Region
Northern Cape
South Africa

Sector
Agriculture & Agri-processing
Clothing & Textiles
Food & Beverages
Personal & Household Goods
Public Sector Entity
Retail

Summary:

Historically focused on mining and agriculture, the Northern Cape is developing an exciting manufacturing industry based on niche products and export opportunities to neighbouring countries

Contact
Mr Darius Babuseng

Email
dbabuseng@perm.ncape.gov.za

Tel
+27 53 830 4807
Fax
+27 53 830 4838

The manufacturing sector in the Northern Cape is dominated by the food and beverage industry in Upington and by the food and beverage, clothing, textiles and metals industries in Kimberley. Fifty percent of the gross output in the province's manufacturing sector comes from foods and beverages. Because it is close to the borders of fellow SADC nations, Botswana and Namibia, the Northern Cape is encouraging economic ties with these countries. Information on doing business in Namibia and Botswana is available from the department.

Niche markets
A noticeable occurrence within the manufacturing sector has been the development of small and medium manufacturing concerns producing goods for domestic and international niche markets.

• Within the furniture industry, several manufacturers have emerged and are producing high-quality handcrafted wooden furniture. Their markets have grown to such an extent that several are looking at expanding their premises and modifying their operations to meet the growing demand.
• Small jewellery manufacturers specialising in designer and costume jewellery are beginning to expand in Kimberley.
• A manufacturer, who is also looking at expanding his operations, is producing surgical gut for the export market.
• The natural resources of the Northern Cape have also led to the establishment of a spring water bottling plant.
• The huge amount of fresh produce cultivated in and exported from the Northern Cape has created many downstream opportunities, such as the establishment of a packaging plant in the Upington area.
• Sasol has taken up the challenge to establish a single-cell algae production unit to produce natural beta-carotene in Upington. The sunny climate of the Northern Cape provides perfect conditions for maximizing production.
• The meat industry provides opportunities to small-scale manufacturers who would like to engage in value added activities such as the manufacturing of processed meat, leather and leather products.

For more information on these and other manufacturing opportunities in the Northern Cape, contact Frank Tlhomelang at the Department of Economic Affairs directly:
Tel: +27 53 830 4807
Fax: +27 53 830 4838
Email: ktlhomelang@perm.ncape.gov.za