Abstract
The main aim of the study was to assess the economic impact of special economic zones on the South African economy. The research further aimed to assess the impact of special economic zones on job creation, attraction of investment, skills development, local economic development, as well as add to the existing literature on industrial policy and the special economic zones. The study was conducted utilizing both the qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. A combination data collection methods was applied such as, semi-structured interviews with key experts from special economic zones, investors, stakeholders, annual reports, academic and government reports focusing on specific four indicators was utilised during the study. The study’s finding established that the special economic zones contribute very little to the economic development in South Africa. The study findings also reveal that the performance of the zones does not justify the investment allocated in their development and lastly, the government approach to the SEZ programme has not addressed and provided strategic direction for successful implementation of the programme.