The Fish River SDI: New hope for industrial regeneration in the Eastern Cape?

Abstract

This article reports on a case study of the Fish River Spatial Development Initiative which is spatially focused on the cities of Port Elizabeth and East London in the Eastern Cape Province. Major elements of the SDI, including the two industrial development zones which form part of it, are discussed The SDI is characterised as a nationally driven initiative which aims to create ‘sustainable ‘jobs by increasing the profile of Port Elizabeth and East London as international investment destinations, and thereby attracting large, new export‐oriented investment projects to the region. It is argued that even if the Fish River SDI succeeds in attracting such investment, it is only likely to lead to a once‐off increase in investment and employment rather than sustained industrial regeneration in the region. To ensure such industrial regeneration requires a regional industrial strategy which builds the capacity for learning and innovation in the region.

Notes

Researcher at the Development Policy Research Unit, University of Cape Town (UCT). The author wishes to thank all those involved in the Industrial Strategy Project's SDI research programme for their comments and suggestions, and Nick Lindenberg at the UCT ITS GIS lab for assistance with the maps.