Location 

Bloemfontein, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Free State, South Africa.

Project description 

The Airport Development Node site is a mixed-use development precinct, focused on both office/commercial precincts and residential opportunities.

It is located adjacent to the N8 highway that runs between Bloemfontein and Botshabelo in the Free State Province, South Africa. The study area is apportioned on land north and south of the N8. It consists of approximately 700 hectares in extent and is approximately 6.5 km to the east of Bloemfontein.

The Bloemfontein Airport/Bram Fisher International Airport is located directly north across the N8. The node has been categorised into two phases as follows:

Phase 1: This phase focusses on the development of the business node, international conference centre and hotel, regional shopping mall, tertiary facilities, mixed use, commercial stands, medium-to-high density residential apartment blocks with integrated mixed-use stands and townhouses.

Phase 2: The focus is on developing an industry where an industrial node will be established and be integrated with the future cargo terminal of the Bram Fischer International Airport. Phase 2 will also provide mixed-use areas to encourage interest from private developers.

Current status:

• Township establishment approved on 18 August 2017
• Bulk engineering infrastructure available: water, sanitation and electricity
• Interchange constructed by SANRAL leading into the development

Project stakeholders

• Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
• Free State Provincial Government
• National Human Settlements Department
• South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL)
• Airports Company South Africa (ACSA)
• Private sector investors and developers

Issues to be resolved¹

• Capital injection is needed for the provision of reticulation and link infrastructure
• Investments required into the programme
• Any unblocking matters to be resolved as investors identify specific opportunities

Interventions

• Municipal land secured
• Concept plan and urban designs are completed and approved
• Civil and electricity works for bulk infrastructure completed
• EIA approved
• The diagrams and general plans are approved
• Land rezoned

Project development cost: R10.3-billion

Airport Development Phase 1 Opportunities

Contact

Interested parties are encouraged to contact the project promoters for more information about potential investment opportunities in the precinct. (Please reference Airport Development Node in the subject line.)

The Free State Province lies in the heart of South Africa, with the Kingdom of Lesotho nestling in the hollow of its bean-like shape. Situated between the Vaal River in the north and the Orange River in the south, the region is one of flat, rolling grassland and fields of crops, rising to lovely mountains in the north-east.

The Free State shares borders with six other provinces and provides easy access to the main ports of Durban, East London and Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). The country’s major national highway, N1, runs through the centre of the province on a north-south axis.

Mangaung, comprising Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu, is South Africa’s newest metropolitan authority. The Bram Fischer International Airport in the provincial capital is the site of a multi-phase industrial and commercial development.

The N8 Corridor covers Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu and contains projects including the ICC Precinct (hotel and convention centre in Bloemfontein), Bio-Medical Park, Airport Node (logistics and supply chain, warehouses, residential apartments, hospitals, schools, hotels and new shopping malls), and tourism infrastructure for the Naval Hill development.

The province has an established institutional, educational and administrational infrastructure and is home to the Supreme Court of Appeal, the University of the Free State and the Central University of Technology.

Multiple sector opportunities

The Free State is home to immense investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, ICT, infrastructure development, green energy, construction, tourism and trade.

Some of the biggest current sectors in the province are agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tertiary sectors, making it an ideal location for transport logistics and agro-processing operations. The province is the granary of South Africa, with agriculture central to its economy, while the mining industry is still a large employer.

The province supplies significant proportions of the nation’s sorghum (53%), sunflowers (45%), potatoes (33%), groundnuts (32%), dry beans (26%), wool (24%) and almost all of its cherries (90%). Red meat and dairy are other important products, while game hunting is a growing sector. Crop production represents about two-thirds of the province’s gross agricultural income. The main crops are maize and wheat. Sunflowers, sunflower seeds, sorghum and soybeans are other major crops. The Mangaung Fresh Produce Market plays a vital role in the sector, catering to householders, bulk buyers, informal traders, agents and farmers.

Opportunities are opening up in the province’s gas and energy sector, with exploration licences being granted, and a R200-million plant started producing liquified natural gas (LNG) and helium in 2022.

Opportunities in renewable energy are boundless. Rezoning for solar farms has already taken place in Theunissen, Bloemfontein, Fauresmith and Hoopstad. Solar projects include the 60MW Boshoff Solar PhotoVoltaic (PV) park (Sun Edison) and the 64MW Letsatsi Solar PV (Solar Reserve, Kensani Group and Intikon Energy).

