Pixley Ka Seme District Municipality Investment Prospectus

PIXLEY KA SEME DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
INVESTMENT PROSPECTUS
CONTENTS
1 FOREWORD
The Executive Mayor of Pixley ka Seme District Municipality, Rhoode Itumeleng,
welcomes investors with news of three exciting corridors of opportunity in the
large, beautiful and strategically located district
2 THE NORTHERN CAPE AT A GLANCE
3 THE NORTHERN CAPE IN NUMBERS
4 INTRODUCTION
The Pixley ka Seme District is in the heart of the Karoo and is the site of exciting
possibilities
5 DISTRICT STATISTICS
Economic, gross domestic product and labour market
6 WELCOME
District Municipal Manager Isak Visser highlights the competitive advantages of
the tourism industry for potential investors
7 MAIN SECTORS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
The staples of agriculture, mining and tourism have been boosted by renewable
energy and astronomy
8 NATURAL RESOURCES AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
The sun and the skies give Pixley ka Seme a competitive edge
9 LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES AND TOWNS
The towns and villages of the Karoo have a special charm
10 TOURISM: Karoo Highlands Route
11 TOURISM: Forgotten Highway Route
12 TOURISM: Karoo Oasis Route
13 THRIVING BUSINESSES AND EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES
Pixley ka Seme District is home to several successful enterprises and new
opportunities are opening up in various sectors
14 INVESTMENT PROJECTS
Excellent investment opportunities occur throughout the district
15 VICTORIA WEST AERODROME PROJECT
16 PRIESKA POWER RESERVE
17 QUIVER BIOMASS INDUSTRIES
18 ORION MINERALS MINING PROJECT
20 KEY INCENTIVES
IBC TOURISM INCENTIVES
IMAGE CREDITS: Cover: Radio telescope, NCTA; Three Sisters and Oryx, Bernard Du Pont/Wiki Commons; solar
panels, Scatec. Other: Pecan nuts, GWK; entrepreneurs, De Aar Solar Power; sunset, Dr Yakovlev/Wiki Commons;
hawk, Christiaan Viljoen/Wiki Commons, Gariep Dam, SA Tourism; Noupoort Wind Farm; veld flowers, Winfried
Bruenken/Wiki Commons; Sable antelope, Nici Villa Vicencio/Pexels; Aeroplane, Anthony Duran/Unsplash; solar
panels, Scatec; charcoal, Wander Fleur/Unsplash. Layout & Design: Salmah Brown
Produced by Global Africa Network

1
FOREWORD
GROWING VALUE CHAINS TO
ACHIEVE ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION
Rhoode Itumeleng, Executive Mayor of the Pixley ka Seme
District Municipality, welcomes investors with news of
three exciting new corridors of opportunity within the
large, beautiful and strategically located district.
Pixley ka Seme District Municipality is one of the five districts of
the Northern Cape Province, situated in the south-east. It shares
its borders with three other provinces, namely the Free State
province to the east, the Eastern Cape to the south-east and
Western Cape to the south-west. It consists of eight Category
B Municipalities, namely Emthanjeni Local Municipality (LM),
Renosterberg LM, Kareeberg LM, Siyancuma LM, Siyathemba LM,
Ubuntu LM, Thembelihle LM and Umsobomvu LM. The district is
the second largest in the country in terms of land size covering
an area of 103 411km.
The district is strategically located in terms of transport corridors
considering the fact that the N1, N8, N10 and N12 pass through
the region. The following are some of the corridors impacting the
Emthanjeni Local Municipality region, which is centred on De Aar:
SKA Corridor: The Square Kilometre Array Telescope is an initiative
which seeks to build the most sensitive radio telescope in the
Southern Hemisphere. It is located in the Kareeberg LM with economic
spill-offs that will positively affect Emthanjeni LM.
Solar Corridor: This extends from Emthanjeni LM to the Dawid
Kruiper LM with solar PV and wind projects.
Pixley ka Seme Agri Park: The Park is a networked innovation
system of agro-production, processing, logistics, marketing, training
and extension services located in Petrusville. As a network it enables
the growth of market-driven commodity value chains and contributes
to the achievement of rural economic transformation.
Pixley ka Seme District is a beautiful, vast region with endless land
and clear skies. Whether you are looking for adventure or silence,
tough terrains or hidden gems our district is the destination.
We are proud to be creating opportunities for the world to come
and explore what we have to offer and to invest in our District.
Executive Mayor, Rhoode Itumeleng
The Enterprise Development Programme of the De Aar
Solar Power plant is empowering local businesses.

