Matjhabeng Enterprise Industrial Park Refurbishment, Lejweleputswa Development Agency, Free State

R 1 M

total funding unlocked (R45M
DTIC grant + R3.9M municipal co-funding)

1 +

plant condition on Ntiyiso’s arrival vs. departure

Smart Place

Centre designed to provide ICT
services and support STEM industries

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The Story

The Matjhabeng Industrial Park, once a thriving economic hub in the Free State, had fallen into disrepair
through vandalism and neglect. Ntiyiso Consulting Group was engaged by the Lejweleputswa
Development Agency to develop a turnaround strategy that would restore the park’s functionality and
position it as a key driver of local economic growth, integrating SMME incubation, ICT services, and a
sustainable facilities management model into a comprehensive refurbishment plan.

The Challenge

The industrial park was vandalised and disused, limiting economic activity across the region. SMMEs faced
both infrastructure challenges and limited market access. Without a sustainable facilities management
model, any refurbishment risked repeating the cycle of decline, requiring a business case that addressed
long-term viability, not just physical restoration.

What We Did

Conducted a thorough infrastructure assessment and developed a detailed business case for the park's refurbishment and future operations

Unlocked R45 million in grant funding from the DTIC and secured R3.9 million in co-funding from the municipality, R50 million in total

Established a new facilities management model based on public-private collaboration to ensure long-term operational sustainability

Designed the Smart Place Centre to provide ICT services, expand market access for tenants, and support STEM-related industries

Secured designated rental stalls for SMMEs to improve business sustainability and formalise informal economic activity

Initiated infrastructure upgrades including electricity, security, and paving

The Impact

Infrastructure upgrades are underway. SMMEs now have structured, designated operating space. The
Smart Place Centre is expanding market access and ICT training. With 100+ construction jobs already
created and 300 additional jobs projected post-refurbishment, Matjhabeng is being repositioned from a
liability into a genuine economic development catalyst for the Free State.