The City of Tshwane is set to host its first investment summit on September 10, aiming to attract R5 billion in private sector investments by leveraging strategic city-owned assets, which include two power stations in Rooiwal and Pretoria West. 

Tshwane’s Executive Mayor, Nasiphi Moya, announced that the city is opening up strategic assets, including the power stations, which have lain dormant for over a decade, for private sector investment through leasing.

Under the theme Tshwane Rising, the summit will initially focus on four key sectors such as automotive, tourism, property and construction, and agriculture and agro-processing.

Moya said the multiparty coalition government entered office in October 2024 with a clear commitment to prioritise economic growth as the foundation for jobs, revenue stability, and improved service delivery.

“Without growth, sustainable development cannot be achieved, and this has guided the current administration’s office. At the time of assuming office, Tshwane’s economy was under severe strain. By the end of 2024, unemployment stood at 37.8%, with youth unemployment even higher,” she said.

The mayor highlighted a positive trend, noting that Tshwane has contributed 71,000 of Gauteng’s 83,000 new jobs between Q2 2024 and Q2 2025, according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) data.

“However, small, incremental changes would not suffice. What Tshwane requires is a focused and ambitious intervention to unlock its economic potential and create real opportunities for residents,” she said.

She highlighted the Tshwane Economic Revitalisation Strategy, adopted by council in April 2025, saying it aims to achieve an average growth rate of 3.9% by 2029.

In addition, the strategy aims to secure R17 to R26 billion in investments for the city and add R41.5 billion to the city’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and to create at least 80,000 new jobs across both the formal and informal sectors.

Moya noted that the strategy targets different sectors of the economy with each sector representing an opportunity to build resilience, broaden participation, and stimulate inclusive growth.

“Central to this strategy is the activation of Tshwane’s portfolio of strategic assets from land parcels and utility infrastructure to tourism sites and industrial zones. These assets must no longer lie dormant and unused. They must be unlocked and leveraged to attract investment, support enterprise development, and strengthen the delivery of reliable services,” she said.

She said the summit will provide a platform to match opportunities with commitments and to showcase Tshwane’s strategic assets as investment-ready. 

According to her, the summit is targeting investors who previously expressed interest during the Gauteng investment conference including existing Tshwane investors and global players.

Other strategic assets the city will be availing are the Wonderboom National Airport, Tshwane industries, Tshwane Events Centre and Fresh Produce Market.

Moya said: “City properties and strategic land parcels for student accommodation, low-cost housing and office parks. These assets alone will not be enough to revive the city’s  economy. As such during the summit, the administration will reveal the comprehensive support package to investors.”

She said the Rooiwal power station has been dormant for more than a decade, draining resources while producing no electricity.

“Once revived, Rooiwal could contribute 300 MW, strengthen Tshwane’s energy security and advance industrial and residential development. We will be open to working with the private sector to ensure that the power station works optimally.”

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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