Keynote address by the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, on the occasion of the Limpopo Investment Conference 2026, at The Ranch Resort, Polokwane, Limpopo Province.
Programme Director and Chairperson of the Limpopo Tourism Agency Board, Mr Freddy Greaver;
Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba;
Polokwane City Acting Executive Mayor, Cllr. Joosuf Pemma;
Executive Mayor of the Capricorn District Municipality, Cllr Mamedupi Teffo;
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Peoples Republic of China to the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Ambassador, Wu Peng;
MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Dr Tshitereke Matibe;
Members of the Executive Council;
Representatives of Provincial and Local Government;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Investors, Business Leaders, Development Finance Institutions and Development Partners;
Members of the Media;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Good Morning. Goeie Môre. Avuxeni. Ndi Matsheloni. Dumelang. Thobela.
It is always a pleasure to return to Limpopo, a province defined by the warmth of its people, the richness of its natural and cultural heritage, and its immense economic potential.
We meet in a province whose history is deeply rooted in trade, innovation and enterprise. Centuries ago, the Kingdom of Mapungubwe was a thriving centre of commerce that connected this region to markets beyond our continent. That legacy reminds us that entrepreneurship, trade and investment are part of Limpopo's identity.
Today, we are called upon to build on that legacy by unlocking new opportunities for growth, investment and job creation.
It is therefore fitting that we gather under the theme, "From Pledges to Progress: Accelerating Implementation and Unlocking Investment in Limpopo."
This theme 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.
Our goal is not simply to attract investment. It is to ensure that investment translates into tangible benefits for communities, supports local enterprises, drives industrialisation and contributes to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The impact of this conference has been significant. More than R452 billion in investment pledges have been secured, while investments exceeding R71 billion have already been implemented. These investments have contributed to the creation of nearly 24 000 jobs, demonstrating the positive difference that investment can make in people's lives and livelihoods.
This is why the work we undertake here matters.
Limpopo is exceptionally well placed for growth. Its abundant mineral resources, fertile agricultural land, strategic location and expanding industrial capacity provide 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 and create employment at scale.
The real measure of our success, however, will not be the value of investments announced today. It will be our ability to ensure that those investments become operational projects, thriving businesses and sustainable jobs.
Ultimately, it is implementation that drives growth, it is projects that create employment, and delivery that transforms lives.
Distinguished Delegates,
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 (SADC), Limpopo is uniquely positioned to benefit from growing regional trade and the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
However, increased trade must mean more than goods moving across borders. It 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.
At the same time, we must improve project preparation and ensure 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.
We are pleased that the InvestSA One Stop Shop has been established to provide investors with a single point of access to Government services, helping to accelerate project implementation and reduce administrative barriers.
It forms part of our broader strategy to improve regulatory efficiency, lower the cost of doing business and make South Africa a more attractive investment destination.
This important initiative will strengthen the province's ability to attract, facilitate and retain investment. It will support the implementation of strategic projects and contribute to economic growth and employment creation.
For investors, the One Stop Shop will provide direct access to Government support and guidance throughout the investment process, helping them establish and expand businesses more efficiently.
The launch of this facility sends a clear message: Limpopo is open for business.
It reflects our commitment to working alongside investors as partners in development and to ensuring that Government becomes an enabler of growth rather than a barrier to it.
Programme Director, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As I draw towards a conclusion, let me emphasise that South Africa's future prosperity cannot be built on exporting raw materials alone.
Our long-term success depends on our ability to add value to what we produce, expand industrial capacity and create productive employment opportunities for our people.
We must deepen industrialisation, strengthen manufacturing and build competitive value chains that support economic growth and employment at scale.
Limpopo is exceptionally well positioned to contribute to this national objective through mining beneficiation, agro-processing, manufacturing, logistics and energy development.
We must process more of our mineral resources locally, add value to our agricultural production and manufacture more of the goods our economy requires.
In doing so, we will strengthen local industries, grow exports, create sustainable jobs and build a more resilient economy.
But industrialisation cannot succeed without investing in people.
As new investments flow into the province, we must ensure that our young people have the skills needed to participate meaningfully in a changing economy.
This requires greater investment in education, technical and vocational training, apprenticeships and workplace learning opportunities.
Every young person must have a fair opportunity to develop their talents, secure employment and contribute to our country's growth.
Equally important is ensuring that the benefits of investment are shared more broadly.
Investment must create opportunities not only for large corporations but also for township enterprises, small businesses, cooperatives, emerging industrialists and local suppliers.
When local businesses participate in value chains, the impact of investment reaches deeper into communities, supports entrepreneurship and creates more sustainable economic opportunities.
True economic inclusion is achieved when growth creates opportunities for all.
This shared responsibility requires 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.
As we approach the Local Government Elections in November, 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 today, 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 both necessary and encouraging.
It demonstrates that Limpopo is not merely seeking investment commitments. It is focused on converting those commitments into projects, jobs and lasting economic opportunities.
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.
Most importantly, let us ensure that our plans translate into tangible results.
Because at the heart of every investment is a human story.
It is the story of a young person searching for work. A small business owner seeking an opportunity to grow. A woman striving to build a better future for her family. A community hoping for improved infrastructure and better prospects for the next generation.
That is why this work matters.
Investment must ultimately create jobs, expand opportunity, support entrepreneurs and improve the quality of life of our people.
It must restore hope where there is uncertainty and create pathways to dignity, inclusion and shared prosperity.
In conclusion, the time for commitments alone has passed.
The task before us now is implementation.
Together, we must turn pledges into progress through partnership, accountability and decisive action.
If we succeed, we will not only unlock investment. We will unlock opportunity, growth and a better future for the people of Limpopo and our country as a whole.
I wish you productive deliberations and every success for this conference.
Congratulations once again on the launch of the InvestSA One Stop Shop in Limpopo Province.
I thank you.
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