The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, hosted a manufacturing sector engagement at Solar MD Richmond Park, where businesses were taken through the recently-adopted Manufacturing Support Policy and the opportunities it unlocks for investment, expansion and job creation across Cape Town.
The engagement forms part of the City’s broader mission to make Cape Town the easiest place in Africa to do business.
The Manufacturing Support Policy, recently approved by Council, expands support measures to all 33 industrial areas across Cape Town and is designed to stimulate investment, accelerate development activity and strengthen the metro’s competitiveness as a manufacturing hub.
‘This is not about a policy sitting on a shelf. It is about taking the policy directly to the businesses, factories, industrial zones and entrepreneurs who are driving Cape Town’s economy forward.
‘We want all 33 of Cape Town’s industrial areas firing on all cylinders because when factories produce more, businesses expand more, and investors grow with confidence, more jobs are created for residents across our city. That is the ultimate objective behind this work,’ said Alderman Vos.
Solar MD, a Cape Town-based manufacturer of advanced lithium-ion battery storage systems, recently expanded into a major new facility in Richmond Park.
Alderman Vos previously visited the company at its former smaller premises in Montague Gardens.
‘To return now and engage with manufacturers inside this impressive facility sends a powerful message about growth, confidence and partnership.
‘It demonstrates what can happen when innovative businesses choose to invest in Cape Town and when government plays a supportive role in creating an enabling environment for growth,’ said Alderman Vos.
The Manufacturing Support Policy builds on the City’s broader Ease of Doing Business programme, which focuses on reducing red tape, streamlining processes, improving turnaround times and making it easier for investors and businesses to operate in Cape Town.
‘Innovation in government should not be complicated. Often it is about getting the basics right, listening to industry, removing unnecessary obstacles and creating an environment where businesses can thrive with confidence,’ said Alderman Vos.
The City is also supporting local manufacturers through initiatives aimed at helping businesses become export-ready and access international markets.
‘One of the ways we are taking this work to the next level is through platforms such as the Cape Trade Portal, which helps connect local businesses with export opportunities, market intelligence and global buyers.
‘Cape Town has exceptional products, exceptional entrepreneurs and exceptional manufacturing capability. Our role as government is to help open more doors so local companies can compete and grow on the global stage,’ said Alderman Vos.
The City will continue engaging manufacturers across Cape Town’s industrial areas as part of efforts to drive investment, strengthen local industry and create more economic opportunities for residents.
