These initiatives are already gaining positive results, according to Moya, who said that the City is on track to exceed its R1.8-billion target for new investments in the current financial year, a testament to the effectiveness of TEDA’s strategic interventions.
By Dr Lardo Stander: CEO of Tshwane Economic Development Agency
The City of Tshwane must address unemployment and stimulate economic growth. This was identified as a key focus by Executive Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya during her State of the City Address.
Speaking in Council on 10 April 2025, Dr Moya outlined the City’s economic revitalisation strategy. The strategy sets an ambitious goal to grow Tshwane’s economy by 3.9% by 2029, with the core focus on creating an enabling environment for businesses.
“Our role is to create an environment where businesses can thrive and create employment,” said Dr Moya.
The message serves as a clarion call to the Tshwane Economic Development Agency (TEDA), which is at the forefront of attracting investment to revitalise the local economy.
The State of the City address follows hot on the heels of an important investment dialogue held between TEDA and policymakers, business leaders, decision-makers, and members of the diplomatic corps exploring various strategies to boost economic growth, create jobs, and uplift local communities.
In her address, the executive mayor announced that the City of Tshwane is implementing several key initiatives to remove obstacles and streamline processes for businesses.
The introduction of the New Applications Processing System is set to expedite land-use and building approvals, a critical step in facilitating development and investment, while a VIP Business Line is being set up to provide specialised assistance to Tshwane’s top 200 businesses, ensuring their needs are addressed efficiently.
The Strategic Investment Committee will be fast-tracking high-impact projects, with the aim of attracting investment, boosting investor confidence, and generating sustainable economic growth.
These initiatives are already gaining positive results, according to Dr Moya, who said that the City is on track to exceed its R1.8-billion target for new investments in the current financial year, a testament to the effectiveness of TEDA’s strategic interventions.
The city intends to unlock the economic potential of underutilised City-owned assets. These assets, according to Dr Moya, have the capacity to drive significant economic activity if used effectively.
The assets identified for revitalisation include:
- Wonderboom National Airport: Repositioning it as a commercial hub for logistics and revenue
enhancement. - Tshwane Fresh Produce Market: Developing it into a world-class market to serve the region’s
agricultural economy. - Tshwane Events Centre: Reviving it as a venue for national and international events, generating
revenue and boosting the local economy. - Pretoria West Power Station: Converting it into a waste-to-energy facility to reduce reliance on
Eskom and enhance energy security.
Tshwane Economic Development Agency
1ST Floor | Lakeview Building | 1277 Mike Crawford Avenue Centurion
P O BOX 7314, Centurion, 0046 | Tel: 012 358 6552 | www.teda.org.za - Rooiwal Power Station: Resuscitating it to provide greater energy security for businesses and
residents. - Bon Accord quarry: Using a five-year contract to produce hot asphalt for road maintenance and
address the City’s pothole problem. - City resorts, nature reserves and heritage sites: Integrating them into tourism routes to promote
local tourism and showcase Tshwane as a premier capital city and destination of choice.
The city is also focusing on unlocking economic opportunities in key sectors, including: - The knowledge economy: Capitalising on the skills and innovation within the city’s large student
population. - The automotive sector: Implementing plans to revitalise the Rosslyn and Centurion precincts.
- The informal and township economies: Expanding support for local businesses to foster growth
and development.
Recognising the role of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), the city will be actively supporting their growth. The Informal Trading and Township Economy By-law, currently under public consultation, aims to provide business development and skills support, certify and formalise informal businesses, and reserve the informal sector for South African citizens.
The City’s efforts through its business centres have already gained significant results, with support provided to 761 SMMEs, 160 cooperatives, and 399 youth-owned enterprises.
In addition, nearly 5 000 applications for spaza shops have been received, with approximately 1000 already licensed. New business centres will also be opened in Refilwe and Ga-Rankuwa this year.
The successful implementation of the City’s Economic Revitalisation Plan is projected to gain substantial
economic benefits by 2029, including:
- Attracting between R17-billion and R26-billion in new investment.
- Creating 80 000 new jobs in the formal and informal sectors.
- Accelerating Gross Value Added (GVA) growth to between 3.3% and 4.6%.
In the interim, the City acknowledges the importance of short-term employment relief and continues to invest in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), which is expected to create 11 034 work opportunities in the 2025/26 financial year alone.
Through its multifaceted approach, the City of Tshwane, supported by TEDA, is committed to building a stronger, more inclusive economy for the benefit of all its residents.