President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed strong confidence in the Northern Cape’s economic trajectory, describing the province as “a linchpin” in South Africa’s push toward industrialisation, manufacturing, and a green economy.
Speaking during the sixth presidential cabinet oversight visit to the Northern Cape on Friday, Ramaphosa praised the coordinated efforts between national, provincial and local government, saying such alignment is already bearing fruit in one of the country’s most underdeveloped but resource-rich regions.
“This is a province that’s on the move,” the President told journalists after receiving progress reports on several infrastructure and economic development projects.
“We were impressed with the vision laid out by the provincial leadership – the various projects they have in the pipeline can turn the economy of this province around.”
Long viewed as geographically isolated and economically marginal, the province has in recent years emerged as a focal point for large-scale renewable energy investments, thanks in part to its exceptional solar radiation levels – among the highest in the world.
This natural advantage has positioned the province as South Africa’s renewable energy hub, attracting billions in private sector investment.
Ramaphosa noted that this momentum was expanding beyond energy into industrialisation and manufacturing.
According to the president, plans were underway to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) that will anchor new industries in the province, particularly those leveraging local mineral resources and renewable energy infrastructure.
“We see this province as central to driving the next phase of our economic development… We’re looking at setting up an SEZ and bringing manufacturing here, which will be underpinned by the natural resources this province holds,” he said.
In addition to economic infrastructure, Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of human capital development, noting that youth skills training will be a critical component of the province’s growth.
“This is a province with great promise and a great future. We’re not just investing in infrastructure – we’re investing in people,” he said.
Friday’s visit was part of an ongoing government initiative to evaluate service delivery and fast-track development across the country’s provinces.
Politics
