Bojanala Platinum District Municipality
North West
South Africa
Sector
Construction & Materials
The North West province is considering the feasibility of developing a North West Science Park (NWSP) and a related community employment and entrepreneurial centre in Potchefstroom. Initial grant funding of R40-million is required to ensure self-sustainability, even at only 60% occupancy.
A science park can be defined as an area with a collection of innovative, high-technology businesses in a well-landscaped surrounding, located in close proximity to an established innovative university, where investors can enjoy significant infrastructural and business support opportunities to develop and conduct their businesses.
The North West University (NWU), recognised in 2005, nationally, as the most innovative and progressive university in South Africa, provides the ideal opportunity for such a development. NWU management has agreed that a portion of its land be considered for the development of the NWSP. The plot identified lies along the Mooi River, is accessible from all sides, and provides attractive landscaping options.
The proposed NWSP will promote the objectives of the North West provincial growth and development strategy (PGDS) by being the province’s innovation hub where knowledge-intensive skills are transferred to new small business, as well as established industry, to stimulate growth and job creation.