Sasolburg, on the province’s northern border, is one of the country’s most important industrial complexes. It is home to the global giant Sasol and several other chemical facilities. Other towns that are the centre of economic activity include Kroonstad, an important agricultural, administrative and educational centre; Parys, on the banks of the Vaal River; QwaQwa, a vast settlement known for its handcrafted items; Ficksburg, famous for its cherry festival; and Bethlehem, gateway to the Eastern Highlands.

Companies locating to the Free State not only enjoy the opportunity to source inputs at competitive prices, but also benefit from domestic, regional and international markets for their products and services. Because South Africa has been engaging with our economically large trading partners, access to international markets is facilitated through various trade preferences and free-trade agreements.

Adding to the province’s attractiveness as an investment destination, there are several industrial parks and a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) that are supported by the National Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic). Industrial parks are situated in Maluti-A-Phofung, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu. The Maluti-A-Phofung SEZ (MAPSEZ) is situated in Tshiame in the northern part of the province, on the busy N3 highway.

The N3 transports vast amounts of cargo between Johannesburg and Durban, and the infrastructure at the MAPSEZ has been set up in such a way as to suit logistics operators. Manufacturing opportunities are also encouraged within the MAPSEZ and attractive concessions and allowances are available to investors. The key sectors that are being targeted are automotive, agro-processing, logistics, general processing, ICT and pharmaceuticals.

Contact

To find out about a specific opportunity or discuss your potential investment in the Free State, please contact the Free State Department of Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs here:

[contact-form-7]

Location

• Waaihoek Precinct is located immediately to the south of Bloemfontein CBD, in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Free State Province, South Africa.

Developer

• Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality

Project description

The precinct is near the Bloemfontein CBD and interchange zones. The area’s significant heritage value will unlock tourism potential if it is redeveloped, including:

• An urban park,
• restoration of the Old Fort Estate,
• an amphitheater,
• pedestrian walkways and links between nodes,
• hawker trading zone,
• conversion of old power station into accommodation, galleries and offices.

Project status

• R20-million spent on planning and designs of Phase 1 (St Georges Bridge)

Stakeholders

• Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality,
• Free State Provincial Government,
• National Government departments,
• Private Sector

Issues to be resolved

• Project funding

Interventions

• Design completed for Phase 1, final precinct plan completed and presented to National Treasury

Project cost

• R5.7-billion

Job creation

• 5 000 possible employment opportunities

Investment Enquiry

Interested investors are encouraged to contact the project team. Please include Waaihooek Precinct as reference.

Feature image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/south-african-tourism/20511459716/in/photostream/ 

Matjhabeng Municipality incorporates the city of Welkom and the towns of Allanridge, Odendaalsrus, Hennenman, Virginia and Ventersburg with a combined population of more than 500 000 people. 

The economy of the Matjhabeng Municipality is centered around mining activities. Manufacturing aimed at the mining sector exists to a limited extent. Other manufacturing activities are limited.  

Bulk water infrastructure consists mostly of reservoirs and pipelines of Sedibeng Water. These supply all of the Matjhabeng towns and the mines with water from the Vaal River near Bothaville and to a lesser extent from the Sand River. The bulk electrical network is well established in the Matjhabeng area. Eskom serves all mines and towns in the municipal area. 

Access to markets 

The municipality is ideally situated geographically for national and multinational organisations, providing access to key strategic routes and international ports and harbours, which gives reasonable access for both imports and exports of goods and services.

The national route (N1) traverse through the town of Ventersburg and provides a link to other regional routes such as the R70, N3, N5, N6 and N8.  

Invest in Matjhabeng Municipality

This investment guide provides a snapshot of the municipality’s development agenda and a variety of opportunities within various industries:

Contact 

The Matjhabeng Local Municipality is open for business! Interested parties are encouraged to send a brief message of introduction to the team. Please tell us more about your business or investment objectives:

Municipal investment profiling: A digital approach

In 2023, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA introduced the “Investment Profile Template Guide for Municipalities in South Africa” to help municipalities present their investment potential. Research showed only 15% of South African municipalities had investment profiles at the time.

