The East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the ELIDZ Conference Centre, presenting key performance highlights from the 2023/24 financial year and assessing progress towards the completion of Vision 2025. This important event was attended by Ms. Nonkqubela Pieters, MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism (DEDEAT), representing the Department as a principal shareholder.

The ELIDZ reached a significant milestone in its 2023/24 financial year (FY), celebrating 20 years since its designation as an Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the dtic). This anniversary underscored two decades of economic transformation within the Eastern Cape region, establishing a solid foundation for future growth as the ELIDZ progresses toward its Vision 2025 goals.

The 2023/24 FY marked notable growth for the ELIDZ, with a 62% increase in revenue-generating capability and a 5% year-on-year growth in self-generated revenue. Additionally, the ELIDZ attracted R579.9 million in private sector investment, creating 5,205 active jobs and achieving a 21.9% growth in industrial turnover.

These financial achievements reinforce the ELIDZ’s role as a driving force in economic development.

The year also marked a significant leadership transition, with the ELIDZ bidding farewell to its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Simphiwe Kondlo, and welcoming Mr Thembela Zweni as the new CEO. Mr Zweni, a longstanding member of the organisation, brings over 18 years of experience within the ELIDZ to his new role.


Under Mr Zweni’s leadership, the ELIDZ has entered the final phase of its Vision 2025 strategy with renewed focus and commitment.


Mr Zweni stated: “As we outline our progress towards achieving Vision 2025, we reflect on our journey of growth and transformation. Our achievements in the past year, including significant investments in renewable energy and technology-led innovation, position us well for the future. We remain committed to driving economic development and improving the lives of our community.”


In line with its commitment to sustainability, the ELIDZ secured substantial investments, with four key projects introduced in the 2023/24 FY: Green Hydrogen South Africa (R90 million), Olysmart (R144.8 million for pyrolysis tyre chemical processing), LIU Energy (R93 million for an LNG facility), and Wild Coast Foods (R252 million for vegetable processing and cold storage). Three of these investments are within the renewable energy sector, underscoring a strong commitment to sustainable development.


MEC for DEDEAT, Ms Nonkqubela Pieters, commended the ELIDZ’s strong governance and its impact on regional economic growth and workforce development. She noted, “The ELIDZ’s commitment to our region has bolstered investor confidence, both locally and globally. This has resulted in significant employment growth within the Zone, supported by a skilled workforce, and increasing export volumes that highlight our global competitiveness.”


In conclusion, she praised the ELIDZ’s focus on skills development through initiatives such as incubation programmes. “Let’s build the Eastern Cape we aspire to, advancing our region’s industrial capabilities,” she encouraged.


During this period, the ELIDZ, through its Science and Technology Park (STP), facilitated the completion of four prototypes, including solutions for educational resources, a student tutoring platform, a hemp fibre processing product, and a digital hair salon solution. Localisation efforts have fostered the growth of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) through the Prototype Development Support Programme and Agro-Cluster Programme, benefiting companies like Appimate, PAICTA, and Pembafusion. These initiatives strengthen local industries and contribute to job creation.

The ELIDZ STP has provided SMMEs with various interventions to support the commercialisation of their innovations. Notably, some projects have been commercialised, such as MFD Global and Pembafusion. MFD Global (ICT) has developed an online platform that allows customers to book and transact with salon owners.
Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, the ELIDZ features three active incubator facilities essential in nurturing start-ups and small businesses, helping them thrive and contribute to the zone’s dynamic ecosystem.


Through the ELIDZ Science and Technology Park, 308 beneficiaries have been trained, equipping them with valuable skills to meet industry demands. This commitment to skills development empowers local talent and boosts employability within the region.


Professor Mlungisi Makalima, Chair of the ELIDZ Board, added: “The past two decades have been a testament to the resilience and potential of the Eastern Cape. The ELIDZ’s success is the result of strong partnerships and a clear vision for sustainable growth. As we move forward, we will continue to focus on innovation, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability to ensure lasting impact.”


The ELIDZ remains committed to best practices, demonstrated by its retention of ISO Certifications in Safety & Health (ISO 45001), Environment (ISO 14001), Quality (ISO 9001), and Information Security Management (ISO 27001), and attaining certification in cloud services security (ISO 27017) and protection of personally identifiable information in a cloud environment (ISO 27018). The 2023/24 FY also marked the organisation’s 9th consecutive clean audit. Additionally, the ELIDZ developed an Energy Master Plan to address utility challenges and support sustainable development.


The ELIDZ implemented 15 Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects in the 2023/24 financial year, inspired by one of our core values of being “Inspired by Impact”. This included donating sports equipment, supporting special needs homes, and providing a storage container to the Ncerha Village Isithembiso Multi-Purpose Centre. This marked a 48% year-on-year increase in CSI spending, reflecting the ELIDZ’s dedication to community empowerment.


The ELIDZ’s internship programme supported 55 interns, while 13 bursaries were awarded to beneficiaries from the Eastern Cape, promoting education and skills development.


As the ELIDZ actively executes the final phase of Vision 2025, the focus remains on attracting and retaining investors, developing key infrastructure, and supporting local industries through innovation and incubation programmes. The Zone’s efforts in skills development and technology-led innovation will continue to drive economic growth and create job opportunities in the region.


Speaking on behalf of the Executive Mayor of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM), Councillor Bongiwe Sauli, who is also a member of the ELIDZ Board of Directors, extended her congratulations to the ELIDZ, stating, “As a shareholder, we are proud to witness the ongoing growth and positive impact of the East London Industrial Development Zone in our city. The ELIDZ has consistently upheld best-practice governance principles, achieved an impressive nine consecutive clean audits and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to good governance.”


The ELIDZ remains focused on Vision 2025, with strategic objectives that include investor attraction, infrastructure development, and economic support for local industries. Investments in technology and sustainability are paving the way for a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for the Eastern Cape.


For media enquiries, contact: Manager: Marketing & Corporate Communications
Mr Sibusiso Ralarala
Email: sibusisor@elidz.co.za
Tel: 066 283 9203