NEV Summit sets clear direction for South Africa’s green mobility future
By Mandla Mpangase
Day 1 of the New Energy Vehicles Summit provided much to think about.
The opening day of the inaugural New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Summit in Midrand proffered a compelling combination of insights, inspiration and strategic direction, positioning South Africa, and Gauteng in particular, as a frontrunner in Africa’s transition to sustainable mobility.
From the science behind hydrogen and battery-powered vehicles to the policies shaping South Africa’s green mobility roadmap, Day 1 covered a broad spectrum of issues.
Delegates explored global trends, drew lessons from international case studies, including from China, and examined local readiness across policy, skills, and industry.
In his summary remarks on the day, the CEO of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), Dr Bheka Zulun, noted that the discussions were “not just about dialogue, but about direction”.
Every presentation, he said, “was the emergence of a shared vision; one that sees South Africa transitioning into sustainable mobility and industrial renewal”.
Gauteng, as the country’s industrial heartland, was described as playing a strategic role in the future of the automotive ecosystem, leveraging its strong logistics infrastructure and manufacturing base to attract investment and drive innovation.
“Today affirmed South Africa’s readiness to lead Africa’s green mobility future,” Dr Zulu added.
“The key message was about collaboration – between government, industry, academia, and innovators – to create jobs, empower small, medium and micro enterprises, and localise technology.”
Dr Zulu likened this collaboration to a relay race, where each participant contributes their unique strength at different stages: “It’s not about competition, but coordination, knowing when and how to pass the baton to build momentum together.”
Throughout the day, recurring themes included industrial transformation, skills development, and ensuring that technology and labour advance together for a just transition.
Speakers also emphasised policy clarity and investment confidence, highlighting growing optimism in the local NEV manufacturing sector.
The province called for “urban-driven industrialisation” that integrates energy policy, investment frameworks, and urban planning, aligning Gauteng’s innovation and logistics strengths to create a globally competitive green automotive hub.
As the day concluded, participants agreed that the NEV revolution “is no longer a possibility, but a present reality”, and that South Africa’s leadership must act boldly and decisively to harmonise policy, infrastructure, and workforce development.
“Our NEV transition is not a single-sector effort – it’s a national movement,” Dr Zulu emphasised.
“We must plan boldly, invest bravely, and move together to make Gauteng cleaner, smarter, greener, and more connected.”