2
THE NORTHERN CAPE AT A GLANCE
NORTHERN CAPE is unique as a trade and investment destination.
Its vast geographical extent
and natural resources, complemented
by human capacity
and sound infrastructure, offer
its partners a wide array
of attractive trade and investment
opportunities meeting
global standards.
The geographic location of
the Northern Cape provides
easy access to SADC markets
and export ports via sea
and air. The entry points in
terms of access to Namibia
and Botswana, extending to
Zambia, provide a unique
competitive advantage.
The mineral profile of the
Northern Cape has contributed
to the establishment
of global trade centres such
as London and New York
through diamond resources
and mining listings. In
addition to being for many
years the leading source of
diamonds, the province is a
key iron ore and manganese
producer, which is complemented
by lime, granite, semi-precious stones and other minerals.
The mining sector continues to expand, and with it opportunities in
mining supplies and mineral value addition.
The South African government has prioritised the diversification of
energy sources to supply the national grid, and the focus on renewable
energy has stimulated the demand for solar, wind, hydro and
biomass energy sources.
No province is better equipped in these fields than the Northern
Cape, which has become the preferred investment destination for
renewable energy companies. Growth in the energy sector has
stimulated the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, which in turn
has stimulated the development of infrastructure and services. Key
projects include the Boegoebaai deep-sea port, Kathu Industrial
Park, Upington Industrial Park and Vioolsdrif Dam. These projects
are complemented by a well-developed settlement, transport and
communication network. Huge opportunities also exist in value
addition to the Northern Cape’s agricultural and mineral resources.
These developments, opportunities and the associated business
travel will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the further growth in
travel and tourism into and within the province. To respond effectively
to this growth in tourism demand and remain globally competitive,
the province needs to attract suitable and sustainable investment
across the tourism and other sectors.
Human capital is key to the sustainable development of any
region and the Northern Cape boasts the newly established
Sol Plaatje University and enjoys representation through
technology stations of other universities including Unisa and
the Vaal University of Technology.
The province is also served by a well-established multi-campus
Technical Education and Vocational Training College.
Further investments in building the requisite skills and capacities
to meet the demands of our province’s growth and development
are critical.
Provincial and local government organs in the Northern Cape
underpin all the potential of the province, and are dedicated to
ensuring a sound, safe and well-governed investment destination.

3
NORTHERN CAPE
NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCE SOUTH AFRICA
PROVINCE
South Africa
Gross Domestic Product
Economic growth: 2011-2021
8
6
4
2
0
-2
-4
-6
-8
%
ECONOMICS
130 bn
Current prices
Northern Cape
2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 2021
Economic growth annual % change
2.1%
of national GDP
National Total
2020-2021 10 year avg.
Northern Cape 6.9% 1.2%
National Total 4.9% 0.9%
Sector composition
Top 10 sectors (GVA) - R billions
2021
Mining of metal ores 28.50
Public administration and defence activities 11.45
Finance and insurance 8.37
Agriculture and hunting 8.34
Education 7.82
Health and social work 7.29
Other business activities 6.86
Wholesale and commission trade 5.18
Land and water transport 5.08
Post and telecommunication 4.13
All other smaller sectors 25.29
LABOUR MARKET
Employment
302,000
number of jobs
2.1%
of national employment
Unemployment
Jobs
Primary 2021 share Created / lost since 2011
Agriculture 12.3%
Mining 14.5%
Secondary
Manufacturing 4.1%
Electricity 0.5%
Construction 5.0%
Tertiary
Trade 17.6%
Transport 2.2%
Finance 9.3%
Community 34.7%
-5 820
427
4 430
Employment growth: 2011-2021
6
4
2
0
-2
-4
Northern Cape
National Total
-6
% 2011 2014 2017 2020
Employment growth
Annual % change
27,3
33,6
Northern Cape National Total
Informal employment 2021 - millions
Northern
Cape
National
Total
Employees Informal %
informal
0.30 0.03 8.4%
14.73 2.61 17.7%
Northern
Cape
South Africa
-4.4% -4.5%
2021
0.5% 0.7%
10-year avg
Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 2257

4
INTRODUCTION
PIXLEY KA SEME DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
In the heart of the Karoo
Towns: Carnarvon, De Aar, Douglas, Colesberg, Hanover, Hopetown, Marydale,
Noupoort, Norvalspont, Prieska, Richmond, Victoria West.
The district covers 102 000 square kilometres in the central Karoo and
has four national roads passing through it. De Aar, the site of the municipal
headquarters, has national significance as a railway junction and has recently
become a hub for major solar farm activity. It also hosts the De Aar Campus of
the Northern Cape Rural TVET College. Star gazing is Carnarvon’s great claim
to fame, and it hosts the globally significant Square Kilometre Array (SKA)
radio telescope, pictured. Not only is this a scientific megaproject, but it is
already boosting educational opportunities and creating jobs.
The district is home to three of South Africa’s major dams. Agricultural production
includes wheat, maize, peanuts, grapes, beans, potatoes, nuts and
sheep farming, a particular strength of the southern part of the district. Pixley
ka Seme is the largest wool-producing district in South Africa, but most of what
is produced is processed in the Eastern Cape. As a consequence, opportunities
exist for the establishment of a cotton mill, a tannery and a facility to add
value to semi-precious stones. Horse breeding is a valuable contributor to the
regional economy.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES COVERED IN GREATER
DETAIL IN THIS PROSPECTUS INCLUDE:
• Harvesting biomass
• Production of green ammonia using renewable energy
• Refurbishment of the Victoria West Aerodrome
Further opportunities exist in sectors such as transport and logistics (De Aar
rail cargo hub and workshops and vehicle testing in Hopetown), engineering and
science (the SKA project), tourism (Douglas holiday resort), mining (zinc, copper,
tiger’s eye), Booktown Richmond festivals, wool, pistachio nuts and venison
processing, and water tourism activities on dams.
LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY
Located in the south-east of the Northern Cape Province,
in the heart of the Karoo, the district is bordered
by three other South African provinces, the Eastern Cape
to the south-east, the Free State to the east and the
Western Cape to the south-west. The district’s landmass
accounts for nearly a third of the geographical area of
the Northern Cape. A large part of the Northern Cape
Province falls within the Karoo, the great inland plateau
that defines much of the central and western regions
of the country. Although the Karoo generally receives
low rainfall there are variations of climate. For example,
the central and eastern parts of the Karoo into which
the Pixley ka Seme district falls also contains areas of
grassland. Hot days and cold nights are a feature of
the climate. Where the Orange River runs through the
province, it plays a major role in the economy and the
Vanderkloof and Gariep dams form part of the eastern
boundary of the district. There are few other rivers but
underground water is available. Boreholes have made
farming viable and sheep thrive.
Population: 195 595 (2016)
DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY INFORMATION
The Pixley ka Seme District Municipality is a Category
C municipality.
Municipal headquarters: De Aar
Postal address: Private Bag X1012, De Aar 7000
Physical address: Culvert Road, De Aar
Tel: +27 53 631 0891
Website: www.pksdm.gov.za

