Described as a tangible example of its reindustrialisation and mineral beneficiation agenda, government on Friday broke ground on a R267-million greenfield project that will see the development of a facility catering for mineral beneficiation, diamond cutting, polishing and trading, as well as light manufacturing for jewellery and other high-end products within the OR Tambo International Airport-industrial development zone (ORTIA IDZ).

The Jewellery Manufacturing Precinct (JMP), which would take between 15 and 18 months to build, aimed to attract investors through a range of incentives, including dedicated customs support services, duty-free importation of production-related raw materials and inputs and reduced tax and exemption for certain beneficiation activities.

Exemption from import duty and value-added tax would apply in respect of raw materials and assets imported for input into the manufacturing process for products exported from the IDZ to other countries. 

The facility would also offer investors access to clustered, purpose-built infrastructure in close proximity to the OR Tambo International Airport, making it suitable for export-oriented production.

Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development Lebogang Maile said during a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday that the development should be seen as part of Gauteng's plans to reindustrialise and chart a new course for its economy through support for value-adding, labour intensive and innovative industries.

These included agroprocessing, pharmaceuticals, electronics and automotive manufacturing, which were four of the eleven sectors earmarked for government intervention in the coming years.

“In designing and planning for the development of the precinct, our focus is on the operationalisation of a globally competitive facility that will enhance South Africa's ability to manufacture jewellery and the cutting and polishing of other precious and semiprecious metals for local and international consumption.

“The facility will support industrial development in the area and give practical expression to our plans to turn Ekurhuleni into an aerotropolis,” he commented.

Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Mzwandile Masina added that the initiative would also serve to advance the country's developmental goals, which sought to reverse high levels of poverty, unemployment and the unequal distribution of wealth.

“The establishment of the IDZ [and the JMP] in Ekurhuleni will enhance the region's role in South Africa's development landscape. More innovative and value-added products will be produced in this region and find their way to global markets.

“This will lead to a more skilled population, more high-quality jobs and the eradication of poverty, unemployment and inequality,” he told attendees.

The JMP would mark the first project to be developed within the ORTIA IDZ.