The revitalisation of Dimbaza Industrial Park in South Africa 

The Eastern Cape NAM Cluster is a not-for-profit organisation focused on supporting the non-automotive manufacturing sector. One of its key initiatives is the revitalisation of the Dimbaza Industrial Park, aiming to foster economic growth, create sustainable jobs, and attract new investments to the region. PUM has been involved since 2023, collaborating on organisational improvements and co-creating plans to position Dimbaza as a circular economy hub. Recently, the project was honoured with a visit from the Netherlands Consulate-General.

 The Eastern Cape Non-Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) Cluster, a not-for-profit entity, represents the interests of the non-automotive manufacturing sector. It acts as a lobbyist, advocating for economic inclusion, access to technology, and government support, particularly for black industrialists. One of its key initiatives is the revitalisation of the historic Dimbaza Industrial Park, located 15 km outside of Qonce (formerly King William’s Town), in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC). 

This ambitious project, operationalised through a strategic partnership, aims to restore economic activity in the region by promoting investment in the local manufacturing sector. The park is expected to create 300 sustainable jobs and attract new firms, while boosting the value of goods produced in the area. The ECDC has committed funding to refurbishing key facilities within the park, which will serve as a hub for revitalising local industry. 

 In early 2023, NAM Cluster sought PUM’s collaboration to assess their organisational structure, strategy, and member services. PUM expert Wim van Halteren collaborated with NAM, reviewing both NAM’s activities and the progress of the Dimbaza project. His recommendations were presented to the NAM board later that year.  

 In 2024, remote collaboration between Wim and NAM continued, with a focus on positioning Dimbaza as a circular economy investment hub. This involved developing a strategy around three focus sectors, water management, energy, and environmental sustainability, with the aim of securing support from international Climate Action Funds (CAF) and other development donors. 

In September 2024, the Netherlands Consulate-General visited the Dimbaza Industrial Park, where they toured various facilities, including waste management and e-waste recycling businesses, as well as local enterprises like snail and mushroom farms. Sandiswa Qayi, a NAM Cluster member and UNIDO Global Cleantech Innovation Programme advisor, highlighted the NAM Cluster’s efforts to advance the circular economy. Representatives from ECDC, including Ms Nangamaso Matebese and Ms Laura Pienke, shared their vision for using this initiative as a model for revitalising industrial parks across the Eastern Cape, which they believe could stimulate significant job creation and economic growth in the province.