QwaQwa:President Cyril Ramaphosa has unveiled a significant investment initiative aimed at revitalizing the Free State's industrial potential. The initiative, valued at over R120 billion, focuses on industrialization, expanding manufacturing, and creating employment opportunities in the region.
According to South African Government News Agency, the investment was announced during the launch of the Free State Catalytic Investment and Industrialisation Programme at the Phuthaditjhaba Multipurpose Centre. The program includes projects in renewable energy, electric vehicle manufacturing, and agricultural processing.
The YJC renewable energy project is set to invest around R100 billion, potentially generating 6,500 jobs. Additionally, the Joylong Automotive Manufacturing project, valued at approximately R5.5 billion, aims to produce up to 8,000 electric vehicles annually and create 1,500 direct jobs over five years. The Walk of Life Apple Juice Concentrate Plant will see an investment of about R330 million, creating 100 permanent jobs and 600 seasonal positions.
President Ramaphosa highlighted the strategic importance of the Free State, particularly the industrialization of the Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality. He noted the area's previous status as a manufacturing hub and emphasized the need for reliable infrastructure and municipal services to retain and attract investors.
The Free State Growth and Development Strategy seeks to reverse the decline in manufacturing by leveraging the Maluti-a-Phofung Special Economic Zone. The zone currently has sites for 65 factories, with 58% occupancy. The government is committed to ensuring reliable electricity, water provision, functioning roads, and efficient project management to enhance the area's attractiveness to investors.
Ramaphosa stressed the importance of moving beyond primary agriculture to agro-processing and linking agricultural production to industrial processing. The electric vehicle manufacturing project positions the Free State within the green economy and new-energy industrial value chain. He also emphasized the role of local businesses, including SMEs, in supplying components and services to factories.
The President acknowledged the training of 130 learners by the Free State Development Corporation, the Unemployment Insurance Fund, and Eskom in various skills, urging stronger partnerships between government, industry, and training institutions to connect skills development with economic opportunities.
The success of the investment initiative, he stated, depends on effective implementation and tracking of announced actions over the next 30, 60, and 90 days. He called for dependable municipal services, responsible investor commitments, and community involvement to realize the program's ambitions of building a self-sufficient Free State.