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TASEZ makes an impact beyond SA’s borders

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By Mandla Mpangase In a first for a South African special economic zone, the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) welcomed the heads of mission from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to share information and talk about unlocking opportunities for economic growth in the region. On Monday, 1 July 2025 the TASEZ team, headed by CEO Dr Bheka Zulu, rolled out the red carpet for the distinguished SADC delegation – ambassadors, high commissioners, and chargé d’affaires – along with representatives from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and Brand South Africa and Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal. This gathering was not just a simple meeting – it was a deliberate step toward weaving stronger ties between neighbours, aligning with the goals of SADC, the Southern Africa Customs Union, and the African Continental Free Trade Area. TASEZ gave the delegation a front-row seat to South Africa’s important automotive manufacturing industry and the exciting opportunities for partnerships and investments that could uplift not just South Africa, but the entire SADC region. Welcoming the SADC delegation to Africa’s first automotive city, Dr Zulu provided a telling context for their visit: TASEZ has a footprint beyond South Africa. “We are part of the 244 plus SEZs that exist in the African continent, and we’re part of the 5 000 plus that exist globally.” Driving industrial growth SEZs are seen as economic and infrastructural drivers. TASEZ was set up to enhance a significant investment from the Ford Motor Company – bringing component manufacturers closer to the Ford factory in Silverton, ensuring a streamlined just-in-time and just-in-sequence provision of essential parts for the Ford Ranger. Critical to the success of TASEZ was the joint strategic partnership between all three tiers of government via the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, and the City of Tshwane along with catalytic partnerships with the private sector. Over the five years TASEZ has been in development, is has seen 8 000 direct jobs and 15 000 indirect jobs created in the value chain. In addition, the SEZ has provided R1.7-billion towards small, medium, and micro enterprise (SMME) projects. “We’ve been a catalyst for about R30-billion investment to date,” Dr Zulu. He noted that none of this would have happened if it were not for the facilitation of the diplomats. Dr Zulu emphasised the lessons learnt by TASEZ during its development, offering to share the hard-earned knowledge with SADC. “We have a test case, a real case that has worked in the short time of five years … TASEZ has been a game-changer in an industry that contributes 5.3% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). “The contribution of TASEZ with its partners within for Ford, we are looking at having contributed 1% to the GDP,” Dr Zulu noted. Cross-border partnerships However, regional integration was important to the SEZ. “We cannot grow alone as a country; we need to grow with our brothers and sisters within the south and the continent.” Manufacturing development in Africa is viewed as an opportunity to lessen dependence on commodities and engage in economic diversification as way to boost competitiveness in the region. Despite this, the continent still accounts for a very low share of global manufacturing and global manufacturing exports. Recent research indicates that economic development requires structural change from low to high productivity activities and that the industrial sector is a key engine of growth in the development process, most particularly the growth of manufacturing development. Diplomatic missions play a crucial role in facilitating investment flows and promoting economic cooperation between countries. They serve as an important conduit for information sharing, networking, and advocacy on behalf of their countries. The goals of the joint meeting were: SADC’s Vision 2050 Andrew Maswanganyi, from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s Directorate: Economic Integration and Infrastructure, pointed out that regional integration was about “the small things we do”. He noted that SADC’s Vision 2050 was an important strategy looking to create a region where its people have food security, are healthy and educated. SADC’s Vision 2050 aims to create a peaceful, inclusive, and competitive region that is middle-to high-income industrialised, where all citizens enjoy sustainable economic well-being, justice, and freedom. It is built on the three pillars of industrial development and market integration, infrastructure development, and peace, security, and good governance. The meeting at TASEZ was “an opportunity for South Africa and its sister countries to cement strong bonds of friendship”, Maswanganyi said. The chairperson of the SADC group, Zimbabwe’s ambassador David Hamadziripi voiced appreciation of the opportunity witness first-hand what is being done in South Africa in its push for industrialisation. The visit by the delegation “not only deepens our understanding of South Africa’s industrial strategy but also speaks to the spirit of regional cooperation in shared development”, Hamadziripi said. Some of SADC’s member states were grappling with the imperative of industrialisation, job creation and inclusive economic transformation. SEZ’s as catalysts for growth “This special economic zone is a testament to how targeted investment, infrastructure development and strategic collaboration between government, the private sector and local communities can create a dynamic industrial hub with strong linkages to both domestic and global value chains.” TASEZ offers important lessons on how SADC can leverage special economic zones to drive manufacturing innovation and trade competitiveness, while also building infrastructure, promoting SMMEs, building critical skills and creating opportunities for young people. “Special economic zones can serve as a model or as model platforms for collaboration with the potential to align such initiatives with cross-border supply chains, promote investment partnerships and share these practices across our member states.” Hamadziripi added: “We are also cognisant that industrialisation can be driven by a combination of factors, including policy coherence, skills development, innovation and infrastructure investment.” The visit to TASEZ was not just about observing, but also about learning and exploring how SADC can replicate and adapt these lessons to their respective countries. The automotive sector has

