Track: Continuous Improvement

Abstract

For the past decade, there has been a massive development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the world and South Africa. The increase in the number of SEZs has not impacted in the integration of the South Africa Development Community (SADC) as witnessed in Asia. Why other regions leverage on SEZs as a tool for regional integration, South Africa and Africa are not doing the same.  This paper examines the literature review through the conceptual synopsis and the used qualitative analysis statistical method tool to reveal the data needed. It qualitative methodology reveals the information on SEZ experiences of developed, developing, transitional, Africa, South Africa and current trends. In exploring the experiences, gaps are identified and new knowledge is developed on leveraging SEZs as a catalyst for integration of a regional bloc (South African Development Community). The paper evaluates SEZ experiences in order to find ideas for integration of South African Development Community (SADC) that could lead to free flow of goods and services. The experience highlights that South Africa SEZs do not consider regional bloc integration through their SEZ plans and establishments. This could be aligned to weak strategies and policy developments. The examination of the experiences also broadens the knowledge of SEZ infrastructural planner, and managers in SADC to begin to treat SEZs’ knowledge as they treat any other infrastructure and economic element of the urban realm. It calls for a shift from the current “plan-demanded” mode of segregated SEZ for country’s development to regional block integration for the benefits of sustainable development.