We recently touched on the marginal improvement in manufacturing in 2018 and the sectors that appeared to be showing some growth.

As a network, we are always interested in opportunities in the South African market that involve the development of infrastructure and manufacturing. There is something exciting about tangible infrastructure and advanced factories being developed.

One of the really interesting new projects is the train manufacturing plant in Dunnottar, Ekurhuleni which is being tasked with the building of nearly 600 trains for the South African market.

The project is part of the Gibela Consortium, which is a combination of local and international partners.

Take a look as the president takes a walk through at its inauguration:

Opportunities for Black Industrialists

There are a number of investment opportunities available to Black Industrialists looking to expand their manufacturing operations.

Remember that there is up to R50m per qualifying business looking for expansion capital in the form of grant funding. If you are looking to expand your manufacturing business, you can talk to one of our Problem-Solvers by completing the form below.

It is important to remember that the Black Industrialist Grant is not designed to fund operational expenses but rather capital expenditure. If you have an existing manufacturing business with a track record and audited financials then the Black Industrialist scheme may be suitable for you.

The following are characteristics of a black industrialist:
a. high levels of ownership (>50%);
b. dominant black ownership and management control may be considered for projects that are deemed strategic by the dti, but may need to include other shareholders to attract relevant skills, finance and scale-up the investment opportunities;
c. exercises control over the business;
d. takes personal risk in the business;
e. does business in the manufacturing sector with particular reference to IPAP focus areas;
and
f. makes a long-term commitment to the business and is a medium- to long-term investor

Eligible Industries include: 

• Blue/Ocean Economy (incl. Vessel Building and Repair)
• Oil and Gas
• Clean Technology and Energy
• Mineral Beneficiation
• Manufacturing-related Logistics
• Industrial Infrastructure
• Information Communication Technologies
• Agro-Processing
• Clothing, Textiles/Leather and Footwear
• Pulp, Paper and Furniture
• Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals and Plastics
• Nuclear
• Aerospace, Rail and Automotive
• Components
• Designated sectors for localisation