However, limited financial and human resources have hindered digital promotion and investment attraction. SALGA has launched a programme to assist municipalities with digital initiatives, and the following municipalities are included in the first phase:

• City of Ekurhuleni (Gauteng) 
• West Coast District Municipality (Western Cape) 
• Mnquma Local Municipality (Eastern Cape) 
• Matjhabeng Local Municipality (Free State)

The main objective of this project is to provide municipalities with a platform to market themselves as investment destinations to both domestic and foreign investors using an already existing platform and access to the Global Africa Network audience.  

• Bethlehem, Dihlabeng Local Municipality, Thabo Mofutsanyane District Municipality, Free State Province, South Africa.

Economic sectors

• Agriculture and agro-processing.

Company name

Remmoho Capital Investments (Pty) Ltd. (RCI) is a 100% black-owned entity which seeks to drive transformation in the apple industry in the Eastern Free State by establishing a greenfield apple-juice concentrate plant. Remmoho Investments in Agriculture is the main business of RCI, being the production of apples through a 74% equity acquisition of Stead Fruit Growers.

Remmoho Apple Juice Concentrate was established for the production of apple juice concentrate, which is currently in the project development phase.

Project description

• Production of apples. Manufacturing of apple-juice concentrate.

Investment value

• R396.6-million

Funding sources

• Debt and equity finance, grants and new blended finance from select development finance institutions (DFIs)

Funding gap

• R118.9-million

Incentive required

• No less than 30% of total development costs or 50% of capex (estimate)

Jobs to be created

• About 2 500 over the project development cycle

Empowerment

Of jobs at primary production level, more than 70% will be women with average age of 25. A quota system of 55% in favour of unemployed graduates during construction and post-construction phases plus in-service training opportunities for TVET college students. A set aside of 5% of skilled and specialised skills for youth with disabilities.

Project schedule

• In progress, awaiting technical stream of feasibility study∗

Project status (2024)

Primary agriculture: implementation phase is currently at 12ha, with plans to scale up to 100ha over the next three years.

Concentrate plant: feasibility phase, bankable business case in place.

Regulatory requirements

• None required

Issues to be resolved

• Water rights, market-related regulation, council permits.

Partnerships

• Thabo Mofutsanyane District farmers, Heineken Beverages.

Contact

Potential investors are encouraged to contact the investment facilitation team here. Please include reference to the project and a brief introduction to your objectives.

The Free State’s economy grew at an average annual rate of 0.38% over 10 years from R191-billion in 2013 to R342-billion in 2023. The province contributed 4.87% to the South Africa GDP of R7.02-trillion in 2023 and achieved an annual growth rate of 0.15% in the same year, which is lower than the country’s growth rate of 0.70%. It is our considered view that the province must aim to grow the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at an average annual rate of 1.58%, or higher, from 2025 to 2028.

Strategic location is ideal for trade and investment

The Free State Province lies in the heart of South Africa between the Vaal River in the north and the Orange River in the south. The province is a gateway to the Kingdom of Lesotho which is surrounded by the South African provinces of Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape.

The Free State is an ideal investment destination as it is blessed with abundant natural resources. The province is ideally located at the confluence of major logistics arterials and corridors such as the R30, N1, N6, N5, N8 and N3. This makes the movement of goods very economically viable.

Various infrastructure renovations and upgrading projects are underway and this will contribute to an improved investment climate.

The province is also an ideal destination for renewable energy projects, including solar PV, hydro and wind projects. In addition, the grid availability in the province presents an opportunity for investments in independent power producer (IPP) projects in the province. The Free State is also referred to as the breadbasket of the country as agriculture is a significant contributor to its GDP.

Investment opportunities

Renewable energy

The province is an ideal destination for renewable energy projects of all kinds. Good grid availability and enthusiastic investment facilitation present particularly attractive opportunities for investments in the province.

Mining and gas extraction

Although the mining sector is no longer dominant, coal, diamond and gold mining still make up an important part of the Free State economy. Natural gas was first discovered in a Virginia gold mine in 1947, and the mine has been producing combustible gas ever since. A massive amount of helium is produced as a byproduct of natural gas production.

The province has potential mining and beneficiation opportunities in commodities such as gold, diamonds, coal and rare earth elements. Sand and aggregate mining in the Free State province have become very attractive as part of supporting the construction ecosystem.

Special Economic Zones and Industrial Parks

The Maluti-A-Phofung Special Economic Zone (MAPSEZ) is strategically located on the key N5 and N3 logistics corridors which makes it an ideal investment destination. The MAPSEZ aims to attract R2-billion in new investments. Sectors prioritised in the zone are logistics, agro-processing, ICT, automotive, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing.

