The 2016/17 edition of Limpopo Business is the eighth issue of this highly successful publication that, since its launch in 2007, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide to the Limpopo province.
Limpopo is unique in terms of its abundant natural and human resources, and is also one of the key drivers behind the South African economy.
This edition of Limpopo Business is officially endorsed by the Office of the Premier of Limpopo.
MESSAGE Welcome to our
MESSAGE Welcome to our province, Limpopo A message from the Premier of Limpopo, the Honourable Chupu Stanley Mathabatha. Chupu Stanley Mathabatha, Premier of Limpopo It is my great pleasure to have the opportunity of providing a note of welcome for the 2016/17edition of LimpopoBusiness to all businesses, investors and members of the public sector, both locally and from around the world. It gives me extra joy to welcome members of the business community who are not familiar with our province, as we have a great deal to offer, particularly in terms of agriculture, manufacture and transport. Not for nothing is Limpopo known as the “gateway’” province, as we share our border with three neighbouring countries - Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique – as well as being neighbours to three South African provinces – Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the North West. Limpopo harbours beautiful and contrasting landscapes, making it a favourite destination for leisure and adventure travellers worldwide. We have remained a province that honours and respects our rich natural heritage, in so doing preserving it for our future generations as well as sharing it with national and international visitors alike. The province is divided into five regions, notably Capricorn (occupied by the Bapedi people), the Waterberg (occupied by the Batswana people), Vhembe (occupied by the Vhavenda and VaTsonga people, the latter residing in Mopani) and Sekhukhune, which is dominated by the Bapedi and Ndebele people. The warmth and welcome of the people of Limpopo has played a major role in ensuring that our tourism sector has remained the province’s strategic competitive economic advantage. Despite the various economic challenges the country has been facing, the province’s tourism industry has continued to flourish, with the sector continuing to create jobs and employ more people. We are relishing our number one spot in the domestic tourism market space. It has been shown time and again that most South Africans enjoy visiting our province, and that explains why we retain top billing in the tourism rankings. The Limpopo Tourism Agency has also recently been restructured to enable it to focus attention on giving our tourism sector even greater promotion. Our Limpopo Development Plan symbolises our dedication to the improvement of our provincial economy. This plan is our contribution to the nation’s development and it details how we as Limpopo share the same vision and imperative regarding poverty reduction, elimination of social inequality and the creation of sustainable jobs in our province. The plan has affirmed the role of SMMEs and cooperatives in the productive sectors as a critical component towards radical economic transformation. This is in an effort to make Limpopo an investment centre for both national and international investors. During our trade and investment mission to the People’s Republic of China in October 2014, we signed memorandums of agreement with big investors. The first memorandum of agreement was signed with Hong Kong Mining LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2016/17 10
MESSAGE Exchange Company (Hoi Mor) for the establishment of South Africa Energy Metallurgical Base Project. This project whose investment value is estimated at R38.8-billion, will be based in the Musina Special Economic Zone, and will create 19 000 direct jobs over a period of three years. The Hoi Mor investment will result in beneficiation that integrates various resources and reduces the export of raw materials in favour of exporting value-added goods. Along the same vein, South Africa’s Women’s Investment Holdings has entered into a joint venture agreement with Jidong Development Group and the China Africa Development Fund for a R1.65- billion investment into a cement-manufacturing facility that will be based in Thabazimbi. The construction started in 2014 and is due to be completed during 2016. I have no doubt that these investments will add value to our efforts of expanding the productive capacity of our province. Agriculture has also been a huge contributor to the province’s economy and we have put deliberate measures in place to entice investment in the sector. We have also opened Madzivhandila and Tompi Seleka Agricultural Colleges that are now fully functional and operational. The restructured curriculum content will assist in developing agricultural economists, extension officers, pasture and soil scientists, agronomists and horticulturists. Aside from arguably being one of the friendliest, our province is also regarded as the safest province within South Africa and, with that dual offering, I urge you to come to visit us in Limpopo so that you can take advantage of what we have to offer. Whether you are a tourist, a businessperson or an investor, Limpopo is a province that is growing in opportunities and a joy to all those who come. 11 LIMPOPO BUSINESS 2016/17
