From 3 to 7 March 2025, the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (NC DEDaT) led a dynamic factory tour across the province as part of its efforts to develop a comprehensive Masterplan for the Metals, Machinery and Equipment (MME) Sector Industrial Cluster. The tour formed part of Phase III of the Capabilities Assessment, a critical stage in identifying bottlenecks, technology gaps, and opportunities for innovation and productivity improvements in the province's key MME industries.
The delegation included representatives from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), Department of Small Business Development (DSBD), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Production Technologies Association of South Africa (PTSA), and the National Foundry Technology Network (NFTN). These national partners joined the provincial department to engage directly with firms, observe production processes, and explore opportunities for collaboration in accelerating industrial development.
The objective of the tour was to strengthen ties between government and industry while laying the groundwork for identifying critical success factors and strategic interventions that will inform the final MME Sector Masterplan. Through site visits and conversations with local manufacturers, the team aimed to align available government support programmes with the practical needs of firms on the ground.
Day two of the tour included insightful visits to Ceracast Pty, DMC DIRAMOGO CC, and Northern Cape Iron and Steel, where delegates witnessed advanced foundry operations and the use of innovative manufacturing technologies. On day three, the team visited The Hive, Aasmang Beeshoek Mine, and Rufco Engineering, understanding how mining operations and engineering enterprises are intertwined. The tour concluded at Vedanta Zinc Mine in Gamsberg, a strategic site showcasing the province’s potential for mineral beneficiation and value chain development.
Throughout the week, the delegation gathered crucial input that will contribute to the finalisation of the Northern Cape MME Sector Industrial Cluster Masterplan, which is expected to be completed by the end of April 2025.
This initiative reflects a strong commitment by the provincial government and its national partners to foster inclusive, competitive, and sustainable industrial growth in the Northern Cape. The MME Factory Tour highlighted the province’s industrial strengths and created a foundation for long-term partnerships that will drive economic transformation and job creation.
As the week concluded, one message was clear: collaboration remains at the heart of progress. With continued alignment between government, industry, and science, the Northern Cape is well on its way to becoming a leader in the MME sector.