‘Take up space’: Women in automotive sector demand more than talk in push for real inclusion

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By Lesego Nong In an industry that has long run on horsepower and male dominance, a powerful engine of change is finally revving. At the first-ever Women in the Automotive Sector Roundtable held on 7 June 2025, women across the automotive value chain came together, not just to talk, but to push hard against systemic exclusion, calling for deliberate and actionable transformation. Held at the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) in Rosslyn, in the City of Tshwane, and coordinated under the theme “Accelerating Women Success in the Automotive Industry”, the event did not mince words. It was a statement: women are here, they are done waiting, and they are taking up space. Organised by Women in Automotive South Africa (WASA) and supported by the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), the AIDC, the Tshwane Economic Development Agency (TEDA) and the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), the discussion drew women from all corners of the sector, from technicians and HR leads to entrepreneurs and executives – united by one goal: to dismantle barriers that keep women on the fringes of the industry. “Belonging goes beyond diversity numbers or inclusion statements,” said Pamela Xaba, a transformation strategist and keynote speaker. “It is the lived experience of being seen, heard, and valued – not despite our differences, but because of them.” Xaba did not sugarcoat the realities: despite decades of industry growth, women still make up a meagre 10–20% of the sector’s workforce. That is not representation – that is tokenism. And it is unacceptable in a sector contributing 5.3% to South Africa’s GDP. She challenged the audience to move beyond lip service and token initiatives. “No matter how tough it gets, do not waste your privilege,” she urged. “We must not only talk mentorship but normalise sponsorship.” Founder of WASA, Yandiswa Madlose, shared that the creation of this platform was deeply personal: a response to her own search for healing and belonging in a sector where women often feel invisible. “We created this space not just to empower women, but to liberate them,” Madlose said. “We are not asking for inclusion. We are taking it.” Breaking through the noise The urgency was clear throughout the day. In a panel titled Driving Belonging from the Top, industry insiders laid out blunt truths. AIDC executive for business development Andile Mzinyati dismissed the idea that gatekeeping was the problem. “The door is there,” he said. “Opportunities are there. People aren’t grabbing them. It’s not about who you know anymore, it’s about what you do.” But the women in the room wanted to know why are women still stuck at entry level, if the doors are open? If opportunities abound, why is the representation gap still gaping? Panelist Esther Buthelezi, government affairs and transformation director at the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, took a more strategic tone: “You cannot copy predecessors. That saturates the market. “Innovate. Do the research. Know your commodity. Know your ROI. In other words: stop begging for scraps. Own the factory.” Building from the bottom up It is not just high-level change that matters. As TASEZ Business Development Executive Msokoli Ntombana noted, transformation must occur on every level, from entry-level workers to industry leaders. He highlighted the TASEZ Training Academy as a practical intervention to uplift women at the grassroots, through technical training and access to real opportunities. “We must build ecosystems of belonging. From entry-level to executive. From shop floor to boardroom,” he said. This roundtable was more than just a conversation. It was a declaration: a demand for structural change in an industry that has for too long clung to patriarchal traditions under the hood of innovation. And as the inaugural roundtable closed, one thing was clear: the women in South Africa’s automotive sector are not asking politely anymore. They are designing their own future – welding, wiring, and willing it into motion.

