16EASTERN CORRIDORTHE
16EASTERN CORRIDORTHE EASTERN DEVELOPMENT CORRIDORORTIA Precincts 1 and 2 target industries that producehigh-value, low-mass products suitable for airfreight suchas jewellery, diamonds, pharmaceuticals, electronics andagro-processing. The Springs Precinct is strategicallypositioned to enhance the beneficiation of Platinum GroupMetals (PGM), focusing on products like fuel cells due to itsproximity to the PGM refinery. It is also identified as an idealsite for producing capital and mining equipment.ORTIA SEZ Precinct 1 hosts the GIDZ head office, theJewellery Manufacturing Precinct (JMP) and one of theworld’s largest fresh-food factories. In March 2024, KingPhilippe of Belgium was present at the opening of thefacilities of Pluczenik in the JMP, which also hosts 19 othercompanies including a precious metal refinery, diamondtraders, cutting and polishing companies, jewellerymanufacturers and a skills centre.It also houses the South African Diamonds and PreciousMetals Regulator and the State Diamond Trader. All topstructures have been completed in this area. The annualtarget to operationalise two cluster components wassuccessfully achieved in FY 2023/24, marking a significantmilestone in the development of Precinct 1. As scheduled,tenant-billing activities commenced, further solidifying theprogress made within this timeframe.Comprising 265 000m² of developable space, the ORTambo SEZ Precinct 2 development is well positionedto support the production and export of time-sensitiveproducts such as medicines. A Pharmaceutical Clusteris envisaged for this precinct. By facilitating increasedexports through OR Tambo International Airport,Precinct 2 will contribute to strengthening SouthAfrica’s position in the global market, particularly inpharmaceuticals, medical devices and electronics.
17SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND MENTORSHIPA cornerstone of the GIDZ strategy is the focus on skills developmentthrough its mentorship programmes. During FY 2023/24 theprogramme aimed to include five interns, focusing on ORTIA SEZ’soperations and construction functions. Although some internsresigned, the programme continued to attract new participants andactively engaged with educational institutions to replenish and expandthe intern pool. As a result, The ORTIA SEZ operations and constructioninternship programme currently hosts a total of seven interns.ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT AND SMME SUPPORTThe ORTIA SEZ has been proactive in fostering enterprisedevelopment, with a total of 51 SMMEs benefiting from the zoneduring the FY 2023/24. These SMMEs were involved in variouscapacities, from providing essential services like plumbing andfire engineering to participating in facility management, securitymanagement and event management services. Such initiativesdemonstrate the GIDZ’s commitment to empowering local businessesand alignment with national development objectives.PROPOSALS FOR FUTURE CLUSTER DEVELOPMENTSVarious clusters are proposed for future development within theORTIA SEZ. These clusters would comprise several elements:Medical Cluster: sub-assembly plant; labelling and packaging;logistics, warehousing and cold storage; sterilisation facility;regulatory and testing laboratories; plant heating and cooling; waterpurification; research and development and innovation.Agro-processing and Agri-tech Cluster: food factory; cannabis cluster;supplier development; value-chain providers; Innovation Centre.Component and Metals Manufacturing Cluster: avionics; electronics;3D printing; metals fabrication; Innovation Centre.CONTACT DETAILSEmail: info@gidz.co.zaWebsite: www.ortambosez.co.za
