Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Technologies Mondli Gungubele said Ekurhuleni is not just a city – it is the industrial and logistics heartland of South Africa, and its role in the nation’s economic progress cannot be overstated.

The two-day Ekurhuleni Investment Conference, which started on Tuesday, is taking place at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park.

Held under the theme, ‘Ekurhuleni Economic Partnerships: Unlocking Opportunities, Building a Sustainable Future’, the event will catalyse renewed investor confidence, economic growth, and sustainable development in the region.

Distinguished speakers included Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Minister of Trade Industry and Competition Parks Tau, City of Ekurhuleni Members of Mayoral Committee, Speaker of the City of Ekurhuleni Nthabiseng Tshivenga, City Manager of the City of Ekurhuleni Dr Imogen Mashazi, ACSA Group Executive Lauriette Sesoko, GIDZ industrial Cluster Development CEO Thandiwe Ngqobe, Teraco CEO Jan Hindzo, and Akani Retirement Fund Group Chairperson Zamani Letjane, to name but a few.

Lesufi will deliver a keynote speech, emphasising the national significance of this conference and the critical role Ekurhuleni plays in South Africa’s economic landscape. Delegates were welcomed by MMC for Development Planning and Real Estate Nomadlozi Nkosi, who emphasised that the city is a place where all people can live, play, invest and study since the metro has big plans about the Ekurhuleni University for Technology and Science.

Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said: “Ekurhuleni is not just South Africa’s industrial powerhouse; it is an economic hub for the African continent. Our strategic location, coupled with the presence of OR Tambo International Airport — the busiest airport in Africa — positions us uniquely for further investment and development.

“Through our ‘Live-Play-Invest’ campaign, we are showcasing Ekurhuleni as a destination that offers not only business opportunities but also a vibrant lifestyle for residents and visitors alike. This conference is an integral part of that campaign, providing a platform for collaboration between local and international business communities, government, and other stakeholders.”

He said they are excited to highlight key development opportunities that lie ahead. “Public sector investments, such as the Airports Company South Africa’s (ACSA) OR Tambo International Airport development programme, the Gautrain Rail Expansion, which are all critical components of our growth strategy. These initiatives will not only enhance our infrastructure but also create a conducive environment for private sector investment,” he said.

Xhakaza said the new university planned for Ekurhuleni, the University of Ekurhuleni for Technology and Sciences is poised to become a premier centre for innovation and creativity, capitalising on the dynamic nature of today’s technological landscape.

Gungubele said this conference provides an invaluable platform for participants to come together, align their collective efforts, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable and inclusive growth. He said the theme of this year’s conference resonates deeply with the shared commitment to partnerships that will shape a sustainable future for the people and the economy. Gungubele said partnerships are key.

“We need collaboration between the public and private sectors to unlock Ekurhuleni’s full economic potential. By working together, we can build a future where the city thrives as a hub of innovation, investment, and inclusivity – not just for South Africa, but for the entire continent,” he said.

Gungubele said the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DoCDT) is committed to supporting initiatives that drive digital transformation and foster economic inclusion.

“With its strategic location, visionary leadership, and readiness to embrace innovation, Ekurhuleni is poised to become a global model for sustainable economic growth. Together, let us ensure that Ekurhuleni thrives as a beacon of opportunity and progress, driving investment, job creation, and innovation across the region,” he said.

Tau emphasised the importance of skills of the future, just transition, and green energy.

Dr Mshazi said the city’s Economic Development Strategy is anchored on the Airport City, and the Aerotropolis Development aims to enhance the city; Value Proposition and Destination Marketing.

“This event forms part of the Live-Play-Invest campaign and thus provides the platform to the city as the investment destination of choice,” she said.

The Star

ntombi.nkosi@inl.co.za