Free State Business 2023

The 2023 edition of Free State Business is the 13th issue of this successful publication that, since its launch in 2008, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide for the Free State. Sasol, one of the biggest industrial enterprises in the province, has announced that it may have found a way to keep running the Natref refinery far into the future, because of new and cleaner technologies that it is investigating. Gold miners Harmony and Sibanye-Stillwater are prospecting for new reefs. And the provincial tourism authorities are putting their minds to creating new ways of attracting new local tourists to various eco-tourism products. All of these news items and more are contained in the sector overviews that outline the characteristics of the main economic sectors of the province, and report on the latest news in those sectors as well. One of the most active sectors is a new one – natural gas and helium, which is being vigorously pursued by Renergen through its Virginia Gas Project. Significant investments are being attracted into the newly-established Maluti-A-Phofung Special Economic Zone (MAP SEZ) in the northern part of the province and a steel mill is under construction at the Botshabelo Industrial Park east of Bloemfontein. Special features on investment incentives and starting a business are included in this edition.

CONTENTS CONTENTS

CONTENTS CONTENTS Free State Business 2023 Edition Introduction The Free State welcomes investors 4 The attractions of the Free State as a destination of choice are laid out in detail in this message to domestic and foreign investors. During his delivery of the 2023 State of the Province Address, the Honourable Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, pictured right, stated that, “We will undertake a substantial review of the current state of our public entities and reposition them to be proactive and responsive to the investment and development needs of the Free State economy. The revitalisation of our Industrial Parks is a key enabler of provincial economic growth. Our priority areas remain Botshabelo, Phuthaditjhaba and Thaba Nchu. This programme is catalytic to unlocking job creation as 3 986 people are now employed in these Industrial Parks. The Maluti-A-Phofung Special Economic Zone continues to offer multiple investment opportunities. Foreword 6 Free State Business is a unique guide to business, investment and tourism in the province. Special features Free State Development Corporation (FDC) 8 Driving enterprise development and investment in South Africa’s most central province, the Free State. Regional overview 10 More high-quality gas has been found at Virginia and the Gas Project is powering ahead. Exploration is underway for a new gold mine. A new strategy has been adopted to attract a new domestic market. The province’s industrial parks and its Special Economic Zone are attracting investors. All of these trends are being supported by investment in infrastructure. Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority 14 Driving economic transformation in the Free State. Environmental sustainability 16 The Environment and Conservation Branch is working to promote a pristine environment that facilitates economic transformation. Overviews of the main economic sectors of the Free State.

Tel: 051 400 0800 wecare@fdc.co.za | invest@fdc.co.za Web: www.fdc.co.za THE THE GUIDE GUIDE TO TO BUSINESS AND AND INVESTMENT IN IN FREE FREE STATE STATE PROVINCE JOIN US JOIN ONLINE US ONLINE JOIN JOIN US ONLINE US ONLINE JOIN JOIN US ONLINE US ONLINE WWW.GLOBALAFRICANETWORK.COM WWW.GLOBALAFRICANETWORK.COM | WWW.FREESTATEBUSINESS.CO.ZA | WWW.LIMPOPOBUSINESS.CO.ZA WWW.GLOBALAFRICANETWORK.COM | WWW.FREESTATEBUSINESS.CO.ZA | WWW.LIMPOPOBUSINESS.CO.ZA WWW.GLOBALAFRICANETWORK.COM | WWW.FREESTATEBUSINESS.CO.ZA | WWW.LIMPOPOBUSINESS.CO.ZA Free State Province Center yourself in the heart of South Africa Free State Province Center yourself in the heart of South Africa Growing the tourism sector 17 The Tourism Unit of DESTEA is providing market access for local operators. Maluti-A-Phofung SEZ investment opportunities 18 The SEZ is booming with investment to the tune of R1.1-billion in 2020. Establishing a business in South Africa 20 South Africa has eased the barriers to doing business for locals as well as international companies and individuals. South African investment incentives 22 The South African government, particularly the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, has a range of incentives available to investors. South African economy at a glance 24 Economic sectors Agriculture 28 Transformation through training is working. Mining 30 Miners are looking to renewable energy for power. Oil and gas 32 Gas resources at Virginia are even bigger than first thought. Manufacturing 34 Industrial parks are promoting manufacturing. ICT 35 Young people can attend digital skills programmes. Driving Economic Development in the Free State Province rprise pment perty Tourism 36 Visitors are encouraged to “Travel Differently”. Development finance and SMME support 37 Skilled mentorship pays off for SMMEs. Education and training 38 A CUT team attended the 2022 Enactus World Cup. FREE FREE STATE STATE BUSINESS THE GUIDE TO BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT IN THE FREE STATE 2022 2023 EDITION 2020 2019 EDITION EDITION ABOUT THE COVER: References Key sector contents 26 Overviews of the main economic sectors of the Free State. gement stment itation port Top left, Sasol plant, Sasol; Gold mine equipment, Harmony; Mandela statue in Bloemfontein, SA Tourism/Flickr; Sunflower, NWPG; Factory space, Free State Development Corporation; Cheetah, SA Tourism/Flickr. otion