The 1 000ha estate is divided into four zones: agro-processing, light industrial, heavy industrial and a container terminal.

The Free State, working with the National Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), is upgrading the industrial parks in Botshabelo, Thaba ‘Nchu and Phuthaditjhaba to provide infrastructure to encourage manufacturing in these areas.

The manufacturing and retail sectors provide attractive opportunities for investors in these industrial parks.

Agriculture

The Free State is blessed with abundant production of crops such as maize and sunflower, soya, wheat and potatoes. Livestock farming is also a dominant feature of our agricultural activities.

This region is one of the biggest producers of these crops and there are agri-processing investment opportunities linked to these primary products.

The annual National Maize Producers Organisation (NAMPO) festival is held just outside the border of the province in Bothaville, which is the headquarters of GrainSA.

It is thus imperative for investments into the agriculture sector to increase in this area as there is sufficient land for this. This will ensure a healthy growth over time so that Free State can reclaim its title of being the breadbasket of the country.

Tourism

The Free State Province is home to several strategic and unique natural and cultural assets that offer significant opportunities for tourism investment through strategic partnerships. This approach, which has shown success in the Kruger National Park, can be replicated in the Free State.

Collaboration between the public sector and private investors has the potential to develop high-end tourism facilities:

Sterkfontein Dam and Gariep Dam: These large dams are not only engineering marvels but also scenic spots perfect for developing luxury resorts, water sports and fishing activities. Private investors can build exclusive lodges and organise guided tours, capitalising on the breathtaking views and serene environment.

Clarens and Vredefort Dome: Known for its artistic community, Clarens in the eastern Free State is situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. The Vredefort Dome near Parys is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique geological wonder.

Both sites present opportunities for unique lodging experiences that blend luxury with natural and historical exploration. Boutique hotels and eco-lodges can offer guests a blend of comfort, art and heritage tours.

Mangaung: As the provincial capital, Bloemfontein offers potential for urban tourism. Investing in upscale hotels, conference centres and cultural experiences like museum tours and city heritage walks can attract both leisure and business travelers.

State resorts: Existing state resorts in prime locations present opportunities for upgrades and modernisation. Private-sector players can revitalise these resorts, introducing luxury accommodation, spa services and bespoke adventure activities tailored to discerning travellers.

Message to investors

Investments do not happen in a vacuum: a conducive environment has to be created to ensure that investors find a home in our province.

As part of encouraging inward investments, the province commits to reducing red tape and improving the ease of doing business. Our message to investors across the world is this:

Invest in the Free State, the province at the centre of it all!

Contact

Interested parties who wish to look deeper into any of the above mentioned opportunities are encouraged to send a brief message of introduction to the investment facilitation team:

This approach, which has shown success in the Kruger National Park, can be replicated in the Free State by collaborating with private investors to develop high-end tourism facilities within the state-owned nature reserves: Sterkfontein Nature Reserve (Harrismith), Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve (Ventersburg), Gariep Dam Nature Reserve (Gariep Dam) and Philip Sanders Resort (Bloemfontein).

By investing in these areas, private sector players can partner with government to not only enhance the existing tourism infrastructure but also create new, sustainable and high-quality tourism experiences. 

These developments will not only attract local and international tourists but also contribute to the economic growth and cultural preservation of the Free State Province.

Destination Free State

The tourism sector in the Free State Province is in recovery mode following a hard-hitting pandemic. The provincial government has developed plans to boost recovery and the feedback received indicates that there is a turn for the better.

Comparison between arrivals in Q2 of 2019 and 2023 indicate that the province is on a recovery path, but the road ahead needs collaborative partnerships with all economic sectors to enhance all endeavours that are geared towards the total recovery of the sector, which includes the management, development and promotion of Destination Free State.

In 2023 the province saw a jump to 10-million arrivals, which generated 685 916 trips. During Q2 of 2023 the world was fully opened with none of the countries imposing any restrictions.

The euphoria of travelling and enjoying the open spaces that the province has to offer made it possible for the province to see a growth of 11.3% during this quarter. Statistics indicate that in 2019 the Free State recorded 241 600 international arrivals and 229 100 in Q2 of 2023, which also indicated that there has been growth post the hard lockdown.

Investment opportunities ahead

Known for its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and untapped potential, the Free State offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and success in the tourism sector.