STATISTICS
PIXLEY KA SEME DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
5

6
MESSAGE
WELCOME TO PIXLEY KA SEME
DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
The Gabar Goshawk
Municipal Manager
Mr Isak Visser
Tourism investment opportunities abound, writes Municipal Manager
Mr Isak Visser, in a District of great natural beauty with magnificent flora and fauna.
Tourism is one of the driving forces of our country’s economy. It is a
major catalyst of socio-economic transformation in South Africa and
one of the most important means for South Africa to build its global
brand and image. Early in 2023 Pixley ka Seme District Municipality
held Strategic Planning sessions where tourism was unpacked and
analysed. Conclusions led to the Pixley ka Seme District Municipality
recognising the critical importance of the tourism in the District’s
economy and how to further develop it.
Pixley ka Seme District Municipality is in a unique biodiversity area
of South Africa, with a typical Karoo-type veld. The District Municipality
comprises areas classified as Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBA) 1
(7.1%), which are ecosystems intact, and CBA 2 (19.2%), which are
ecosystems that are near natural.
THE KEY PROVINCIAL/NATIONAL NATURE RESERVES
IN THE PIXLEY KA SEME DISTRICT ARE:
• Mokala National Park, informally known as the park where endangered
species roam, because of its breeding and reallocation of
animals for use in other national parks and game reserves. The
dramatic shadings of sky pictured here are an everyday event in
the park.
• Rolfontein Nature Reserve has been in existence since 1970
– 8 000 hectares of mountainous terrain, Karoo plains, little
dolerite koppies and densely wooded mountain kloofs. Rolfontein
borders on the Vanderkloof Dam.
• Doornkloof Nature Reserve is positioned at the top end of
the southern shore of the Vanderkloof Dam – South Africa’s
second-largest water reservoir.
• The Karoo Gariep Conservancy is found on the Karoo “dry and
hard” side of the Gariep “big river”.
• Platberg-Karoo Conservancy is an important birding area.
We invite you to explore our beautiful District and the many
investment opportunities offered by the Pixley ka Seme District
Municipality, and while in our municipality, enjoy the beauty of
its nature and diverse culture.

DISTRICT ECONOMY
INFRASTRUCTURE
AND MAIN SECTORS
The staples of agriculture, mining
and tourism have been boosted by
renewable energy and astronomy.
Residents of the Pixley ka Seme District have been successfully
farming sheep and irrigated crops, breeding horses and looking
after tourists for many decades. Since the first diamond was found
in Hopetown on the banks of the Orange River, mining has also
been an ever-present activity. All of these activities required intelligence
and hard work but the two newest sectors to make an
impact are at the cutting-edge of modern technology: solar power
and radio astronomy.
MAIN ECONOMIC SECTORS
The District is the biggest wool producer in South Africa but almost all
of the processing is done in the neighbouring Eastern Cape. Dorper
and merino sheep predominate. The country has about 15-million
sheep and the value of the national clip is about R5-billion annually.
About a quarter of the sheep slaughtered in South Africa every year
are from the Karoo region.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Pixley ka Seme District is well served by infrastructure. De Aar
historically played a major role in South Africa’s railway system as
the central point where various railway lines would meet and allow
for transfers to different destinations. Modern South Africans are
puzzled to learn that early meetings of national associations such
as the cricket and rugby boards routinely met in the junction town,
but that was in the days when the railways were the only ways to
beat long distances.
De Aar is where the Cape Town-Kimberley main line meets the line
from Upington and Namibia and another line from Port Elizabeth.
The Gariep Dam and the Vanderkloof Dam are respectively the
biggest and second-biggest dams in South Africa.
Highways: The N1 highway, the main national route from Cape Town
to Johannesburg and beyond, is in the south-eastern part of the District,
passing through the towns of Hanover, Richmond and Colesberg
on its way north-east. The N12 is a north-westerly alternative to the
N1, starting at the great crossroads of Three Sisters, and providing
a direct route to Kimberley, and Mafikeng beyond that. The N8,
the major east-west route from Kimberley to the West Coast, passes
through Schmidtsdrift and Campbell.
Airstrips: Many of the towns of the District have airstrips but a call
has gone out to redevelop the Aerodrome at Victoria West. This is
dealt with in detail elsewhere in this journal.
New infrastructure related to the renewable energy sector is being
built very quickly. The market is lively and investors are keen. The
only constraint is the capacity of the electrical grid. Major initiatives
are underway to engage financial institutions, including the New
Development Bank, formerly the BRICS Development Bank, to fund
an expansion of the national grid.
The most sophisticated scientific equipment has been installed in
the vicinity of Carnarvon over the last several years and will continue
to be installed as the SKA radio telescope project ramps up.

