Northern Cape Business 2024-25

The 2024/25 edition of Northern Cape Business is the 14th issue of this highly successful publication that has, since its launch in 2009, has established itself as the premier business and investment guide for the Northern Cape Province. Officially supported and used by the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDaT), Northern Cape Business is unique as a business and investment guide that focuses exclusively on the province. Specific investment projects are outlined in detail by DEDaT in this journal, covering opportunities in energy and mining, together with reports on dedicated investment zones. One of these new zones is on the Atlantic Ocean, a short distance north of Port Nolloth. The Northern Cape is almost uniquely qualified to play a lead role in the development of the country’s green hydrogen economy, given its bountiful resources of land, wind and sun. The blending together of an earlier idea to develop a deepwater port at Boegoebaai with the creation of a Special Economic Zone devoted to green hydrogen production is particularly exciting. With the year 2024 signalling the end of an election cycle, two special features in this edition focus on important elements of the brief of the public sector, namely education and infrastructure.

FOCUS Uplifting

FOCUS Uplifting communities through housing opportunities Kumba contributes R27-million to housing project. In a good example of a successful Public-Private Partnership, Kumba Iron Ore and the Northern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA ) and Gamagara Local Municipality will deliver 142 Breaking New Ground homes to the Siyathemba community in Gamagara Municipality once construction is complete. Addressing stakeholders at the handover ceremony, Lorraine Scheepers, Principal of Mineral Rights and Permitting at Kumba Iron Ore, spoke of the value of the partnership. “This collaboration marks a significant milestone for community development and empowerment between the private and public sectors. We proudly stand here to witness the handing over of 10 of 142 BNG housing projects, a testament to our collective commitment to community development.” Built by CoGHSTA, the 10 homes were officially handed over to their new owners by the department’s MEC, Bentley Vass, alongside Gamagara Municipality Mayor, Councillor Johannes Roman, and Kumba Iron Ore representatives. As a responsible corporate citizen, Kumba has contributed by donating the 142 serviced stands to the Gamagara Municipality and installing electrical infrastructure to the cumulative value of approximately R27-million. In addition to the serviced stand, Kumba is donating the newly renovated Siyathemba Flats, comprising 104 units on approximately 2ha of land, to the Gamagara Municipality for rental housing. Adds Scheepers, “We’re working with the municipality to convert the flats to a sectional title homeownership scheme, enabling occupants to obtain title deeds to the units.” Altogether, the partnership between Kumba Iron Ore and the government will unlock housing for over 200 families, ensuring that communities are uplifted and can be afforded the opportunity to play meaningful roles within society. Speaking about the project, MEC Bentley Vass gave his view on the partnership: “We have a backlog of 84 000 units in the Northern Cape, which gives you an indication of the housing development challenges. “We need partners like Kumba and the private sector to help the government improve our people’s lives. My message for our beneficiaries is to look after your houses, plant trees and paint the walls. And to our partners, we appreciate the support you have given to our communities.” ■s of communities. We applaud it for being a partner in sustainable mining and an ally in building resilient, thriving communities.