Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism

18/11/2024

STRENGTHENING THE EC AUTO INDUSTRY

MEC for DEDEAT, Hon Nonkqubela Pieters, continues to champion provincial priorities linked to her portfolio including inclusive economic growth and transformation through strategic engagements with key industries.

Following her visit to the liquor industry, the MEC visited Schaeffler, the only plant in Africa and Shatterprufe, a leading windscreen and auto glass manufacturer, both based in Gqeberha and integral to the automotive sector.

During the visits, the MEC:
• Engaged with the companies on their operations, challenges, and opportunities.
• Discussed key infrastructure concerns, particularly around roads, electricity, and water—critical enablers for doing business.
• Shared with them the 7th administration’s priorities including inclusive growth that creates jobs, noting Schaeffler's employment of 400 people, including 40% women and 30% youth.

18/11/2024

PROMOTING GROWTH

The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Hon Zuko Godlimpi, was warmly welcomed by MEC for DEDEAT, Hon Nonkqubela Pieters, alongside DEDEAT HOD, Ms Mickey Mama and CDC’s Acting CEO, Mr Themba Koza at the Coega Development Corporation, an entity of DEDEAT.

The visit discussed:
• Strategies for export-led growth aligned with the Industrial Policy Action Plan.
• Unlocking opportunities through improved logistics networks.
• Enhancing capacity to leverage global economic shifts.
• Strengthening the Eastern Cape’s value proposition for investors.

This engagement reflects DEDEAT’s commitment to transforming the Eastern Cape into a hub of sustainable, inclusive economic development, unlocking the full potential of the SEZs and positioning them as a catalyst for growth.

08/11/2024

IT'S A WRAP

Over the course of three days, MEC Pieters led the DEDEAT and Eastern Cape Liquor Board team in strategic meetings with major liquor industry players, including Heineken Beverages, South African Breweries, Diageo South Africa, the Drinks Federation of South Africa and Aware.org

The province’s message was well-received, with the primary outcome being a commitment to develop, update, and sign Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that will establish clear frameworks for collaboration in several shared priority areas.

The MOUs among others will outline:
1. Industry Investments: Encouraging industry investments in the province to support economic growth and job creation, contributing to the Eastern Cape’s top priorities.
2. Industry Transformation: Advancing transformation within the liquor industry to promote inclusive growth.
3. Social Responsibility: Partnering on initiatives to address the negative social impacts of alcohol, including underage drinking, prenatal exposure and irresponsible consumption.
4. Agricultural Partnerships: Exploring opportunities for the Eastern Cape to supply agricultural raw materials

07/11/2024

INDUSTRY LEADERS EMBRACE MEC’S CALL FOR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PROVINCE

During the second day of her alcohol industry engagement, MEC Pieters met with key stakeholders from the Drinks Federation of South Africa, Aware.org and South African Breweries. These partners committed to collaborating with the province to address the socio-economic impacts of alcohol.

Together, the MEC and industry leaders acknowledged that high youth unemployment contributes to challenges like irresponsible, underage and prenatal drinking.

As a result, the teams agreed to jointly develop a formal framework (MOUs) to address these challenges including commitments to capital investment in line with provincial priorities.

The industry players welcomed the province’s proactive approach and activism. This follows a successful engagement with Heineken Beverages on the first day of the visit.

06/11/2024

PARTNERSHIP AND TRANSFORMATION HIGH ON THE AGENDA AT THE HEINEKEN VISIT

The Eastern Cape and Heineken Beverages have agreed to draft a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise a collaborative framework that will address common interests.

Key initiatives include the province's anti-pens-down campaign, learner ambassador programme, alcohol harm reduction efforts, road safety, compliance, and enforcement. Additionally, the MoU will focus on transformation in the industry, exploring the potential supply of raw materials such as apples and yellow maize by the Province to the brewer, and enhancing recycling efforts for alcohol bottles and cans to generate employment and business opportunities while reducing waste.