“Tourism is a dynamic sector that has the power to unlock significant economic opportunities. By prioritising tourism development, we are not only investing in infrastructure but also in the cultural richness and natural beauty that make Free State a unique destination,” states Mr Kenny Dichabe, CEO of the Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Authority (FSGLTA).

Captivating natural landscapes

The Free State boasts an array of breathtaking landscapes, from the vast expanses of the Golden Gate Highlands National Park to the picturesque Maloti Route. Investors have the opportunity to develop and showcase eco-friendly resorts, adventure tourism and wellness retreats amid these stunning natural settings.

Cultural heritage and diversity

According to the conclusions of the UNESCO Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, it is critical to encourage the roles of local cultural communities, particularly their participation in safeguarding, which refers to various activities such as identification, research, preservation, promotion, enhancement and revitalisation of various aspects of intangible cultural heritage.

Rich in cultural heritage, the Free State is home to diverse communities, each with its own unique traditions and history. Tourism investors can contribute to the preservation and promotion of this cultural wealth, creating immersive experiences that educate and captivate visitors.

Strategic location

The province is known for its broad sky, fields, mountains and widely spaced settlements. The Free State Province’s capital city is Bloemfontein, which is also South Africa’s judicial capital and the birthplace of the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Situated at the heart of South Africa, the Free State serves as a strategic hub for travellers exploring South Africa.

Tourism investors can benefit from the region’s accessibility, making it an ideal location for transit-oriented developments, conference facilities and stop-over destinations.

Untapped potential for SMMEs

Investors in the Free State have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in the development of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). By supporting local entrepreneurs, tourism investors can contribute to job creation, economic empowerment and the overall growth of the province.

Provincial Government commitment

The Free State Provincial Government is committed to creating an enabling environment for tourism investors. With streamlined processes, incentives and support programmes, investors can navigate the business landscape with confidence and ease.

Unexplored business opportunities

The Free State presents a canvas of unexplored business opportunities in niche markets such as agri-tourism, cultural festivals and educational tourism. Tourism investors can pioneer innovative ventures and shape the tourism landscape in collaboration with local communities.

Community engagement and inclusivity

Engagement in community stewardship initiatives may strengthen ties to a place and engender pride. Sustainability initiatives assist primary and secondary educational objectives, foster social learning and relationships, increase ecological literacy and foster trust in young people. Sustainability may play a significant role in strengthening relationships between communities and particular places as part of an enlarged idea of recreation.

Fostering a local experience of responsibility and encouraging community engagement in resource management may be two of the most critical approaches for building community support for protected areas.

In addition, a community member’s altruistic behaviour towards other members of the community, active participation in group activities and voluntary actions in support of the community’s endorsed initiatives to enhance community value “for oneself as well as others” are all indicators of community engagement.

Investing in the Free State means actively participating in community engagement initiatives. Tourism investors can build partnerships with local communities, ensuring that economic benefits are shared equitably and that tourism development aligns with community needs and aspirations.

As FSGLTA we encourage and support tourism investment in the Free State. We invite investors, stakeholders and industry players to explore the untapped potential of this remarkable province. Together, let’s build a future where the Free State stands as a beacon of sustainable tourism, economic prosperity and cultural vibrancy.

Contact

Interested in setting up or expanding your business? Contact the investment facilitation team to discuss options available in the province:

Project description

On a 395 hectare farm the following projects are to be developed:

• Tourism and game farming: 150 ha mountainous area for small game; self-catering backpackers lodge, a four-star lodge and family chalets
• Intelligent sheep farming: To deliver 12 500 sheep for local and overseas markets
• World-class training centre
• Solar-energy plant

Investment value: R550-million

Funding sources

Impact Empowerment Ventures committed R80-million in 2021 and have so far invested R14.2-million. We intend attracting venture capitalists, private investors and public investors and entities.

Funding gap: R470-million

Jobs to be created: 650

Empowerment: Women, 55% of workforce; youth, 45%; people with disabilities, 5%

Project schedule and current status

• Five-year timeline, with phase one in the first quarter of 2024.
• Currently at pre-implementation phase, funding required to go into full implementation.
• Intelligent Sheep Farming has been in operation for two years and it is ready to scale up.

Regulatory requirements: EIA process has begun. More funding is needed for this phase. No other issues to be resolved.

Partnerships

Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), Impact Empowerment Ventures, Agri All Africa, Agri X, Department of Agricultural Economics at University of Pretoria, Bengu Farm.

