Development and
Development and Tourism INTRODUCTORY REMARKS INVESTING IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM FUTURES Mr Abraham Vosloo, Member of the Executive Council for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism THE NORTHERN CAPE IS A PROVINCE that has tremendous investment opportunities. This prospectus presents a prime investment destination and I request you to consider the Northern Cape Province as your preferred investment partner. Geographically the Northern Cape constitutes the largest province of the Republic of South Africa, which in contrast, has the smallest population. Roughly 1.1-million people reside in a land mass covering a fraction more than 30% of South Africa’s land surface. It borders on four other provinces, the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the countries of Namibia and Botswana to the north, making it an ideal gateway to West African and other international markets. The province offers profitable investment opportunities in mineral and metal processing, agricultural production and - processing, fishing, mariculture, energy, tourism, renewable energy and the knowledge economy. Access to raw materials, affordable energy, and upgraded infrastructure are further compelling factors to attract investment. The province has untold mineral riches, impressive landscapes and vistas which are attracting increasing numbers of tourists who want to experience the rugged outdoors or adventurous trips. Two great rivers and a sophisticated irrigation scheme supports high-value agriculture in crop production and livestock. The highest solar radiation levels in South Africa and incredibly clear skies suitable for astronomy combine to create a unique destination which is already attracting investment. Billions of rands have recently been invested in the solar power and radio astronomy fields and we invite other potential investors to investigate what we have to offer. South Africa’s biggest current mining investment is under way at the Gamsberg Zinc project and iron ore and manganese continue to be exported in huge quantities. Between January 2011 and March 2016, the province received 486 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects. Various infrastructure projects are underway to further boost investment prospects. The rail network is receiving upgrades, South Africa’s newest university has opened in Kimberley and a lot of work is going in to creating competitive Special Economic Zones. The Northern Cape invites investors to join us on the journey to economic growth and prosperity. 03 Tourism is recognised for its immense potential and its significant contribution to the economy. The 1996 White Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism affirmed South Africa’s approach to tourism as one which is “government-led, private-sector driven and communitybased,” and grounded in cooperation and close partnerships between all stakeholders. Government’s recognition of the critical importance of tourism in the economy is further evident in the sector’s inclusion as one of the priority areas in the initial Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP), the New Growth Path (NGP, 2010) and the National Development Plan (NDP, 2012). The tourism sector is expected to make the requisite contribution to job creation and the continued growth of the economy. The NDP is the national framework for the development of the South African economy. It recognises tourism as a highly labour-intensive industry which stimulates the development of small businesses and which generates foreign direct investment and significant export earnings. Emphasis is placed on increasing the number of tourists entering South Africa and the amount spent; the availability of tourism infrastructure; positioning South Africa as a regional shopping and business centre; and ease of access by air and travel facilitation through favourable visa regimes. The Northern Cape Provincial Growth and Development Plan recognises the importance of tourism and its contribution to the growth of the provincial economy and job creation. The provincial priorities identified for tourism growth include among others: effective marketing, transformation of the tourism industry and SMME development, tourism infrastructure development, tourism incentives and funding and unlocking the oceans economy. Investing in the supply side of our tourism economy is a critical part of achieving the socioeconomic benefits to be derived from tourism, such as increased market share of tourist arrivals, tourism competitiveness and the consequent increase in employment opportunities. We invite you to explore the many investment opportunities offered by the Northern Cape, and while in our province, take time to experience the splendour of its natural beauty and diversity. 02
Website: www.kgatelopele.gov.za N18 !Kheis Municipality Tel: +27 54 833 9500 | Fax: +27 54 833 0690 Website: www.kheis.co.za Tsantsabane THE NORTHERN Municipality CAPE Tel: AT +27 53 A 313 GLANCE 7300 Fax: +27 53 313 1602 Website: www.tsantsabane.gov.za ristiana West LEY g N8 State N9 upoort burg f-Reinet et East hage TH eys Bay NAMIBIA NORTHERN CAPE Western Cape BOTSWANA North West Free State Eastern Cape Limpopo ZIMBABWE Mpumalanga Gauteng SWAZI- LAND LESOTHO KwaZulu- Natal THE NORTHERN CAPE is unique as a trade and 69 investment destination. NORTHERN CAPE BUSINESS 2018/19 Its vast geographical extent and natural resources, complemented by human capacity and sound infrastructure, offer its partners a wide array of attractive trade and investment opportunities meeting global standards. The geographic location of the Northern Cape provides easy access to SADC markets and export ports via sea and air. The entry points in terms of access to Namibia and Botswana, extending to Zambia, provide a unique competitive advantage. The mineral profile of the Northern Cape has contributed to the establishment of global trade centres such as London and New York through diamond resources and mining listings. In addition to being for many years the leading source of diamonds, the province is a key iron ore and manganese producer, which is complemented by lime, granite, semi-precious stones and other minerals. The mining sector continues to expand, and with it opportunities in mining supplies and mineral-value addition. The South African government has prioritised the diversification of energy sources to supply the national grid, and the focus on renewable energy has stimulated MOZAMBIQUE the demand for solar, wind, hydro and biomass energy sources. No province is better equipped in these fields than the Northern Cape, which has become the preferred investment destination for renewable energy companies. Growth in the energy sector has stimulated the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, which in turn has stimulated the development of infrastructure and services. Key projects include the Boegoebaai deep-sea port, Kathu Industrial Park, Upington Industrial Park and Vioolsdrif Dam. These projects are complemented by a well-developed settlement, transport and communication network. Huge opportunities also exist in value addition to the Northern Cape’s agricultural and mineral resources. These developments, opportunities and the associated business travel will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the further growth in travel and tourism into and within the province. To respond effectively to this growth in tourism demand and remain globally competitive, the province needs to attract suitable and sustainable investment across the tourism and other sectors. Human capital is key to the sustainable development of any region and the Northern Cape boasts the newly established Sol Plaatje University and enjoys representation through technology stations of other universities including Unisa and the Vaal University of Technology. The province is also served by a wellestablished multi-campus Technical Education and Vocational Training College. Further investments in building the requisite skills and capacities to meet the demands of our province’s growth and development are critical. Provincial and local government organs in the Northern Cape underpin all the potential of the province, and are dedicated to ensuring a sound, safe and well-governed investment destination. 03
