Investors

Economy & industry

The economic activities within the Municipality are dominated by Farming (29,4%) and Private Business (17,2%).  At ± 15% and 11% respectively, Social Services and Trade Operations are also relatively high economic activities.Of a total farmland area of ± 3 000 ha in the Eastern Free State, 34% thereof is located within the Dihlabeng area – a factor that confirms the Agricultural comparative advantage that the sub region has in the Free State Province.

The normal industrial incentives, with specific reference to affordable purchase prices, endorsed by Dihlabeng Local Council, ensure growth in the epithelium industrial area.  The significance of the Lesotho Highlands Water and the Bethlehem Hydro Electricity projects are also relevant in this regard.  Upmarket Residential, Business and Tourism development of a large scale is currently taking place in the region.

Considering small scale processing industries and intensive farming activities will result in future economic growth in the Agriculture sector. Effective productive grazing and small scale farming programmes on the existing and identified land for commonage have future growth potential. As part of Government’s Land Reform Programme, emerging farmers are trained and supported to ensure productive farming practices, which ensures economic growth in Dihlabeng.

Tourism Activity

Dihlabeng has arguably some of the best tourism centres and facilities in the Eastern Free State. The diversity of the centre range from Cultural, Heritage, Water-related, Hiking, Fishing, Abseiling, 4×4 trails, Site Seeing, Bird & Game watching and Shopping to Unspoilt Landscapes. Proclaimed historical monuments in sandstone are prominent.

Economic Prospects

The agricultural sector of the Dihlabeng region is extremely prominent. The latter could result in industrial development that is agricultural orientated. Future economic growth in the agricultural sector exists when considering small scale processing industries and intensive farming activities where possible. Effective and productive grazing and small scale farming programmes on the existing and identified land for commonage have future growth potential. Several farms in the Dihlabeng region have been obtained with grants from the Department of Land Affairs and additional farm land has been identified to be obtained for commonage.

Economic growth in the agricultural sector can be sustained by means of successful and productive farming practices through support and training programmes for emerging farmers as part of the Land Reform Programme. The after care programmes of the Department of Agriculture can contribute largely toward the latter.The area has significant tourism potential. The latter refers to the natural beauty of the area and include Meiringskloof Dam, pictures hiking and 4 x 4 trails, Golden Gate Nature Reserve, Saulspoort Dam and Loch Athlone resort in Bethlehem.

The development, marketing and intensive exploitation of the existing tourism sector should be supported to contribute to future economic growth.The normal industrial incentives, with specific reference to affordable purchase prices, endorsed by Council, ensure growth in the Bethlehem industrial area.