8
PIXLEY KA SEME DISTRICT
NATURAL RESOURCES AND
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
The Orange River and its dams provide a
bounty for farmers and fishers.
The sun and the skies give Pixley ka Seme a competitive edge.
Old mining sites are being revisited.
The Pixley ka Seme District is well-placed to benefit from two of the
greatest and most abundant resources that exist, the sun and the
sky. With solar power growing as a global phenomenon at a rapid
rate, the wide open spaces and excellent sunshine that beams down
in this part of the Northern Cape Province make the district a perfect
destination for solar farms. Many major companies and consortiums
have already made this investment decision.
The Northern Cape is the natural home for the generation of solar
power. Long-term annual direct normal irradiance (DNI) at Upington
is 2 816kWh/m2, according to a survey done for Stellenbosch University
by Slovakian company GeoModal Solar. Approximately 60%
of the projects so far allocated in the national Renewable Energy
Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP)
have been in the nation’s sunniest province.
While the province has rightly been called the home of solar power,
some early wind farm investments will celebrate a decade of operations
next year. The District lends itself to further investments in solar
and wind power, a fact noted in the regional Spatial Development
Framework. The central and eastern Karoo also has clear skies like
very few other places. This has made it a destination for stargazing
for many years and Sutherland to the south-west of the district is
the home of South Africa’s optical telescopes. In more recent times
Sutherland in the Pixley ka Seme District has been the centre of
attention as the site of a global radio telescope project, the Square
Kilometre Array (SKA).
The amount of data that will be generated by this project is difficult
for most people to comprehend. One of the results of that is that
young people in the Northern Cape are now being exposed to data
science and the possibilities of astronomy like never before. Mathematics
teachers at Carnarvon High School are sponsored by SKA.
The Pixley ka Seme District Municipality is aware that developing and
maintaining infrastructure around the Carnarvon area will help to
drive further investment and the creation of jobs.
Hopetown is where South Africa’s mineral revolution began. The
discovery of a diamond in 1867 was the beginning of the modern
era. An old zinc mine at Prieska that produced a million tons of zinc
and 430 000 tons of copper before it closed in 1991 is being revived
by Australian miner Orion Minerals. A major advantage for the project
is that Prieska already has established infrastructure.
Another of the great advantages enjoyed by the Pixley ka Seme
District is access to water. A visitor driving through some parts of
the region might find that an ironic statement, and much of the
district is indeed dry which makes it ideal for sheep farming but
the Orange River runs along the edge of the district and through
it, making irrigation possible and providing for wonderful opportunities
for holiday activities too.

9
LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES
THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES OF
THE KAROO HAVE A SPECIAL CHARM
Visitors are attracted to the peace and quiet of streets where donkey carts
are still a common site and walking is not the extreme sport that it is in
the big city. The Karoo is also known for its friendly welcome.
Many towns in the District were
founded because of access
to water and they continue to
serve as focal points for farming
communities, trade and
worship. Attractions in towns
range from the house where
Olive Schreiner lived during the
Anglo-Boer War (Hanover) to San rock paintings and water recreation
on the banks of the Orange River. Eight local municipalities
fall under the Pixley ka Seme District Municipality:
EMTHANJENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
• Towns: Britstown, De Aar, Hanover
De Aar is the seat of the District Municipality and the location of
the district’s tertiary college, the Northern Cape Rural TVET College,
above. Olive Schreiner once lived in Hanover and the old Magistrates’
Court, pictured right, is well preserved.
The Vanderkloof Dam is a major attraction and the Rolfontein Nature
Reserve is a popular destination.
SIYANCUMA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
• Campbell, Douglas, Griekwastad, Schmidtsdrif
Both Campbell and Griekwastad played important roles in the history
of the Griqua people and famous missionaries visited. Douglas is the
home of the large agricultural enterprise, GWK.
SIYATHEMBA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
• Copperton, Marydale, Niekerkshoop, Prieska
The area is again the site of mining activity for copper and zinc.
There was a time when the Koegas asbestos mine near Marydale
was the biggest asbestos mine in the world. The Orange River runs
through this area.
THEMBELIHLE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
• Hopetown, Strydenburg
Hopetown is famous as the place where the first diamond was found
in South Africa.
UBUNTU LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
• Hutchinson, Loxton, Richmond, Victoria West
Famous anti-apartheid priest Beyers Naude started out as a young
minister in Loxton. Richmond is a Book Town and consequently has at
least two festivals every year, one of which is called Boekbedonnerd.
KAREEBERG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
• Carnarvon, Vanwyksvlei, Vosburg
Carnarvon, pictured, has won new prominence because of the location
just outside the town of the SKA radio telescope facility.
RENOSTERBERG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
• Petrusville, Philipstown, Van der Kloof
Marks of the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) can be found in this area.
UMSOBOMVU LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
• Colesberg, Norvalspont, Noupoort
Colesberg is at an important intersection on the N1 and has several
outstanding examples of architecture that blends Georgian elements
with the Cape Dutch style.

TOURISM KAROO HIGHLANDS ROUTE
The Namakwa District towns of Williston and
Fraserburg mark the western edge of the Karoo
Highlands Route, which stretches into the southern
section of the Pixley ka Seme District to encompass
the towns of Carnarvon, Loxton, Vosburg and
Victoria West. This is the heart of the Great Karoo.
The Karoo Highlands Route is where you can see the stars so clearly you feel
that you touch them. The area is renowned for the hospitality of its farming
community. Whether you admire the corbelled houses or look back in time at the
Gansfontein palaeo-surface, your heart will surely be touched by this region as
never before.
The Karoo is the home of peace and tranquillity where you can recharge
your batteries while exploring the wide open plains dotted with koppies (hills).
This is a place where a huge telescope allows you to look back to the beginnings
of our universe 13-billion years ago, and where pre-dinosaurs roamed
the earth and the first people gazed up to the heavens. People have lived on
this massive plateau, the largest of its kind outside Asia, for about 500 000
years. The Khoi and San people who left their legacy as art on the rocks gave
the Karoo its name. The area’s name comes from “karusa”, a Khoi word that
means dry, barren, thirstland. This aptly describes this region, where water is
scarce. It is an ancient, fossil-rich land, with some important archaeological
sites, as well as the largest variety of succulents found anywhere on earth:
there are more than 9 000 plant species in the Great Karoo.
The route offers plenty of interesting attractions, such as Karoo architecture
and corbelled houses, Anglo-Boer War sites, rock art, ancient palaeo-surfaces,
farm stays and medicinal plants.
THINGS TO DO
There is a lot to do on this small but unique route. The area
is famous for its successful sheep farming, and it is one of the
best stargazing destinations in the world. In the Karoo there is
something for every traveller – there are quiet and scenic vast
landscapes, friendly local people, traditional food and a whole
lot of adventure. The various small towns, including
Carnarvon, Loxton, Victoria West, Vosburg and Williston
each offer something different from the other.
NATURAL SPLENDOUR
A self-drive excursion through the Appie van
Heerden Nature Reserve is a sight for sore eyes
in this arid part of the Northern Cape. The 860ha nature
reserve is located just outside Carnarvon, and here
you will see spectacular Karoo veld vegetation that forms part of the
Karee mountains. Spot various wild animals, including blesbok, black
wildebeest, zebra, springbok and gemsbok, all of which used to roam this part
of the country freely before the commencement of sheep farming in the region.

