Tshwane should use the R261 million judgment against MEGA to secure ownership of Ekandustria.
The industrial park has lost thousands of jobs due to years of neglect.
Bringing Ekandustria under Tshwane’s control could unlock private investment and revive jobs.
The R261 million judgment obtained by Tshwane against the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) presents an opportunity for the City to obtain ownership of Ekandustria and make it available for private-sector investment.
Built in the 1980s in Bronkhorstspruit, Ekandustria is an industrial park located in Tshwane but owned by a government entity in another province.
In 1992, 10,000 people were employed by business tenants in Ekandustria. That number has now dwindled to fewer than 2,000, largely due to the neglect of the facility by MEGA.
Communities such as Retabiseng, Ekangala and Zithobeni have borne the brunt of those job losses, but the judgment gives Tshwane a chance to revive Ekandustria and bring back investment and jobs.
The case against MEGA was instituted during my 18 months as Executive Mayor and concerns unpaid municipal rates and service charges.
Tshwane should use the judgment to negotiate for ownership of the park, then open it to private investment, starting with the businesses already operating there.
Cutting services would put the remaining jobs at risk.
Securing Ekandustria and attracting new private investment could help restore the industrial park as a major source of jobs for surrounding communities.
In accordance with the DA Manifesto 2026, if elected to govern, I will create jobs and grow Tshwane’s local economy by cutting red tape, fixing infrastructure, making the City investment-ready, and unlocking responsible private-sector investment.
A DA-led government in Tshwane will instruct the City’s attorneys to begin settlement talks with MEGA immediately, with the aim of securing Ekandustria and bringing investment and jobs back.