As big business this week pledged billions in investments into the mineral-rich Limpopo, Deputy President Paul Mashatile cautioned that the sixth Limpopo Investment Conference had to ensure that investment translated into tangible benefits for communities.
Surpassing the R120 billion target for 2026, the investment gathering reached over R138 billion, dominated by infrastructure (water, roads and public works), agriculture and agro-processing; mining and mineral beneficiation; manufacturing and logistics, real estate and property development, energy, tourism and hospitality, ICT and telecommunications sectors.
Delivering a keynote address at the gathering attended by diplomats, domestic and foreign captains of industry, Mashatile said investment into the province should support local enterprises, drive industrialisation - contributing to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Mashatile said the conference theme “From Pledges to Progress: Accelerating Implementation and Unlocking Investment in Limpopo”, “captures the task before us”.
“Investment commitments are important, but their true value lies in what they achieve.
“They must result in new businesses, expanded industries, decent jobs and opportunities that improve the lives of our people,” he said.
“The real measure of our success will not be the value of investments announced.
“It will be our ability to ensure that those investments become operational projects, thriving businesses and sustainable jobs,” maintained Mashatile.
Since its inception last year, the conference has provided a platform to promote Limpopo as an investment destination, having mobilised capital across strategic economic sectors.
Cumulative investment pledges recorded between 2021 and 2025, has amounted to R452.38 billion, of which R71.058 billion has translated into real investments - contributing to the creation of 23 968 jobs.
Limpopo, said Mashatile, was “exceptionally well-placed for growth”.
The province’s abundant mineral resources, fertile agricultural land, strategic location and expanding industrial capacity provided a strong foundation for investment and economic development.
“From mining and mineral beneficiation to agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, logistics and renewable energy, the province possesses significant opportunities to drive economic expansion - creating employment at scale.
“We must also make full use of Limpopo's strategic location within South Africa and the broader Southern African region.
“As a gateway to the Southern African Development Community, Limpopo is uniquely positioned to benefit from growing regional trade and the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area,” said Mashatile.
However, increased trade “must mean more than goods moving across borders”.
He said: “It (investment) must stimulate local production, strengthen value chains, attract new industries and create sustainable employment for the people of this province.
“The foundations for growth are already in place.
“Our task now is to unlock their full potential through decisive action and effective implementation.
“To achieve this, we must continue investing in the infrastructure that supports economic growth.
“Reliable energy, water security, efficient transport systems, logistics networks and digital connectivity are no longer optional – they are essential for competitiveness in a modern economy.
“Infrastructure investment not only improves economic efficiency - it creates the conditions that encourage private sector investment, expand productive activity and support job creation.”
Mashatile called for the improvement in project preparation – “ensuring that promising opportunities become investment-ready”.
“While investors are drawn to economic potential, they invest where there is confidence.
“They seek policy certainty, transparent governance, efficient regulation and credible implementation.
“As government we therefore remain committed to improving the ease of doing business, reducing unnecessary regulatory hurdles and strengthening coordination across all spheres of Government.
“Under the premier’s guidance, Limpopo should enhance coordination among provincial departments, municipalities and national government, to overcome investment obstacles and promote economic development, ultimately improving residents' lives.
“When local businesses participate in value chains, the impact of investment reaches deeper into communities, supports entrepreneurship and creates more sustainable economic opportunities,” said Mashatile.
He said true economic inclusion could be achieved “when growth creates opportunities for all”.
Shared responsibility required strong partnerships.
“Government cannot deliver economic transformation alone - neither can business, labour or development finance institutions acting independently.
“Government must provide policy certainty and an enabling environment.
“The private sector must bring investment, innovation and expertise.
“Development finance institutions must help unlock strategic projects. Communities must remain active partners in development.
“When these efforts are aligned behind a common purpose, meaningful progress becomes possible,” he said.
With South Africa approaching local government elections next month, Mashatile warned: “We must also recognise the importance of capable and developmental local government.
“Strong municipalities are essential for delivering services, supporting local economic development and creating conditions that attract investment.
“Communities deserve local leadership that is capable, accountable and committed to improving the quality of life of all residents.
“To our investors gathered here, let me assure you that we understand the importance of credibility and trust.
“Investors need confidence that commitments will be honoured, projects will be implemented and challenges will be addressed with urgency.
“The emphasis this conference places on accountability, implementation and measurable outcomes is therefore necessary and encouraging.”
“As we engage over the course of this conference, let us focus not only on identifying opportunities but also on finding practical solutions.
“Let us unlock projects that have stalled.
“Let us strengthen collaboration between investors, government and project sponsors.
“Let us accelerate the flow of capital into productive sectors of the economy.”
As part of his busy schedule in Limpopo, Mashatile officially opened the InvestSA One Stop Shop in the province - serving as the primary government contact point to streamline investor registration, permits and regulatory compliance in the province
Reflecting on the Limpopo’s socio-economic journey, Premier Phophi Ramathuba, said: “There were moments when the sheer magnitude of our socio-economic challenges tested our resolve.
“The understandable impatience of our people - faced with the heavy burden of rising unemployment and sluggish economic opportunities - weighed heavily upon us.
“There were times when the summit felt like an uphill battle against insurmountable odds.
“But determination, grit and visionary partnership has won the day.
“Today, we proudly trace the profound cumulative impact of this initiative over time.
“For the past four years, Limpopo has consistently ranked among the top three provinces in South Africa in job-creation.
“While our unemployment rate, currently standing at 33%, remains a formidable challenge we are waging a relentless war against - with a firm target to bring it below 20% by the end of this administration - we are deeply encouraged by the trajectory.”
She added: “We are convinced that the path we have chosen is the correct one.
“We see this in our rising economic contribution to the national GDP.
“We see it in the steady retreat of poverty, which has plummeted from 60% a decade ago to approximately 40% today.”
Chinese Ambassador to South Africa is Wu Peng, described Limpopo as “a treasure house of South Africa’s natural resources” - “rich in mineral resources such as platinum-group metals, chrome and copper”.
“Limpopo is also home to high-quality fruits and vegetables including mangoes, avocados and citrus fruits.
“Chinese-invested enterprises such as PMC and Samancor, have been doing business in Limpopo for many years and doing a number of key mineral projects - investing over $1 billion and creating nearly 10 000 local jobs.
“Their dedication is a great example of a win-win practical cooperation between China and South Africa.
“We will continue to support Chinese enterprises to scale up local investment.
“By tapping into the two special economic zones (SEZs) in Limpopo (Musina‑Makhado SEZ and Fetakgomo‑Tubatse SEZ), we will expand practical cooperation in mining, energy, manufacturing and infrastructure,” said Wu.