11
TOURISM FORGOTTEN HIGHWAY ROUTE
The Forgotten Highway Route retraces the steps of ancient forbears
and explorers, missionaries and diamond prospectors.
The 1 000km route stretches from Tulbagh and Ceres in the Western
Cape to Kuruman in the north. In between, the route mostly comprises
the territory of the Pixley ka Seme District. It is the route that was
used by the !Xam, KhoeKhoe, Tswana and missionaries. From there,
travellers would venture into central Africa.
The project to recover and restore the route was undertaken
by the Karoo Development Foundation, which achieved its first
landmark success in 2015 when Karoo lamb was registered as a
Geographic Indicator.
The towns of the Pixley ka Seme District that travellers visit
along the route include Carnarvon, Vanwyksvlei, Prieska,
Niekerkshoop and Griekwastad.
After the indigenous people and the missionaries
came the prospectors, eager to get as quickly
as possible to the diamond fields of Kimberley.
Every kind of conceivable good was carried
along the route, sufficient to turn Kimberley
into one of the busiest places in
the Southern Hemisphere and
to create traffic jams of wagons
along the route. Two events of
1877 spelt the end of the road
through Karoopoort as a route of choice: the railway line to the
north reached Touwsrivier, meaning that northbound goods and
passengers had a much more direct choice, and a new pass over
the Cedarberg from Clanwilliam, the Pakhuis Pass, gave direct access
to the Karoo. The first town encountered when travelling from the
south is Carnarvon, originally established as a mission station and
now world-famous as the site of the SKA radio astronomy project.
The domed stone roofs of corbelled houses are a feature of the
area and one of them is preserved in the grounds
of the Dutch Reformed Church. The Carnarvon
Museum offers glimpses into the past and a fort
from the days of the Anglo-Boer War has been
repurposed as a water tank.
The town of Prieska is located on
the south bank of the Orange River.
This is the point where travellers
would ford the river in days gone
by and the river naturally makes
this a good spot to stop for
tourists. The discovery of
semi-precious stones
was a reason not to
travel any further
north, and the fort
built by the British
in Anglo-Boer War was
constructed using tiger’s
eye. War graves from that conflict
are in the town’s Memorial
Garden and the Schumann Rock
Collection is a reminder of that
part of the town’s history.
Vanwyksvlei is the site of the
nation’s first state-funded dam.
The Vanwyksvlei Dam was built
in 1882. Salt pans surround the
village and San rock art can be
viewed nearby. Griekwastad is
famous as a founding location of
the Griqua nation and the grave
of Andries Waterboer can be visited.
The Mary Moffat Museum is
named for the daughter of the
famous missionary Robert. The
nearby Witsand Nature Reserve
is a popular destination.

12
TOURISM KAROO OASIS ROUTE
The Karoo Oasis Route offers the traveller an attractive balance of history,
adventure, nature, culture and traditional Karoo “slow food”.
Take the N12 arterial heading away from the Western Cape to
reach the heart of the Karoo. The Karoo Oasis Route begins in
Victoria West and stretches northwards along the N12, passing
through Britstown, Hopetown, Kimberley and Warrenton.
THINGS TO DO
The Karoo is typified by arid, semi-desert terrain dotted with
flat-topped “koppies” (small hills) where some
seven-million sheep find grazing. It is also
a biodiversity hotspot that is home to
6 000 plant species (2 400 of which
are endemic) and the critically
endangered riverine rabbit. Solar
and wind farms are becoming a
familiar feature on the Karoo
landscape.
NATURAL
SPLENDOUR
Dominated by the
beautiful and distinct
camel-thorn trees from which
the park derives its name, the
Mokala National Park is situated
approximately 70km south-west of
Kimberley near the N12 highway. Visitors
to the park can expect to see species such as tsessebe
and roan and sable antelope, pictured. The park also makes for a
perfect stop for people travelling between Cape Town and
Johannesburg.
stopover in the vast expanses of the Karoo between Cape Town (via
Three Sisters) and Johannesburg (via Kimberley). Why not stay a
night and book a stargazing experience to witness the majesty of the
almost pollution-free Northern Cape skies by night?
APOLLO THEATRE
Acclaimed as the last art deco cinema in the country, the Apollo
Theatre in Victoria West has an illustrious
history. The theatre was built in 1928
by Andrew Aristides Bassil, a Greek
immigrant who had set up home in
the town in 1923. It was renovated
in 1950 to its current form, imitating the
then fashionable art deco style, and has
been declared a heritage site by the National
Monuments Council. These
days, the Apollo Theatre entertains
the locals as a cinema
and hosts international
film festivals.
CULTURE AND LEISURE
Stop at Kambro Accommodation and Farm Stall, 21km north of
Britstown, with its scenic walks, children’s playground and swimming
dam and explore the many sites of historical interest in the area.
Visit private farms sporting excellent examples of Khoisan art (by
appointment only) and immerse yourself in the Karoo’s history at
the Indraf Kafee informal museum and the Methodist Church museum.
Beautiful old buildings such as the library, old police station and
magistrate’s office are also worth stopping at.
EAT AND SLEEP
Britstown may be small, but there’s plenty to do – such as experiencing
bona fide Karoo “slow food” and hospitality at the Transkaroo
Country Lodge. This boutique hotel, which has been in operation
for more than a century, has made a name for itself as a preferred