Return on investment: Investors will get a full benefit on their investment.

Enquiries

Potential investors in this project are asked to contact the project manager here with a brief introduction and summary of business/investment objectives:

[contact-form-7]

MAP SEZ offers 1 038 hectares of land for industrial development. Since the Durban port is the busiest in the southern hemisphere, it therefore means that the N3 carries the majority of the traffic to different locations in South Africa and neighbouring countries such as Lesotho and Swaziland. Through its cross-docking precinct and its logistics and warehousing sectors, the MAP SEZ presents itself as a solution to lighten the traffic pressure on the N3.

This Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is part of the Free State leg of the massive Durban-Free State-Gauteng logistics and industrial corridor that is intended to strengthen the logistics and transport corridor between South Africa’s main industrial hubs to:

• Improve access to export and import markets.
• Integrate Free State industrial strategy activities into the corridor.
• Create job opportunities and grow the economy within the region.

Investor benefits

Benefits that will be derived from locating within MAP SEZ include:

• 15% corporate tax instead of 28% corporate tax
• Building allowance
• Employment incentive
• Customs controlled area (CCA)
• 12i Tax allowance

What the MAP SEZ offers

• Lots of space – 1038 ha available to prospective investors
• Long-term lease periods which provide investors an opportunity to recoup investment on infrastructure
• Affordability in the form of concessions offered on rentals

Priority sectors

There are six priority sectors:

• Automotive
• Agri-processing
• Logistics
• General processing
• ICT
• Pharmaceuticals

SEZ project pipeline

There are various companies that have signed letters of intent to locate in the MAP SEZ. Some of the sectors targeted for establishment within the MAP SEZ are as follows:

• Logistics and distribution
• Agro-processing
• Food processing
• Rail-based container terminal (Transnet Freight Rail)
• Starch chemicals
• Biogas

MAP SEZ milestones

• MAP SEZ was launched on 25 April 2017 to operate as a Special Economic Zone.
• Maluti-A-Phofung SEZ was granted an operator permit in 2017 by the Minister of Trade and Industry after cabinet approval.
• Perimeter fencing and lighting have been completed.
• Bulk infrastructure roll-out is in progress and is 80% complete.
• The SEZ has developed a marketing and promotion pipeline which has attracted 24 potential investors with an estimated investment value of R2.6-billion and will create approximately 22 130 permanent and temporary job opportunities in the next 5 to 10 years.

Economic development

As part of its mandate, the MAP SEZ is intended to create decent work, transfer of skills and other social economic benefits. In line with this requirement, the MAP SEZ’s robust investment-promotion pipeline will allow the entity to create an estimated 22 130 permanent and temporary job opportunities in the Maluti-A-Phofung region over the next 5 to 10 years.

Contact

For more information or to discuss available opportunities, please contact the MAP SEZ:

Kindly use as reference in subject line the words MAP SEZ

ERF 3410 and 3411 Odendaalsrus, Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Free State Province, South Africa.

Project developers

DESTEA, through its entities (FDC and FSGLTA) and Matjhabeng Local Municipality.

Project description

The Phakisa Freeway/Raceway is a motor-racing circuit located between the towns of Welkom and Odendaalsrus in the Free State. It is the only oval speedway in Africa.

The intended project will redevelop the Phakisa Raceway and improve its standards in line with Motorsport South Africa (MSA) regulations. 

The Phakisa Freeway/Raceway consists of a 4.242 km road course and a 2.414 km oval course. The road course uses the oval’s pit lane as its backstraight and crosses the oval’s backstretch twice.

History

The Phakisa Freeway/Raceway hosted the penultimate leg of the 1999 Federation of International Motorcycling Grand Prix in 1999, just a few months after it opened. Regarded as very demanding on riders, the oval course is an exact replica of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Built on the site of the old Goldfields Raceway which hosted Springbok Series sports car racing from the 1970s, the modern track hosted three consecutive FIM World Motorcycle Championship Grand Prix, culminating in 2001. The last one was held in 2004. Although a return was promised in 2014, this did not happen.

Testing and track day events are sometimes held at the venue, but regular racing such as used to draw large crowds is something that new investment will hopefully bring back. The Phakisa Freeway has a possible capacity for 60 000 spectators.

Contact the DESTEA

Interested parties are encouraged to contact the DESTEA. Please reference Phakisa Freeway Project in the subject line.

[contact-form-7]