For more details, follow https://buff.ly/4fvWSpN

04/11/2024

SUCCESSFUL INAUGURAL PROVINCIAL INVESTMENT COUNCIL MEETING

The Eastern Cape Premier, supported by MEC Pieters, led the first sitting of the Provincial Investment Council (PIC). The first PIC sitting discussions established clear rules of engagement, laid the groundwork for targeted sector engagements that will drive action and help remove regulatory obstacles to investment growth.

The PIC was established to enhance province-wide planning, streamline reporting, and strengthen the implementation of investment activities. This council will lead critical reforms, boost infrastructure spending and resolve bottlenecks in strategic projects.

With 15 members—captains of industry, CEOs, business chamber leaders, and senior public sector managers—the council reflects the collaborative spirit needed to promote investment in the Eastern Cape. It marks a major step toward advancing the province’s investment landscape, supporting both economic growth and sustainable development.

DEDEAT is mandated to coordinate effective facilitation of investment promotion activities in the province to attract investment. In this regard, the Department is engaged in critical groundwork, including:
• Coordination and management of the Provincial Investment Forum
• Providing support for provincial investment promotion initiatives
• Developing policies, strategies, and information
• Facilitating development of an investment pipeline across the provincial priority sectors

31/10/2024

MEC PIETERS HAILS GOVERNMENT-PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIP

MEC Pieters commended the collaboration between government and the private sector, which has led to a new, community-based digital computer laboratory for a township high school. “As government, we have always understood that we can only achieve scaled-up impact when we work with the private sector, and this laboratory bears testimony to that," she said

The new state-of-the-art lab at Umtiza High School in Santa Settlement, West Bank, was made possible through a partnership between the East London IDZ, an entity of DEDEAT, Microsoft South Africa, and Devaire.

MEC Pieters also highlighted that one of the priorities of the 7th administration is to invest in people, which includes driving a skills revolution to equip young people with marketable skills.
She also noted that the handover aligns with the administration’s other priority, that of building industries, with young people playing a key role.

MEC Pieters urged the community to safeguard the facility, emphasizing that it contributes to a bright future and that they must not allow anyone to take it away from them.

28/10/2024

DEDEAT GROUP SHOWCASES KEY PROJECTS AT TAKING LEGISLATURE TO THE PEOPLE (TLTTP)

The Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) participated in the TLTTP programme from the 21-25 October 2024, in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.

Its key contributions to the EC Legislature legacy projects (Letsema projects) included:
• Clean-Up Trading Enterprises (CUTE) Farmers Market: A 100% Black-owned business, supported with R2.25 million from DEDEAT’s LRED Grant. It mentors emerging farmers and processes vegetables for retail chains, promoting agricultural development in Kariega and surrounding areas.

• Fourth EV Charging Station: Launched at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium as part of a government initiative promoting electric vehicles (EVs). This station joins others in Libode, East London, and Tsitsikamma, with a total of 13 high-power chargers planned to connect travel routes across the Eastern Cape.

These initiatives reflect DEDEAT’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive economic growth, job creation and green energy in the region

22/10/2024

NATIONAL WETLANDS INDABA IN FULL SWING

The National Wetlands Indaba 2024 is currently underway, hosted by the Eastern Cape Wetland Forum with the support of the South African Wetland Society. This annual event provides a platform for a cross-disciplinary gathering of practitioners committed to the conservation and sustainable use of South Africa's wetland resources.

The event brings together scientists, decision-makers, researchers, conservationists, and educators from various organizations and government departments to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Ms Phumla Mzazi, Director of Biodiversity and Coastal Management, welcomed guests on behalf of the Eastern Cape Wetlands Forum. She highlighted that the objectives of the Indaba align with the goals of the 7th administration, with this underpinning environmental sustainability as a core deliverable of DEDEAT.

The Indaba underscores the importance of wetlands conservation in achieving sustainability and safeguarding natural ecosystems.

