By: Nhlanhla Mthembu

Government officials and business representatives officially launched the Phase 1A of the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ), construction Sizabantu Piping System

(SPS Manufacturing Plant) on Thursday at uMhlathuze.

The RBIDZ was distinctly established by government in April 2002 and its area was then modified in August 2006. With the inception of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act, the

Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone is deemed to be an SEZ.

The aim of building the RBIDZ is to develop an industrial estate in order to attract local and foreign investors who will create production capacity to beneficiate South Africa’s raw
materials prior to export and will thereby create employment and improve the skills base.

SPS Manufacturing Plant is the first plant to be constructed in the Phase 1A of the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone Company (SOC) Pty.

Sam-Lib Civils, a construction company contracted to build the plant for SPS Manufacturing Company Construction, which commenced in July 2015 and is projected for completion in
May 2016.

Speaking at the launched, Chief Executive Officer of Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone Company (SOC) Pty, Pumi Motsoahae, said that the launch of this RBIDZ is something
that excites them immensely they have waited so long for the day.

“There have been some level of apprehension and some people feel that this IDZ is not going anywhere, and today is perhaps an opportunity to show that this long awaited for IDZ is
indeed going somewhere there is a particular clear vision that the board is set and there’s clear target that has been dimidiated for us to achieve,” said Motsoahae. “Today we are going
to be witnessing the launch of the construction,” she added.

Mayor of uMhlathuze Municipality, Mduduzi Mhlongo, said that the RBIDZ promised to bring hope in terms of job creation as addressed in the state of the city address last month.

“It is well noting that the RBIDZ continues to be the beacon of hope in our quest to accelerate growth and job creation, we applaud the leadership and management of the RBIDZ for a job
well done,” said Mhlongo.

The RBIDZ has to date attracted and signed investment to the value of R6.8 Billion and has a good pipeline with the investment that is valued at about R12 Billion.

It will also create 60 direct jobs, 110 indirect jobs, and further give opportunities to SMMEs for subcontracting.