Embracing Nelson Mandela’s Legacy Through Economic Inclusivity and Socio-Economic Development Efforts
As we honour Nelson Mandela's legacy this July, it's important to reflect on the principles that defined his vision for South Africa - economic inclusivity and socio-economic development. The OR Tambo Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is actively pursuing these ideals through its development approach.
Economic Inclusivity: Empowering Emerging Enterprises
Nelson Mandela believed in creating a society where everyone, regardless of their background, race and gender have equal opportunities. By promoting policies that ensure equal access to education, healthcare, and economic resources, Mandela's principles were aimed at bridging economic divides and inequality and ultimately, creating a more inclusive economy where everyone has the chance to succeed.
This principle of economic inclusivity forms part of the OR Tambo SEZ’s enterprise development approach through which economic opportunities for emerging enterprises are facilitated by purposeful market access arrangements.
An example of this is the goldsmith Jewellery Excellence Masterclass (“JEM”) program being implemented in collaboration with an investor at the SEZ. Through this world-class quality and skills enhancement initiative, jewellery manufactured by emerging enterprises forming part of the programme is provided with an off-take in international markets, further contributing to the nurturing of local talent into global players.
The program, now in its second cohort since 2023, has already produced success stories like Isabel Bothma, a winner of the 2024 Woolworths Youth Makers Competition. Isabel, who started her business in 2019, gained valuable expertise in designing and marketing contemporary jewellery through the JEM program. Success stories such as Isabel’s are at the centre of the OR Tambo SEZ’s economic inclusivity efforts, through which it works with key stakeholders and market players to facilitate market access for young and upcoming businesses who historically may not have had a chance to participate in some of these industries.
Socio-Economic Development: Creating Opportunities for All
In the spirit of Mandela’s vision, it is argued that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in South Africa have a role to play in advancing socio-economic growth and inclusivity: by providing a platform that communities can access for jobs and economic opportunities. The OR Tambo SEZ has made a concerted effort to ensure that its build program focuses on local hiring and sub-contracting, allowing the benefits of development to reach the marginalized residents of Ekurhuleni.
Whilst there is a particular focus on the build programme, the OR Tambo SEZ’s socio-economic efforts are multi-faceted; they not only seek to create temporary jobs or economic opportunities during construction, they also seek to provide a platform for skills enhancement within the local community, thereby promoting social equity.
By undertaking its development with some of these principles underpinned to its development approach, the OR Tambo SEZ aims to respond to legacy issues that continue to constrain South Africa whilst concurrently, promoting economic growth, social justice and empowerment. As a team, we believe that these are efforts that Madiba would support!
For more information on the OR Tambo SEZ, visit: www.ortambosez.co.za