13
BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT
THRIVING BUSINESSES
AND EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES
Long-term commitments have created successful businesses in Pixley
ka Seme District, renewable energy investors have found a new home
and there are opportunities for new investors. Pixley ka Seme District
is home to several successful enterprises. Examples include:
AGRICULTURE
GWK, one South Africa’s biggest agricultural companies, has its head
office and several operations in Douglas, pictured. GWK is a public
company with a shareholder base of approximately 4 000 commercial
farmers. The group comprises four large divisions, each with
several subsidiaries: GWK Agri, GWK Farm Foods, GWK Trading and
Financial Services. Agri has nine sections while GWK Farm Foods focusses
on grain and pecan nuts with a finance section of its own. The
Agriqua section of GWK falls under Financial Services and helps small
and emerging farmers become commercial businesses, in support of
agricultural transformation. Douglas Wine Cellars is a GWK company.
As of May 2023, GWK and VKB, another giant agricultural firm, were
officially merged, giving the new entity even greater geographical
spread and a more diverse market.
HORSE BREEDING
Big Sky Ranch has been famous for a long time. One of the
country’s foremost breeders used to run the farm under his own
name, Gary Player Stud, but the Ellis family started farming near
Colesberg in 1883. A large number of first-rate thoroughbreds
and excellent broodmares have been raised on the stud over the
years. Some of Player’s champions included Foreign Source and
Foolish Pride. Big Sky Ranch now offers accommodation as a
high-end bed-and-breakfast establishment.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Mulilo Renewable Energy is a renewable energy developer and
strategic equity investor with a special focus on solar photovoltaic
(PV) technologies. Mulilo is invested in one solar PV farm at De
Aar (10MW) and three facilities in the Prieska region, amounting
to 170MW. In every instance, there are a number of investment
partners, including local community trusts which not only have a
stake in the solar farm, but are engaged in deciding what projects
are best suited for investment to benefit schools or local clinics.
Enterprise Development Programmes support a variety of local
businesses, from specialists employed to clean the solar panels to
other support services along the supply chain.
Noblesfontein Wind Farm is an Independent Power Producer (IPP)
near the towns of Victoria West and Hutchinson. With a licensed capacity
of 73.8MW, generated by 41 giant turbines, the facility has
been operating since 2014.
In the Umsobomvu Local Municipality, about 10km east of
Noupoort, 35 99m-high wind turbines generate 80MW. The site was
chosen because of ease of access in terms of delivery of the turbines,
the excellent wind resource, municipal and local stakeholder
support, the low impact on the environment showed by studies and
the easy electrical connection into the Eskom grid.

14
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
PIXLEY KA SEME DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
PROJECT SECTOR JOBS INVESTMENT VALUE
Vehicle Testing Station,
Hopetown
Transport and logistics
Temporary jobs in
construction phase;
permanent in operational
phase
R30-million
Tiger’s Eye Mining Revival Mining and minerals Not determined R2-million
Douglas Resort Tourism Not determined R500 000
Colesberg Caravan Park Tourism Not determined Not determined
Umsobomvu Cultural Village Tourism Not determined Not determined
Trapies Dam Resort Tourism Not determined Not determined
Kruit Huis Art Gallery Tourism Not determined Not determined
Umsobomvu LM Golf Course Tourism Not determined Not determined
Umsobomvu LM Olive Tree
Project
Manufacturing Not determined Not determined
Colesberg Quarry Manufacturing Not determined Not determined
Vanderkloof Holiday Resort,
PPP
Tourism 40 R100-million
Vanderkloof Fisheries Food security 20 Not determined
Vanderkloof Aquaculture Farming 30 Not determined
Emthanjeni LM Brick
manufacturing
Manufacturing 20 Not determined

15
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
VICTORIA WEST AERODROME
Rehabilitation and development of Victoria West Aerodrome
PROJECT LOCATION
Victoria West, Ubuntu Local Municipality.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Victoria West Aerodrome is strategically situated between
the N12, N1 and R63. It was the fuelling aerodrome for flights
from London to Cape Town in the 1950s and has significant
historical value.
TARGETED SECTORS
• Agriculture
• Drone facilities and flying school
• Export through aviation
• Aviation
• Logistics and distribution
• Car rental
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
Rehabilitation and development of existing Aerodrome to service
businesses, tourism and projects within a 300km radius of Victoria
West. Develop the Aerodrome with a fire station to service the
Aerodrome and the local municipality.
JOBS
Short term: 500 construction phase
Long term: 150 permanent jobs
INVESTMENT VALUE
Immediate: R10-million
Short/medium term: R55-million
Long term: R25-million
Total: R100-million
PROJECT FINANCE
Grant funding is required for the terminal building and runways.
Equity funding is required for the warehousing and logistics
buildings, hangers and flying school facilities.
PROJECT STATUS
A 22-year lease agreement has been signed with the Ubuntu
Municipality. All suspensive conditions have been met.
PARTNERSHIPS
The Rural Aerodrome Company (Pty) Ltd will investigate all partnerships.
CONTACT DETAILS
Caroline Ungersbock
CEO, Sustainable Tourism Partnership Programme
Tel: 082 880 6250
Email: caro@caroskaroo.co.za

