PROFILEMaluti-A-Phofung
PROFILEMaluti-A-Phofung SpecialEconomic ZoneThe MAPSEZ is a subsidiary of the Free State Development Corporation (FDC),an economic development agency operating in the province.The MAPSEZ is locatedin Harrismith, a townnestled in the Maluti-A-Phofung LocalMunicipality in the eastern partof the Free State. MAPSEZ is amulti-sector Special EconomicZone dedicated to both light andheavy manufacturing, logisticsand warehousing operations.The MAPSEZ has undertakento establish manufacturingopportunities and create anenvironment conducive toregional and international trade.The SEZ aims to acceleratethe generation of new andinnovative economic activitiesand to encourage beneficiationactivities that promote valueaddedbenefits, thus creatinga prosperous trade city andfunctional trade ecosystem. As avalue proposition, the MAPSEZoffers investors the benefits fromtax and VAT incentives and anideal location.Reasons to invest at MAPSEZStrategic locationThe MAPSEZ is centrally located on the N3 commercial roadcorridor between Johannesburg (economic heartbeat of SouthAfrica) and Durban (busiest port in Sub-Saharan Africa). TheSEZ’s location in relation to major metropolitan economiesof the country as well as other Southern African DevelopmentCommunity (SADC) countries makes it an ideal choice forinvestors seeking a cost-effective location for import andexport-orientated operations. The SEZ also has excellent logisticslinks to the southern Bloemfontein/Cape Town route via theN5-N1 corridor. The location makes MAPSEZ an ideal destinationfor logistics, transport and warehousing operations.Safety and securityThe MAPSEZ complex is a secure trading environment, fenced allround with controlled access at all entry points.Tax incentivesSeveral tax incentives are available to ensure investors’ growth,revenue generation and international competitiveness.These incentives include a reduction of the corporate tax from28% to 15% for qualifying businesses.Developed infrastructureMAPSEZ has all the necessary infrastructure in place, includingroads, bulk water and sewer networks, electrical sub-stationsand overhead power lines. MAPSEZ also has fit-forpurposefactories with all the necessary infrastructureto “plug and play”.Regional and international logisticsThe MAPSEZ complex has access to both railand road transport infrastructure (the N5, N8, N1and N3), which connects the zone to the rest ofSouth Africa and neighbouring countries. Inaddition to its strategic location, this makes MAPSEZan ideal destination for logistics, transport andwarehousing operations.FREE STATE BUSINESS 202522
Proximity to majoragricultural produce areasMAPSEZ is geographicallylocated within one of thecountry’s biggest farmingregions. Potatoes, soybeans,sorghum, sunflower, maizeand wheat are some of thenatural resources cultivatedin the eastern Free State.This makes MAPSEZ an idealinvestment destination forfood processors and otheragro-processing businesses.Tailor-made lease termsMAPSEZ offers prospectiveinvestors various types oflease terms tailor-made tosuit their business needs.Investors can enter land-onlycontracts, where they onlylease the land and constructtheir own factories or wherethey choose to renovate anexisting structure and receivepreferential lease rates in return.All-round balanced lifestyleThere is plenty of opportunityto enjoy the great outdoors.The Eastern Free State has some of the most scenic beautyimaginable, with places of interest such as Golden Gate,Clarens and the Drakensberg nearby. The town of Harrismithhas adequate schools, hospitals, places of worship and placesof leisure. Executives and key staff will find comfortableaccommodation within a radius of 10km from the SEZ. Lowearningstaff members can find convenient and affordableaccommodation near the SEZ. ■CONTACT:Maphoka Setai: Investment Promotion ManagerAddress: Cnr Amanda and DeLange Streets, Tshiame, Harrismith,Free State 9880Cell: +27 78 800 2162Email: maphoka@mapsez.co.zaWebsite: www.mapsez.co.za23 FREE STATE BUSINESS 2025
