​Thembisa Shologu
The Gauteng Provincial Government is working towards reigniting and reconstructing the economy following the economic impact caused by the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.
During the visit to the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to assess progress following the launch in November last year, Gauteng Premier, David Makhura said SEZs were an important intervention in reconstruction of the Gauteng economy. 
Makhura said the province would continue to improve the ease of doing business in each sector, develop the skilled workforce for each industry and build enabling infrastructure, including special economic zones (SEZ) and industrial parks.
"Special Economic Zones are a critical lever to revitalise the Gauteng economy post COVID-19 as they will contribute towards trade balance, employment, increase investment and job creation. 
"The first phase of bulk infrastructure is expected to be completed by the end of the year and in the next year, tenants will start moving in.
"Ford South Africa has invested R17 billion into the project and an additional R4 billion will be invested by suppliers who will operate in the supplier park.
"Over 100 jobs have already been created in the first phase of the project since August 2020 and 8 500 jobs will be created during the construction phase, with over 18 000 sustainable jobs beyond construction," said Premier Makhura. 
There is 47% of participation by local SMMEs in line with the provincial government's commitment to revitalise the township economy.
"Training sessions on bidding and pricing structures, as well as workshops on accessing funding conducted with 50 SMMEs from local wards, including on use of the SMME portal system.
"The Gauteng Provincial Government is working with local and national government as part of the District Development Model (DDM) to implement Special Economic Zones in all corridors of the province," said Makhura.
Strategic projects to be implemented in all five corridors, include the following: 
• In the Eastern Corridor; R200bn worth of investments to be unlocked in the next 5-10 years;
• Southern Corridor: R40bn worth of infrastructure investments will revitalise the manufacturing sector, logistics, agriculture and agro-processing located in a Special Economic Zone that covers both sides of the Vaal; and
• Central Corridor: R200bn will be invested to consolidate Johannesburg as Africa's financial and technological nerve centre, with globally competitive capabilities in business services, pharmaceuticals, innovation, research and development.​