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Special Economic Zones in South Africa: Reflections from International Debates

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Abstract

South Africa’s experience with spatial economic interventions has had a chequered history with the Industrial Development Zone programme most recently failing to generate anticipated development. Current policy has shifted to the imminent launch of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as tools for national (re)industrial development and supporting underdeveloped regions. This paper reflects on recent South African experience with spatial economic interventions and international experience with SEZs paying particular attention to their strengths, weakness and key establishment considerations. It is argued that unfolding South African SEZ planning can be strengthened by learning from the ‘good’ and ‘bad practice’ of international SEZs.

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Acknowledgments

The University of Johannesburg provided research funding support which facilitated the completion of this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, University of Otago, North Dunedin, New Zealand

    Etienne L. Nel

  2. School of Tourism and Hospitality, Faculty of Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Etienne L. Nel & Christian M. Rogerson

  3. University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Etienne L. Nel

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  1. Etienne L. Nel
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  2. Christian M. Rogerson
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Correspondence to Etienne L. Nel.

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Nel, E.L., Rogerson, C.M. Special Economic Zones in South Africa: Reflections from International Debates. Urban Forum 24, 205–217 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12132-012-9184-7

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