16
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
PRIESKA POWER RESERVE
Renewable energy will power an ammonia plant
The project, located within the industrial area of Prieska, was initiated
by the Central Energy Corporation (CENEC) during 2018 and
developed in partnership with Mahlako A Phahla Investments (Pty)
Ltd and the Industrial Development Corporation.
The Prieska Power Reserve Project has been gazetted under
Infrastructure South Africa as a Strategic Integrated Project (SIP).
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
The first phase of the project involves producing more than 77 000
tons of green ammonia per year, with a green hydrogen content of
approximately 13 800 tons per year from 2026.
The project makes use of renewable energy sources, including
180MWp solar, fixed-tilt and single-axis tracking, 130MWp of wind
and 110MWh of battery storage.
Construction of the ammonia-production facility will begin in
2023 and will include a 140MW electrolyser and 300mtpd Ammonia
Synthesiser, which will be operational in 2026.
The project intends to incorporate next-generation technology that
is more affordable and more efficient, hence unlocking additional
economies of scale that will make the selling price competitive when
compared to grey ammonia/hydrogen.
TARGETED SECTORS
The project focuses on the following sectors: renewable energy,
hydrogen fuel and ammonia fertiliser.
INVESTMENT VALUE
Total value: R10.7-billion
PROJECT FINANCED BY
Equity partners and investors; BBBEE equity partners and investors.
PROJECT STATUS
The Prieska Power Reserve Project is a Strategic Integrated Project
(SIP). The project is far advanced.
A Feasibility Study has the following main focus areas:
• Legal and spatial: land and environmental rights and permits
• Statutory: SPV, structure and governance
• Technical feasibility: detailed technical design and capital expenditure
costing
• Bankable financial model and structuring and arranging of debt
and equity funding
• Marketing: off-take agreements
PARTNERSHIPS
Private developers and project owners: Central
Energy Corporation and Mahlako A Phahla
Investments (Pty) Ltd
Development finance institutions: IDC
Local government (land owner): Siyathemba Local Municipality
MAIN PROJECT CONTACTS
Mr Jaco Kellerman
Cell: 082 469 4598
Tel: 031 266 5511
e-mail: jaco.k@cenec.com or
jaco@projecon.co.za
JOB CREATION
Permanent employees: 300 post construction, supported by 25
young professionals and 75 artisans

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
QUIVER BIOMASS INDUSTRIES
Harvesting biomass for charcoal and energy
Quiver Green Group (Pty) Ltd is classified as an ecosystem-based
adaptation business.
As a bio-economy sector enterprise it operates throughout the
various value chains of the green economy in South Africa, with a
primary focus on the Northern Cape.
The business focuses on harvesting biomass for firewood, woodchips,
charcoal production and for the establishment of a bioenergy
generation plant.
Plants are to be located in the towns of Barkly West (Frances Baard
District Municipality), Prieska and Carnarvon, both of which fall under
the Pixley ka Seme District Municipality. Quiver Biomass Industries
as a project is active in both downstream and upstream economic
opportunities of the biomass value chain utilising and beneficiating
biomass sourced from clearing invasive alien plant species and
bush-thinning of woody species. The benefits from this biomass
beneficiation project are significant as they contribute to climate
mitigation and adaptation and result in various other benefits such
as: economic benefits in the bioeconomy; environmental benefits
which speak to biodiversity and ecological benefits; and social impact
benefits that are aligned to driving a Just Energy Transition.
PRODUCTS
Quiver Biomass Industries will produce value-added products for the
following domestic and international markets:
• Energy market: pellets and woodchips
• Pyrolisis market: charcoal and activated-carbon products
• Agricultural input market: soil additives and animal feeds
• Carbon/compost market: biochar and sequestration products
• Restoration market: landscape clearing and restoration products
• Timber/fibre market: eco-furniture and innovative green building
materials
• Niche markets: biofuels and chemicals
Quiver Green Group (Pty) Ltd is currently looking for future export
markets to sell 10 000 tons of environmentally friendly charcoal per
annum, as well as export markets for its woodchips.
TARGETED SECTORS
• Primary: green economy and bioeconomy
• Secondary: cross-cutting sectors through value addition in
manufacturing, trade and energy sectors
INVESTMENT VALUE
Phase 1: R50-million
Phase 2: R100-million
JOB CREATION
Minimum of 16 rural micro-enterprises and 256 to 500 direct and
indirect jobs within five years from establishment.
PROJECT FINANCED BY
Public-private-partnership (PPP); equity partners and investors;
commercial companies; industrial companies. Advisors still required.
PROJECT STATUS
• Project feasibility and business case complete
• Government approval and procurement stage
PARTNERSHIPS
• Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism
• Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs,
Rural Development and Land Reform
PROJECT CONTACTS
Department of Economic Development and Tourism
Manager: Trade and Investment: Riaan Warie
Tel: 079 877 2828
Quiver Green Group (Pty) Ltd
Managing Director: P du Toit
Tel: 078 600 5156
Email: polycarpd@gmail.com

