OVERVIEW
Oceans economy The Eastern Cape’s long coastline has enormous potential.
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SECTOR INSIGHT he Coega Aquaculture Development Zone (ADZ) was launched in 2020. It is intended to be a catalyst for unThe Ocean Sciences Campus locking the Eastern Cape’s aquaculture value chain and is is Nelson Mandela expected to be an enabler for job creation. University’s newest. The 100-hectare ADZ is located in Zone 10 of the Coega Special Economic Zone (Coega SEZ) and the R206-million first phase created 500 construction jobs. The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) expects it to create a further 5 600 operational jobs. The Oceans Economy is seen as a previously untapped resource where enormous progress can be made in areas such as maritime repair and maintenance (via the province’s three ports), support for oil and gas exploration and paying more attention to fishing and aquaculture. An Oceans Economy Master Plan has been created and so far, 73 co-operatives have been awarded 15-year licences by the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). The Coega Aquaculture Development Several cluster development programmes aim to develop Zone. Credit: CDC specific industries by bringing together expertise and logistical support. Marine manufacturing is the focus of the Mandela Bay export terminal at the Port of Ngqura. Composites Cluster (MBCC). With funding from the Eastern Cape This follows a decision by Transnet to Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and move the fuel tanks and manganese Tourism (DEDEAT) and the National Department of Trade, Industry and ore away from the Port of Gqeberha, Competition (dtic), the MBCC targets skills development, innovation in which could unlock enormous value the field of composites and improving the value chain. in terms of creating a waterfront Although both the Coega SEZ and the East London Industrial attractive to tourists. This area could Development Zone (ELIDZ) have programmes to attract companies potentially link with the city’s major in a wide range of sectors (Coega has 14 distinct business zones), greenbelt, otherwise known as the developments in the Oceans Economy and the oil and gas sector are Baakens River Valley. showing the greatest promise. The South Africa International Ports are vital to the functioning of the Oceans Economy. Transnet has Maritime Institute (SAIMI) aims to budgeted R1-billion to establish boat-building and ship-repair facilities at develop the contribution of the the Port of East London as well as a Maritime Training College as part of maritime sector to the economy by Operation Phakisa, the national programme to fast-track key projects. coordinating education, training and Transnet has appointed the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) research with partner institutions. The as the implementing agent for the creation of a R3.4-billion manganese Ocean Sciences Campus is Nelson ONLINE RESOURCES Mandela University’s newest campus Coega SEZ: www.coega.co.za and is a hub for transdisciplinary, East London IDZ: www.elidz.co.za post-graduate ocean sciences Ocean Sciences Campus (NMU): www.oceansciences.mandela.ac.za research, teaching, innovation and South African International Maritime Institute: www.saimi.co.za engagement. ■ EASTERN CAPE BUSINESS 2022/23
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