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Industrial parks are the pillars of the country’s economy and are vital to the development of local economies, and job creation for communities where they are based. This was said by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Ms Nomalungelo Gina who was addressing the Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme working group meeting in Pretoria.

Industrial parks under the revitalisation programme are those that were established prior to 1994 and are mainly owned and managed by agencies of respective provincial government departments. The parks are recognised as catalysts for broader economic and industrial development in host regions. The programme focuses on physical infrastructure as well as management support issues, with the key objective of enhancing regional industrialization.

According to Gina all parties need to come together, roll-up sleeves and make sure that the parks are fully functional, creating jobs, promoting emerging entrepreneurs, attracting investors and are of great value to the communities where they are based.

Importantly, Gina said the citizens must see the value of the parks.

“For these parks to be fully functional we need all spheres of government, private sector and the community to work cooperatively. Everyone must embrace the spirit of Khauleza as the people are waiting. We therefore support the new District Development Model which aims to improve the coherence and impact of government service delivery,” said Gina.

Furthermore, Gina pointed out that every partner needed to fully understand the vision of the Industrial Parks Revitalisation Programme and acknowledge that the parks were a tool for achieving economic growth for the improvement of the lives of the citizens.  This understanding, she said, would assist to address some of the challenges the parks are facing.

The first twelve industrial parks under revitalisation have a total of over 65 000 jobs.

Issued by the Department of Trade and Industry