The Maluti-a-Phofung
The Maluti-a-Phofung Special Economic Zone(MAPSEZ) is an investment magnet in many sectors.Sterkfontein Dam is a popular attraction.heavy industrial and a container terminal.The Free State, working with the NationalDepartment of Trade, Industry and Competition(the dtic), is upgrading the industrial parks inBotshabelo, Thaba ‘Nchu and Phuthaditjhaba toprovide infrastructure to encourage manufacturingin these areas. The manufacturing and retailsectors provide attractive opportunities for investorsin these industrial parks.AgricultureThe Free State is blessed with abundant productionof crops such as maize and sunflower, soya,wheat and potatoes. Livestock farming is also adominant feature of our agricultural activities.This region is one of the biggest producersof these crops and there are agriprocessinginvestment opportunities linked to theseprimary products. The annual National MaizeProducers Organisation (NAMPO) festival isheld just outside the border of the provincein Bothaville, which is the headquarters ofGrainSA. It is thus imperative for investmentsinto the agriculture sector to increase in this areaas there is sufficient land for this. This will ensurea healthy growth over time so that Free Statecan reclaim its title of being the breadbasketof the country.TourismThe Free State Province is home to severalstrategic and unique natural and cultural assetsthat offer significant opportunities for tourisminvestment through strategic partnerships.This approach, which has shown success in theKruger National Park, can be replicated in the FreeState. Collaboration between the public sectorand private investors has the potential to develophigh-end tourism facilities:Sterkfontein Dam and Gariep Dam: Theselarge dams are not only engineering marvels butalso scenic spots perfect for developing luxuryresorts, water sports and fishing activities. Privateinvestors can build exclusive lodges and organiseguided tours, capitalising on the breathtakingviews and serene environment.Clarens and Vredefort Dome: Known for itsartistic community, Clarens in the eastern Free Stateis situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains.The Vredefort Dome near Parys is a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site and a unique geological wonder.Both sites present opportunities for unique lodgingexperiences that blend luxury with natural andhistorical exploration. Boutique hotels and ecolodgescan offer guests a blend of comfort, art andheritage tours.Mangaung: As the provincial capital, Bloemfonteinoffers potential for urban tourism. Investing inupscale hotels, conference centres and culturalexperiences like museum tours and city heritagewalks can attract both leisure and business travelers.State resorts: Existing state resorts in primelocations present opportunities for upgrades andmodernisation. Private-sector players can revitalisethese resorts, introducing luxury accommodation,spa services and bespoke adventure activitiestailored to discerning travellers.Message to investorsInvestments do not happen in a vacuum: a conduciveenvironment has to be created to ensure thatinvestors find a home in our province. As part ofencouraging inward investments, the provincecommits to reducing red tape and improving the easeof doing business.Our message to investors across the world is this:invest in the Free State, the province at the centre ofit all. ■FREE STATE BUSINESS 20256
Free State BusinessA unique guide to business and investment in the Free State.FOREWORDCreditsPublishing director:Chris WhalesEditor: John YoungManaging director: Clive DuringOnline editor: Christoff ScholtzDesigner: Elmethra de BruynProduction:Ashley van SchalkwykProject manager: Chris HoffmanAccount managers:Gabriel VenterDwaine RigbyNtombizifikile MtshaulanaTennyson NaidooAdministration & accounts:Charlene SteynbergKathy WoottonSharon Angus-LeppanDistribution and circulationmanager: Edward MacDonaldPrinting: FA PrintThe 2025 edition of Free State Business is the 14th issue of this successfulpublication that, since its launch in 2008, has established itself as thepremier business and investment guide for the Free State.Several of the agencies of the Free State’s provincial governmenthave taken space within this publication to outline their plans and achievementsto date in attracting new investments into South Africa’s most centrally locatedprovince, including the hosting of an investment conference. A UK company hasannounced the R500-million purchase of a uranium-producing shaft.This issue contains a special feature on skills development within theprovince. News about these and other developments are contained in thesector overviews that outline the characteristics of the main economic sectorsof the province, and report on the latest news in those sectors as well. One ofthe newest sectors is natural gas and helium, both of which are being pursuedby Renergen through its Virginia Gas Project. Significant investments arebeing attracted to the Maluti-A-Phofung Special Economic Zone (MAPSEZ)in the northern part of the province and there are plans to establish anotherSEZ related to the gas find around Welkom. Special features on investmentincentives and starting a business in the South African context are included inthis edition.To complement the extensive local, national and internationaldistribution of the print edition, the full content can also be viewed online atwww.freestatebusiness.co.za. Updated information on the Free State is alsoavailable through our monthly e-newsletter, which you can subscribe to onlineat www.globalafricanetwork.com, in addition to our complementary businessto-businesstitles that cover all nine provinces, our flagship South African Businesstitle and the newest addition to our list of publications, The Journal of AfricanBusiness, which was launched in 2020. ■Chris WhalesPublisher, Global Africa Network Media | Email: chris@gan.co.zaDISTRIBUTIONFree State Business is distributed internationally on outgoingand incoming trade missions, through trade and investmentagencies; to foreign offices in South Africa’s main tradingpartners around the world; at top national and internationalevents; through the offices of foreign representatives inSouth Africa; as well as nationally and regionally via chambersof commerce, tourism offices, airport lounges, provincialgovernment departments, municipalities and companies.Member of the Audit Bureauof CirculationsPUBLISHED BYGlobal Africa Network Media (Pty) LtdCompany Registration No: 2004/004982/07Directors: Clive During, Chris WhalesPhysical address: 28 Main Road, Rondebosch 7700Postal address: PO Box 292, Newlands 7701Tel: +27 21 657 6200Email: info@gan.co.za | Website: www.gan.co.zaISSN 1993-0119COPYRIGHT | Free State Business is an independent publicationpublished by Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd. Full copyright to thepublication vests with Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd. No partof the publication may be reproduced in any form without the writtenpermission of Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd.PHOTO CREDITS | alexandarlittlewolf/Freepik; Bolt and EngineeringDistributors; Broll Auctions and Sales; CHIETA; Free State DevelopmentCorporation (FDC); Goldfields TVET College; Harmony; MTN SAFoundation; Neo Energy Metals; Sasol; SA Tourism.DISCLAIMER | While the publisher, Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd,has used all reasonable efforts to ensure that the information containedin the Free State Business journal is accurate and up-to-date, the publishersmake no representations as to the accuracy, quality, timeliness, orcompleteness of the information. Global Africa Network will not acceptresponsibility for any loss or damage suffered as a result of the use of or anyreliance placed on such information.
