Question NW2322 to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
01 July 2022 - NW2322
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
(1)Whether the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone is still within its project timelines and scope; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the details of the current status of the project; (2) whether the issue of the Environmental Impact Assessment has been resolved; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) of the 21 000 jobs envisaged to be created by the project, what total number of (a) jobs are going to benefit the residents of Limpopo and (b) businesses from Limpopo stand to benefit?
Reply:
The project is under the control and management of the Limpopo province.
The Department has contacted the CEO of Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) in order to respond to the questions posed, and the CEO has furnished the department with the following reply:
1. The project is behind schedule due to delays in the process of securing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) authorisation on time. The timelines for the implementation of the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) are dependent on amongst others, the granting of the environmental authorisation. The environmental authorisation granted on 23rd February 2022 is currently the subject of an appeal process. As a result, no development can take place on the site until the appeal processes are completed.
2. Environmental authorisation was granted on 23rd February 2022 and currently undergoing appeal process.
3. It is anticipated that majority of the job opportunities to be created in the MMSEZ will benefit the people of Limpopo, based on the available skills. Priority will be given to local entrepreneurs for the majority of business opportunities in line with the existing government policies and regulations. A comprehensive enterprise development strategy has been developed for the integration and empowerment of local Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the implementation of the project.
The Honourable Member is encouraged to engage directly with the province and the SEZ Management to get more details about the project.
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