Economic Geography - PWV/Gauteng Industrial Region

How did the PWV/Gauteng Industrial Region develope?

Discovery of gold led to migration & population growth in the area

What influences the location of this Industrial region?

• Large labor force

• Availability of water

• Transport network

• Electricity and power

• Flat land and space

• Availability of raw materials

Factors hindering the PWV industrial region

• Over-concentration of industries → strain on resources

• Water shortages, power shortages, load shedding

• High electricity costs → lower productivity

• Transport congestion

• Far from harbours → high transport costs

• Pollution (air from heavy industries)

• Labour unrest, strikes, safety issues

• Sick leave & protests reduce production

• Pandemics (hard lockdown) harm productivity

What are the main industrial activities in the PWV/Gauteng Region?

• Iron & steel (Mittal Steel)

• Engineering (aviation)

• Chemicals (SASOL)

• Motor car assembly (Ford)

• Cosmetics

• Clothing & other manufacturers

What are the economic and social impacts of the PWV/Gauteng Region?

• Contributes money to South Africa’s GDP

• Earns foreign exchange through exports (machinery, goods)

• Increases regional income

• Provides jobs (skilled & unskilled)

• Serves as a market for local raw materials

• Companies reinvest in communities (bursaries, skills development)

Foreign exchange earnings

Generated through exports of machinery and goods from the PWV/Gauteng Region.

Regional income

Increased by the activities in the PWV/Gauteng Region.

Job provision

The PWV/Gauteng Region provides jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers.

Market for local raw materials

The PWV/Gauteng Region serves as a market for local raw materials.

Community reinvestment

Companies in the PWV/Gauteng Region reinvest in communities through bursaries and skills development.