​Qaqambile Mdledle
Zuurbekom, although earmarked for agricultural purposes, unemployment and underdevelopment are high in the area forcing the last remaining farmers to relocate.
However, a new and unique West Rand Mega Park once completed, itis expected to reignite the economic activity in the area.
The R20 Billion project will comprise of Agri-Processing Hub and Industrial Park, with a food city centre that will include a fresh produce market and various food markets and other ancillary services.
These include meat and chicken market, fish and seafood market, dry goods market, flower market, funeral one-stop retail centre, wedding one-stop retail centre, hotel with conference facilities, training centre, restaurants, and fast-food outlets, and a kids recreational area.
Set on 302.6 hectares, the park developed by Maximum Group Holdings (Pty) Ltd and Afribiz is strategically situated at the intersection of R558 and N12 highway, at the entrance of Protea Glen in Soweto.
With the City Deep Fresh Produce market being 40 kilometers away, there is no industrial, agricultural facility or fresh produce market to meet the region's needs.
Maximum Group Founder and Group CEO, Slaven Gajovic is confident that the project will be a major economic and social boost for communities in[DN(1]  Fochville and Western Gauteng which includes Westonaria, Randfontein, Krugersdorp as well as Lenasia and Eldorado Park.
Furthermore, the park will go a long way in positioning the West Rand as the produce basket of the province as some 40% of all fresh produce supplied in Gauteng comes from this region.
The development will also empower many businesses in the supply chain. 
"These answers critical issues currently on the African continent job creation, improving exports, training and education, food security, assisting small and emerging farmers, to name just a few," said Slaven.
Young people are being trained and upskilled to participate in the project and the industry beyond construction .
"The project works closely with the communities locally and nationally. It will create over 50 000 permanent jobs and 7,500 temporary jobs. It will be a major catalytic project and enabler of future growth in the areas of Soweto and Rand West," Slaven added.
The developers said they looked forward to a partnership with the government and other stakeholders to promote economic growth – part of the Growing Gauteng 2030 Plan.
The Gauteng Provincial Government has indicated that it supports the nomination of the West Rand Mega Park as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as it will be a catalyst for the development and investment in the area.