Gauteng gears up for green revolution as New Energy Vehicle Summit kicks off

By Mandla Mpangase

The inaugural New Energy Vehicle Summit is taking place this week in Gauteng, drawing attention to the importance and urgency of moving to green mobility within South Africa’s automotive industry.

The landmark event, hosted by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), and the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), will assess the progress of the transition to new energy vehicles (NEVs), investigate possible partnerships, and plan practical strategies to accelerate the creation of a competitive local NEV ecosystem.

Speaking ahead of the summit on Channel Africa’s Africa Update with Lulu Gaboo, the CEO of TASEZ, Dr Bheka Zulu, said the gathering marks more than just summit.

“It’s a statement that Gauteng, as the heart of South Africa’s automotive sector, is ready to lead Africa’s technological shift,” said Dr Zulu.

“With more than 60% of the country’s vehicles produced in this province, we are asserting South Africa’s leadership in the continent’s new energy vehicle transition.”

Zulu said South Africa is no longer a “passenger” in the global race toward electric mobility. Since the release of the EV White Paper in 2023, the focus has been on positioning the country for global competitiveness through research, innovation, and partnerships.

“We’re gearing up for the race on the global EV track,” he noted.

“Our goal is to attract international investors, harmonise trade standards across African markets, and promote regional value chains that make South Africa the hub for sub-assemblies and NEV components.”

Dr Zulu emphasised that the NEV Summit, taking place at the Gallagher Convention Centre on 22-23 October, will focus on building consensus between industry, labour, and government to develop a balanced roadmap for transformation, one that prioritises both ambition and pragmatism.

Policy alignment

Asked about policy readiness, Dr Zulu said South Africa already has the right frameworks in place, but faster implementation and targeted incentives are needed.

“The road is paved; now we need the green light to move faster,” he said. “We must streamline tax incentives and develop charging infrastructure that supports local manufacturing and adoption.”

The NEV shift represents a major opportunity for deepening local supply chains, creating high-value jobs, and transforming South Africa into the main exporter of NEV components across the continent.

The South African Automotive Masterplan 2035 (SAAM 2035) is a key enabler of the transition, with its goals to increase local content from 40% to 60% and to double employment in the sector. It is supported by the EV White Paper.

“This is not just about swapping the engine for a battery,” he said. “It’s about creating new high-value jobs and ensuring that no one is left behind, including workers, black industrialists, and small suppliers.”

At the heart of the TASEZ strategy is inclusivity, with initiatives to upskill the existing workforce, mentor small component manufacturers, and facilitate partnerships between local suppliers and global OEMs.

Collaboration is vital

Dr Zulu stressed that while Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Ford play a critical role, the NEV opportunity is open to new entrants and innovators.

“The NEV space is for everyone,” he said. “We want to see new black industrialists and emerging OEMs entering the field. This is the transformation we’ve been driving.”

Although reliable energy and charging infrastructure remain a challenge, partnerships are being developed to roll out a national charging network and invest in renewable solutions.

“We are identifying key sites and collaborating with private partners to ensure charging infrastructure keeps pace with NEV adoption,” he said.

With the European Union’s zero-emission and carbon border adjustment policies set to take effect by 2035, dr Zulu said South Africa must align its timelines and environmental standards with international expectations.

“We’re adapting our manufacturing processes to reduce coal-based energy use and increase solar, gas, and hydrogen integration,” he said. “Our ambition is to match the EU’s climate neutrality goals and maintain export competitiveness.”

Looking ahead to 2035, Dr Zulu concluded: “We want NEVs to form a significant part of local production, deepen component manufacturing, and make South Africa the hub of NEV exports to Africa and beyond,” he said. “Most importantly, we want this transition to create jobs, skills, and shared prosperity.”

• The New Energy Vehicle Summit 2025 takes place from 22 to 23 October at Gallagher Convention Centre, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to chart South Africa’s journey towards a greener automotive future.