The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) has announced plans to designate the Fetakgomo-Tubatse area in Limpopo as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and is inviting public comment on the proposal. The proposed SEZ will be situated in Steelpoort, within the Fetakgomo local municipality in the Sekhukhune district. It aims to become an industrial hub linked to the Limpopo platinum and chrome cluster, positioned between two major mining establishments — the Samancor and Lion Ferrochrome smelters — making it a strategic site for industrial growth.
The SEZ is expected to focus on beneficiation of platinum group metals, chrome, and vanadium resources, while also driving agroprocessing and renewable energy initiatives. Development will be concentrated along the R555 corridor, with plans for a smart city that includes mixed-use developments. Public engagement is a key part of the process, with a hearing scheduled for 10 April in Steelpoort. The public can also submit comments via email before 9 May.
Significant groundwork has already been completed in preparation for the SEZ. The Limpopo provincial government has secured 1,010 hectares of land and begun essential infrastructure development, including fencing, roads, water supply, and sewage treatment facilities. The Fetakgomo Tubatse Industrial Park (FTIP), a subsidiary of the Limpopo Economic Development Agency, has been established to manage the project, with an interim board and CEO appointed. Additionally, 11 companies have committed R10 billion in investment for Phase 1 once the infrastructure is in place. A township establishment application has also been conditionally approved, and supplier development programmes are underway to support local businesses.
The SEZ proposal follows extensive feasibility studies and business planning led by the Limpopo provincial government, supported by local and district municipalities. A formal agreement outlining responsibilities has been signed between the dtic, Limpopo provincial government, and relevant municipalities to ensure collaboration throughout the project.