PRETORIA: Kwaulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Sihle Zikalala has unveiled a R16 million Customs Controlled Area (CCA) Gate Complex at the Industrial Development Zone in Richards Bay.
Speaking during the event on Friday, MEC Zikalala said the CCA signals the readiness of the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) to conduct business and attract even more investors to Richards Bay.
“The CCA boasts a CCA with dedicated RBIDZ Staff and South African Revenue Services (SARS) officials to provide support for access and customs controls as well as VAT requirements,” he said.
MEC Zikalala said the RBIDZ is tailored for the manufacturing of goods and production of services to boost beneficiation, investment, economic growth and the development of skills and employment.
“The CCA is the backbone of the IDZ programme, as it ensures full compliance to all SARS requirements and allows locators to benefit from incentives such as VAT-free transactions, no import/export duties and expedited customs procedures,” he said.
During the event, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Finance Belinda Scott performed a sod-turning for a Technology Hub in the region.
MEC Zikalala said the Techno Park is essential for the research that will influence the type of industrial development and innovation that could be pursued in the local economy.
“In view of Richards Bay’s ambition to become the leading heavy industrial node, it is inevitable that the RBIDZ should introduce the Techno Parks in its portfolio, as these would be catalysts in wooing different businesses in diverse sectors of the economy,” MEC Zikalala said.
He said the Techno Hub concept provides a platform for creative innovation that will allow small, micro, medium and large business to develop together so that the individuals from within these entities will initiate opportunities for future development and expansion of their own industries.
The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone Techno Hub is the second of four science and technology innovation centres to be rolled out in KwaZulu-Natal, after Provincial Treasury launched the first techno hub in Port Shepstone last month. Two more will be launched soon in Newcastle and Pietermaritzburg, respectively.
These Techno Hubs are expected to draw high-tech entrepreneurs, private businesses, academic institutions, researchers, and investors interested in providing concepts through innovation in order to create platforms for commercialisation of technology and innovation-based businesses.
