By 
Five geographic corridors have been conceptualised as a framework to grow the Gauteng economy in a sustainable and equitable way.
Building on established routes connecting major centres, the corridor concept allows for targeted interventions in specific areas and designated sectors.
With the province’s three large metropolitan areas already providing a focus for development in the metropolitan municipalities of Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, the corridor model extends the idea of focussed growth to the Western Development Corridor (aligned to the political authority of the West Rand District Municipality) and the Southern Development Corridor (the Sedibeng District Municipality).
The Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) has established subsidiaries within corridors to drive development programmes specific to that area.
The Northern Development Corridor
The City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality encompasses Atteridgeville, Bronkhorstspruit, Centurion, Cullinan, Ga-Rankuwa, Garsfontein, Hammanskraal, Irene, Mabopane, Mamelodi, Pretoria, Pretoria North, Rayton, Refilwe, Roodeplaat, Soshanguve and Winterveldt.
GGDA subsidiaries in the Northern Corridor are The Innovation Hub and the Automotive Development Centre (AIDC).
The automotive sector, research and development, innovation and the knowledge-based economy are the key elements driving the economy of the Northern Corridor. Successful projects include the Automotive Supplier Park, the Tshwane Special Economic Zone and the Auto City.
The Eastern Development Corridor
The City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality includes Alberton, Bedfordview, Benoni, Boksburg, Brakpan, Clayville, Daveyton, Dunnottar, Edenvale, Germiston, Katlehong, Kempton Park, Kwa-Thema, Nigel, Olifantsfontein, Springs, Tembisa, Thokoza and Vosloorus.
GGDA subsidiary: Gauteng Industrial Development Zone (GIDZ), the entity responsible for the OR Tambo Special Economic Zone (OR Tambo SEZ).
Ekurhuleni is known as “Africa’s Workshop” because of the enormous concentration of manufacturing, particularly between Alrode and Wadeville. Logistics is strong because of the proximity of Africa’s busiest airport and there is a long history of important rail movements and rail manufacturing, exemplified in the Gibela consortium’s facility in Nigel.
The OR Tambo SEZ at OR Tambo International Airport is at the centre of the aerotropolis in Ekurhuleni. Credit: GGDA
The OR Tambo SEZ focusses on export-oriented manufacturing through initiatives such as the Jewellery Manufacturing Precinct.
The Central Development Corridor
The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality includes Alexandra, Diepkloof, Diepsloot, Ennerdale, Johannesburg, Lenasia, Meadowlands, Midrand, Orange Farm, Pimville, Randburg, Roodepoort, Sandton and Soweto.
GGDA subsidiary: Constitution Hill Development Company (ConHill).
The Central Development Corridor is the economic powerhouse of South Africa, contributing approximately 17% of South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP), mostly through the manufacturing, retail and service industry sectors such as finance, services, ICT and pharmaceutical industries. Sandton is the richest square mile in Africa and one street in Soweto has been home to two Nobel laureates.
Constitution Hill itself is a former prison complex that throws light on South Africa’s ugly past and is today a museum in close proximity to the country’s highest court. The GGDA subsidiary aims to use culture and history not only to promote understanding but as way of supporting creative enterprises through the arts while rejuvenating the inner city.
The Western Development Corridor
The West Rand District Municipality comprises three local municipalities, viz, Merafong City, Mogale City and Rand West City, which in turn cover the towns of Carletonville, Fochville, Krugersdorp, Magaliesburg, Muldersdrift, Randfontein, Wedela and Westonaria.
GGDA initiatives: Chamdor Auto Hub, West Rand SEZ, Lanseria Smart City Project.
Mining activity is dwindling and it is no longer the lifeblood of the West Rand. The intention is to diversify the economy into new areas such as renewable energy and tourism while building on a particular strength (through the Busmark factory) in bus manufacturing. Agriculture and agro-processing will not only create sustainable growth but contribute to food security.
The N12 and N14 pass through the district, expanding the potential for such enterprises. Expansion of the Lanseria Airport would potentially be a catalyst for further developments.
The Vaal SEZ benefits from well-connected infrastructure, encompassing roads, rail networks, and power systems. Credit: Vaal SEZ
The Southern Development Corridor
The Sedibeng District Municipality comprises three local municipalities, Emfuleni, Lesedi and Midvaal, which administer the following towns: De Deur/Walkerville, Devon, Eikenhof, Evaton, Heidelberg, Meyerton, Nigel, Sebokeng, Vaal Marina, Vaal Oewer, Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging.
GGDA subsidiary: Vaal Special Economic Zone (Vaal SEZ).
Vanderbijlpark is a name that conjures up a particular era, a time when South Africa was rapidly industrialising after WWI. The town literally came into being to produce steel and it formed, together with Vereeniging and Sasol in the Free State, the points in the Vaal Triangle which was at the heart of South African heavy industry.
Location of the Vaal SEZ.
Today is a different time and the Vaal SEZ is an attempt to grapple with new realities. A multi-site, multi-sector SEZ will spread development over the district with a focus on low-carbon manufacturing and renewable energy production.
Agro-processing, logistics, the Blue Economy (related to the Vaal River), light manufacturing and skills development and training (leveraging existing tertiary institutions) are all sectors that hold potential. The region already has good transport infrastructure and the Heineken Sedibeng Brewery has been expanding.
Explore opportunities in Gauteng
With the myriad opportunities for business startup or expansion in these 5 development corridors in Gauteng, interested parties are encouraged to engage the GGDA team about your business or investment objectives.
Please send a brief introduction via this form and the relevant consultant will be in touch!
Comments