SPECIAL FEATURE Xhariep
SPECIAL FEATURE 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. ■ FREE STATE BUSINESS 2021 12
is renting out 18 850 sqm standalone factory including Furniture FDC Machinery, Equipment, and Furniture for Business Manufacturing Sprinkler System. 4 Roller Doors Security Guard House 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 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 Manufacturing Machinery, Equipment, and Furniture for Business I Operation.. The factory is Situated at Site 2277 in Harrismith and close proximity to all amenities, on 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 This factory offers the following: The main arterial routes and Quick access onto N3 Freeway. This factory offers the following: Sprinkler System. 4 Roller Doors Security Guard House Well fenced and secured Ample parking 3 phase power with 100 amps Occupation available immediately. Please contact Mr Tefo Matla for more 8 toilets, 6 offices and boardroom, reception, kitchen and separate warehouse ablutions with information or to view: shower Tel: 051 4000 800 Email: tefo@fdc.co.za www.fdc.co.za available immediately. Please contact Mr Tefo Matla for more Occupation FDC IS ZERO TOLERANCE TO FRAUD AND CORRUPTION.PLEASE REPORT FRAUD AND CORRUPTION INCIDENTS TO THE FRAUD HOTLINE 0800 212 154 information or to view: Tel: 051 4000 800 Email: tefo@fdc.co.za www.fdc.co.za FDC IS ZERO TOLERANCE TO FRAUD AND CORRUPTION.PLEASE REPORT FRAUD AND CORRUPTION INCIDENTS TO THE FRAUD HOTLINE 0800 212 154 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. ■ 13 FREE STATE BUSINESS 2021