18
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY ORION MINERALS

19
Project Description
Prieska Copper Zinc Mine (Pty) Ltd (PCZM) is developing the
Prieska Copper Zinc Mine Project near Prieska. PCZM falls
under the auspices of Orion Minerals Limited.
The mine concluded a positive Bankable Feasibility Study
in May 2020 and is currently in the late financing stage/early
construction stage in anticipation of receiving the remainder
of the requisite funding. In order to adapt to the current
local and global economic challenges, PCZM instituted a
number of financial and technical studies to consider the
viability of a number of accelerating early cashflow scenarios
which resulted in the current plan to start the operation
on a smaller scale and ramp up to the final development
scenario outlined in the BFS-20.
Work has begun and the project remains positive. Work
with the local mine community and proactive up-skilling programmes
continue, working towards local provision of many
of the required skills.
• Exploration and development to mine copper and zinc.
• By-products include gold and silver, parite and barite.
PARTNERSHIPS
The PCZM Project falls under the auspices of Orion Minerals
Limited which is dual listed on both the Johannesburg
Stock Exchange(JSE) and the Australian Stock Exchange
(ASX) allowing for equity participation by the peoples of
South Africa.
In addition to the BBBEE partnerships, the project has
also procured funding from the Industrial Development Corporation
of South Africa Ltd (IDC) as well as from TFR&S
Canada Ltd and Triple Flag Ltd (together, Triple Flag).
INVESTMENT VALUE
The total value of the project: As of end July 2022, R623-
million had been spent on the project. The amount of
R4.1-billion announced to construct the mine will be in
addition to this investment.
NUMBER OF JOBS TO BE CREATED
Total number of jobs to be created (direct and indirect/construction
phase): Initially around 100 jobs are anticipated
scaling up to greater than 1 500 employees and contractors
during construction, with a steady state employment
estimate of 840. This excludes new jobs created for service
provision to the mine and its employees.

20
NATIONAL INCENTIVE SCHEMES
The national Development of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), in collaboration with
other public and private sector entities, has developed a number incentives schemes to assist
with the growth of certain sectors. These national incentives schemes are listed below.
PROGRAMME
• Technology and Human
Resources for Industry
Programme (THRIP)
• Support Programme for
Industrial Innovation (SPII)
• Global Business Services (GBS)
Incentive
• Film and TV Production
• Export Marketing Investment
Assistance (EMIA)
• Sector Specific Assistance
Scheme (SSAS)
• Capital Projects Feasibility
Programme (CPFP)
INNOVATION CLUSTER
INCENTIVES
• A 50% to 90% cost-sharing
grant to maximum R8-million
per annum for three years for
approved project engaged
in applied research and
development in science,
engineering and technology.
• Matching scheme that provides
financial assistance in the
form of a non-taxable grant
for qualifying costs incurred in
development activity associated
with a specific project to a
maximum of R5-million.
SERVICES INVESTMENT CLUSTER
EXPORT CLUSTER
• Reimbursable cost-sharing grant
of 30% to 50%, maximum of
R20-million for qualifying costs.
Score based on economic benefit
criteria.
• For productions with various QSAPE
amounts, various percentage and
calendar days requirements may
be waived and such discretion will
take into account the budgetary
implications of the decision made.
• Return airfares, subsistence
allowances, the cost of sample
transportation and various other
costs may be covered in respect
of costs related to marketing,
missions and trade fairs.
• Project Funding. A reimbursable
80:20 cost-sharing grant
scheme.
• Emerging Exporters. 100%
of the cost to a maximum of
R1.9-million per project.
• Reimbursable contribution up to
a maximum of R8-million.
PROGRAMME
• Black
Industrialists
Scheme (BIS)
• Aquaculture
Development and
Enhancement
Programme
(ADEP)
• Strategic
Partnerships
Programme
(SPP)
• Agro-Processing
Support Scheme
(APSS)
• Automotive
Investment
Scheme (AIS)
MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT CLUSTER
• Special Economic
Zone Fund (SEZ)
• Critical
Infrastructure
Programme (CIP)
INCENTIVES
• A 30% to 50% cost-sharing grant of up to
R50-million. Offers support on a cost-sharing
basis towards capital investment costs,
feasibility studies, post-investment support
and business development services (to the
maximum of R2-million).
• Reimbursable cost-sharing grant of 30% to
50%, maximum of R20-million.
• A maximum of R15-million per financial year on
a 50:50 basis.
• Reimbursable cost-sharing grant of 20% to
30% to a maximum of R20-million.
Non-taxable cash grant of
• 20% of the value for light motor vehicle
manufactures and
• 25% of the value of qualifying investment
in component manufactures and tooling
companies.
INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT CLUSTER
• Preferential taxes (including 12i Tax Allowance)
• Bulk infrastructure (electrical sub-stations,
water storage, sewerage treatment and
pumping, etc)
• Top structures
• Business development (pre-feasibility studies
and feasibility studies, technology testing and
training, EIA and general research linked to
planned investment and clusters)
Registered private entities and local governments
(municipalities, excluding metropolitan
municipalities).Types of supported projects,
capped at R50-million:
• strategic infrastructure feasibility studies
• generic investment
• South African film and TV studios and cinemas
• state-owned testing facilities
• state-owned industrial parks
• distressed municipalities or investors in such
municipalities

The small Karoo town of Carnarvon is a long way from everywhere else,
which is one of the reasons that it’s an ideal location for one of the world’s
great science projects, the Square Kilometre Array. The largest-ever radio
telescope will relay news about the universe and expand our knowledge to an
unprecedented extent. Credit: Mike Peel/Wiki Commons

PIXLEY KA SEME DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
Contact Details
Municipal Manager:
Mr Isak Visser: 082 802 2319
Local Economic Development:
Mr Asanda Sibeko: 071 200 3215
Manager, Office of the Executive Mayor:
Mr Mkhonto Mfazwe: 071 401 8595
Website: www.pksdm.gov.za