

Tel: +27 +27 51 51 713 713 9300 9300 | Fax: | +27 Fax: 51 +27 713 0461 51 713 0461 

Website: www.xhariep.gov.za 

Kopanong Local Municipality 

Tel: +27 +27 51 51 713 713 9200 9200 | Fax: | +27 Fax: 51 +27 713 0292 51 713 0292 

Website: www.kopanong.gov.za 

www.kopanong.gov.za 

Mantsopa Local Municipality 

Tel: +27 51 924 0654 | Fax: +27 51 924 0020 

Website: www.mantsopa.fs.gov.za 

Nketoana Local Municipality 

Tel: +27 58 863 2811 | Fax: +27 58 863 2523 

Website: www.nketoana.fs.gov.za 

MUNICIPALITIES IN THE FREE STATE 

North West 

Gariep Dam 

Letsemeng Local Municipality 

Tel: 

Tel: 

+27 

+27 

53 

53 

330 

330 

0200 

0200 

| Fax: +27 

| Fax: 

53 

+27 

205 0144 

53 205 0144 

Website: 

Website: 

www.letsemeng.gov.za 

www.letsemeng.gov.za 

Mohokare Local Municipality 

Tel: +27 51 673 9600 | Fax: +27 51 673 1550 

Tel: +27 51 673 9600 | Fax: +27 51 673 1550 

Website: www.mohokare.co.za 

Website: www.mohokare.co.za 

Gauteng 

Metsimaholo 

Fezile Dabi 

Mafube 

Ngwathe 

Mpumalanga 

Nala 

Moqhaka 

Nketoana 

Phumelela 

Tswelopele 

Matjhabeng 

Thabo Mofutsanyana 

Northern Cape 

Tokologo 

Lejweleputswa 

Setsoto 

Dihlabeng 

Maluti-a-Phofung 

Masilonyana 

KwaZulu- 

Natal 

Mantsopa 

Letsemeng 

Mangaung 

Xhariep 

LESOTHO 

N 

Mohokare 

Kopanong 

Metropolitan/District 

Municipality boundary 

Local Municipality Boundary 

District Municipality 

Local Municipality 

Xhariep 

Setsoto 

Eastern Cape 



INDEX 

INDEX 

Africa Biomass Company (ABC) ............................................................................................................................3, 11 

Airlink.......................................................................................................................................................................................... IBC 

Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism 

and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA)....................................................................................... 6-7, 28-29, OBC 

Free State Black Business Chamber.......................................................................................................................... 43 

Free State Development Corporation......................................................................................8-9, 13-19, OBC 

Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority (FSGLTA)......................................... 22-23, OBC 

Maluti-A-Phofung Special Economic Zone (MAP SEZ) ........................................................ 20-21, OBC 

Mangaung Chamber of Commerce........................................................................................................................ 43 

National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) ......................................................... 44 

Nedbank ............................................................................................................................................................................ 30-33 

Sasol ............................................................................................................................................................................................ IFC 


48

48669 

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Tel: 051 400 0800 

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Email: Email: wecare@fdc.co.za | invest@fdc.co.za 

invest@fdc.co.za 


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Investment 

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Free State Business 2021

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