For more details, see the programme https://buff.ly/4dYPRN8

22/10/2024

MEC PIETERS SUPPORTS LEARNERS, WISHES 2024 MATRICULANTS SUCCESS

Today, MEC Nonkqubela Pieters extended her best wishes to the 2024 matriculants while handing over 50 pairs of shoes, 50 pairs of socks and 200 sanitary towels to learners at KwaZakhele High School. The school is one of 102 high schools participating in the Eastern Cape Liquor Board’s (ECLB) Ambassadorship Programme. ECLB is an entity of DEDEAT.

On her way to the "Taking the Legislature to the People" programme, MEC stopped by the school to offer words of encouragement. She emphasised the importance of education and reassured learners that government is committed to make sure that lack of essentials including food should not hinder their school attendance.

The MEC reminded them that they are the future of the country and the world. She urged them to never think of themselves as unimportant, noting that their school has a proud history of producing leaders in business, government and major organizations.

“While you may not have chosen where you were born, your future depends on your attitude and the decisions you make,” MEC Pieters said.

She also cautioned against underage drinking, teenage pregnancy and discouraged participation in the dangerous "pens down" practice, which has become common among learners.

MEC is participating in the "Taking the Legislature to the People" programme, hosted by the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature at Ernest Swanepoel Hall, Despatch, from 21 to 25 October, under the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.

17/10/2024

DEDEAT LEADS THE NATIONAL WETLANDS INDABA 2024

The Indaba is an important platform fostering collaboration between government, business, academia, and non-governmental organizations. Focused on coordinated strategies, it seeks to enhance wetland management, promote sustainable utilization, and develop essential skills across sectors.

By working together, we aim to protect and sustainably use wetlands, which are crucial ecosystems supporting biodiversity and our environment.

15/10/2024

GOVERNMENT DRIVING THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY

The Eastern Cape is embracing a new era in the automotive industry with the launch of the 3rd EV Charging Station in Tsitsikamma!

MEC Nonkqubela Pieters:
"Our province is not just leading South Africa in vehicle production but also shaping the future of electric mobility. This launch is a testament to our commitment to building new industries and creating an enabling environment for inclusive economic growth."

Key Priorities:
• Building an EV-ready infrastructure for efficient mobility.
• Driving demand and uptake of electric vehicles across the province and country.
• Developing a robust supply chain for the electric vehicle manufacturing value chain.

As the largest vehicle producer in SA (46%) and a top exporter (56%), the Eastern Cape is at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that our province transitions smoothly to New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). This initiative will also place Tsitsikamma on the global map, boosting local tourism and economic growth.

The time for the Eastern Cape to thrive is now!!

15/10/2024

LOBAL MARKET ACCESS TRAINING & MENTORSHIP

ECDC, an entity of DEDEAT calls for emerging and seasoned exporters to apply for the Global Market Access Training in the Joe Gqabi District Municipality. The training will be held from 21-29 October at Strerkspruit at the Sterkspruit Library.

The program is specifically designed to support export-ready enterprises aiming to expand their export activities. The training will equip participants with practical skills to access international markets, focusing on Agri & Agro Processing including Cannabis, Aquaculture, Livestock Wool & Mohair, Dairy, Food & Beverages, Natural Ingredients, Cosmetics, Manufacturing, and Tourism Sectors.

The primary objective is to prepare companies for successful expansion into international markets.

Companies must complete and submit the Export Assessment Tool to determine their eligibility for the training.

To qualify for the training, companies must achieve a minimum assessment score. The Assessment form can be requested from Ms. Abongile Magobiyane and submitted via email: [email protected].

The deadline for submission of applications is 15 October 2024 Enquiries Ms. Abongile Magobiyane @ [email protected]

14/10/2024

MEC PIETERS OFFICIALLY OPENS AN EV CHARGING STATION

Officiated by MEC Pieters, the Province opens another EV charging station, sprinting toward the goal of 13 stations planned by the government for the 2024-25 financial year. Two are already operational.

