VANDERIJKLPARK. – The Vaal Special Economic Zone has signed a memorandum of understanding with the North-West University (NWU) and the Vaal University of Technology (VUT). This was done in efforts to revitalise economic activity in the Sedibeng District Municipality and its three local municipalities Lesedi, Midvaal and Emfuleni.
The SEZ programme is part of the Growing Gauteng Together 2030 (GGT2030) economic development strategy. Special Economic Zones are commercial land parcels within a set location, earmarked to stimulate localized commercial value chains.
The purpose of the collaboration is to ensure that Gauteng investors and industry players in high technology sectors are supported in the development of new technologies, applied research and innovation and technical skills sets.
The agreement was signed by SEZ Programme Director Xola Sithole, VUT Acting DVC: Research, Innovation, Commercialisation and Internationalisation Dr Simphiwe Nelana and NWU Vice Chancellor and Principal Prof Bismark Tyobeka.
Emfuleni local Municipality executive mayor Sipho Radebe together with Political Head of Local Economic Development in Sedibeng District Municipality, MMC Lulama Gamede were in attendance and pledged their support for the partnership. .
Speaking on the partnership, Dr Nelana said the University’s Centre for Alternative Energy, which has a focus on fuel cells research has grown to a point that a novel membrane has been developed and manufactured.
“This research centre, working with other departments, will play a vital role in the project on green energy generation, green hydrogen, green steel,” he said.
Nelana stated that VUT will play a major role in the focus area on greenhouse farming, agri-processing and cannabis related farming.
Prof Tyobeka the importance of relevant and impactful research by universities.
“There is an even greater need for the integration of research and community engagement. The signing of this MOU is a great step in ensuring that universities participate in the activation of the local and rural economy, in this instance, at Vanderbijlpark,” he added.
Sithole said the partnership is a critical to the establishment of an ecosystem that will power the successful implementation of the Vaal SEZ.
