The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, together with KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi, officially opened the exhibition floor of the 2nd International Special Economic Zones Infrastructure and Investment Conference at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC.The two-day conference, themed “Reigniting Industrialisation through World-class Special Economic Zones”, highlights the importance of South Africa’s Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Programme. The initiative is designed to boost economic growth, attract both local and international investment, accelerate industrialisation, and create jobs.Exhibitors include key provincial entities such as the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, Dube TradePort, Trade and Investment KZN, and the Ithala Development Finance Corporation, all showcasing opportunities to strengthen KwaZulu-Natal’s role in driving industrial and economic development.
Minister Park Tau and MEC Musa Zondi together with Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, and industry leaders also attended theToyota Hilux Line-Off Ceremony held at Toyota South Africa Motors’ Durban plant. The event marked the start of local production of the latest-generation Toyota Hilux, underscoring South Africa’s world-class manufacturing capabilities and reaffirming KwaZulu-Natal’s role as a leading automotive hub.The automotive industry remains one of the province’s strongest economic drivers, attracting investment, supporting local suppliers, creating jobs, and boosting industrial growth. The ceremony highlighted the confidence global manufacturers continue to place in KwaZulu-Natal as a competitive and reliable investment ddestination.
[WATCH] The 2026 Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Conference exhibition has been officially launched and opened by the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi, together with the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr.Parks Tau.
[WATCH] Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, officially cuts the ribbon, marking the commencement of local production of Toyota’s latest-generation Hilux at the Toyota South Africa Motors Manufacturing Plant in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The milestone underscores South Africa’s manufacturing excellence and the continued growth of the country’s automotive industry.