This programme is funded by the government through DEDEAT and implemented by AIDC-EC, an entity of DEDEAT, through ECDC, with a mandate to establish these charging stations in strategic locations across the province

13/10/2024

EASTERN CAPE EXHIBITION AT THE GULFOOD 2025
DUBAI, UAE FROM 19 - 23 FEBRUARY 2025

Applications are now open for companies in the Agro-processing sector to apply for participatory assistance and to form part of South African Pavilion at the largest food and beverage processing exhibition in the Middle East, Gulfood.

Gulfood 2025 will showcase a full range of food and beverage products from around the world. The exhibition has rapidly grown into the most important meeting place for the region’s food and beverage processing industry.

The Province will be participating in the Fine Food Pavilion showcasing agro-processing products and services excluding alcoholic beverages.

Through the Sector-Specific Assistance Scheme (SSAS) fund of the dtic, the Province, through ECDC, an entity of DEDEAT, will offer the following financial support to qualifying firms:
• Air travel assistance up to R17,000.00 (SMME and BOE’s only)
• Daily subsistence allowance of R3,000.00 per day (SMME and BOE’s only)
• Freight forwarding of display material
• Exhibition space and booth rental costs.

Applications will be closing on 16th October 2024 at 14:00pm.

For more information, kindly contact Ms Abongile Magobiyane at [email protected].
Application forms and guidelines to be requested and once completed should be sent via WeTransfer/Email to the ECDC: Ms Abongile Magobiyane at [email protected]

08/10/2024

R11 BILLION INVESTMENT PAVING THE WAY FOR A GREENER FUTURE

Today, MEC Nonkqubela Pieters officially launched the Off-Grid Charging Stations at Wagon Wheels Pies on the N6, Buffalo City Metro, further advancing the R11 billion investment in the Eastern Cape.

This pioneering initiative will establish 29 Off-Grid Charging Stations for New Energy Vehicles and Trucks.

This investment is set to create 1 170 jobs across various construction and maintenance sites, contributing directly to inclusive growth, job creation, and the transition to a green economy.

During this launch, MEC Pieters officiated the sod-turning ceremony and the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between AIDC-EC, a DEDEAT entity through ECDC, and Zero Carbon Charge.

DEDEAT remains committed to sustainable development, advancing government priorities of economic growth, poverty reduction, and lowering the cost of living. The Eastern Cape time to thrive is now!

07/10/2024

BUSINESS EVENT INVITATION

ECDC, an entity of DEDEAT invites Eastern Cape companies to participate in the ultimate Business Event for Food and Drink product discovery.

IFE (International Food & Drink Event) is recognized as the premier and most successful product sourcing event in the UK. It is set to take place from 17-19 March 2025 at ExCeL London, in conjunction with Food, Drink & Hospitality Week. Over the course of three days, the event will provide brand owners and manufacturers with a valuable opportunity to engage directly with key industry stakeholders, including retailers, wholesalers, importers, exporters, and hospitality professionals. This event serves as an ideal platform for exhibitors to present their products to buyers who are actively seeking the latest innovations in the food and drink sectors, offering unparalleled opportunities for business growth and market expansion.

The following industries will be taken into consideration for participation:
● Food including Meat & Aquatic products
● Beverages (Tea, coffee, juices , etc)
● Ingredients
● Hospitality and Catering
● Health & Wellness
● Sweets and Chocolates
● Condiments & oils
● Dairy
● Sustainability and Innovation

The link provides further information regarding the program : https://buff.ly/2tYJyp8
To apply download information here: https://bit.ly/ecdc-ife-2025

IFE sits at the heart of the food & drink community, welcoming retailers, wholesalers & foodservice professionals to source products across the 3 day event.

03/10/2024

MEC PIETERS UNVEILS GROUNDBREAKING COEGA TANK FARM PROJECT

Yesterday, the MEC for DEDEAT, Honourable Nonkqubela Pieters, unveiled the Orion Engineered Carbons (Orion) Tank Farm Project in Zone 7 of the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

This strategic initiative positions the Eastern Cape as a key player in advancing sustainable industrial development, while creating much-needed economic opportunities and boosting employment in the region.

For more, visit https://buff.ly/3zyXbkt