Empowering youth to drive the future of automotive manufacturing

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By Dr Bheka Zulu: CEO of TASEZ Young people have the power to reshape South Africa’s automotive manufacturing sector; they are driven, they are innovative, and they are prepared to adapt – much like the young people who united against their circumstance in 1976. This 16 June, as we remember the bravery of the young generation who rose up against oppression and fought for their right to education and opportunity, their fight must continue – this time against poverty and barriers that block economic opportunities. Currently, South Africa faces a youth unemployment rate of 62.4% among individuals aged 15-24 years. Today, it is our responsibility to ensure that the promise of economic empowerment and industrial transformation reaches every young South African. Across the globe, industries are evolving, and automotive manufacturing is no exception. We are witnessing a profound shift, driven by technology, sustainability, and the growing need for innovation. Yet, the question we need to ask is who will lead this transformation? The power of the youth Young minds bring fresh perspectives, creative problem-solving, and a deep understanding of emerging technologies. With access to the right skills, opportunities, and platforms, they will be the pioneers of change, ensuring that South Africa remains competitive in the global automotive landscape. With the staggering unemployment figure, we must invest in skills development programmes that equip young people with advanced technical expertise, digital proficiency, and leadership abilities. These initiatives should align with global trends such as electric vehicle production, automation, and artificial intelligence in manufacturing. Through strategic partnerships between government, private industry, and educational institutions, we can create training programs that meet the demands of modern automotive production. Programs like apprenticeships, vocational training, and STEM education are not just investments in individuals; they are investments in the future of our economy. Small, medium, and micro enterprises While established corporations dominate the automotive sector, the backbone of any thriving economy lies in its small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). These businesses foster agility, creativity, and adaptability—traits essential for industry transformation. SMMEs contribute approximately 34% to South Africa’s GDP and employ over 60% of the workforce. By empowering young entrepreneurs with access to funding, mentorship, and market opportunities, we can ensure that innovation flourishes within the automotive sector. SMMEs are the lifeblood of the country’s economy, and they are central to TASEZ’s mission of inclusive growth. In Phase 1 of its development, TASEZ invested R1.7-billion in 229 SMMEs from communities like Mamelodi, Eersterust, and Nellmapius. This investment, representing 43% of TASEZ’s construction budget, exceeded the national target of 30%. Of this, 6.2% went to women-owned businesses, 18% to youth-owned businesses, and 2% to businesses owned by people with disabilities. These SMMEs supported 5 071 construction jobs, with 60% going to youth and 18% to women, and 3 311 permanent jobs, with 65.47% for youth and 32% for women. As TASEZ moves into Phase 2, it anticipates that a further R1.1-billion will be spent on SMMEs and over 6 000 jobs will be created. TASEZ and its youth initiatives The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) is committed to creating an ecosystem where young innovators and business owners can thrive. We are committed to harnessing the energy, creativity, and potential of young South Africans to revolutionise the automotive industry. The automotive manufacturing sector, which contributes 5.3% to South Africa’s GDP, faces challenges like global competition and technological disruption, yet it holds immense potential for growth. We recognise the importance of integrating SMMEs into the automotive supply chain. By ensuring that locally owned businesses have access to procurement contracts, technical training, and growth opportunities, we are not only strengthening our economy but also creating sustainable jobs for young people. The TASEZ Training Academy, established in 2024, works closely with training institutions, Sector Education Training Authorities (SETAs), and industry, TASEZ is working hard to enable emerging entrepreneurs to develop cutting-edge solutions that will define the future of mobility. Emerging entrepreneurs need support on multiple levels, access to markets and finance, skills development and mentorship in business, and industry networking opportunities and information. The TASEZ Training Academy tries to support young South Africans on all these levels. With the industry rapidly evolving and moving towards new energy vehicles, mechatronics, and robotics, the TASEZ Training Academy has prioritised skills development for the industry’s future. In 2024, the academy celebrated the training of 526 young people from local communities in safety, health, environment, and quality skills critical to the automotive value chain. Working with various SETAs, the TASEZ Academy has set aside funding for 40 engineering degrees, 20 master’s degrees, and 10 PhDs to cultivate local intellectual property and nurture black engineers. These efforts align with the National Development Plan’s goal of producing 30 000 artisans annually by 2030, ensuring our youth are equipped to lead in a digitised, green economy. New energy vehicles As the global automotive industry is shifting towards sustainability, and South Africa must keep pace. In 2023, electric vehicle sales in South Africa surged by nearly 83% compared to the previous year. This growth presents an opportunity for young professionals to lead the charge in new energy production, battery technology, and sustainable mobility solutions. By investing in skills training for new energy vehicle manufacturing and maintenance, we can ensure that South Africa remains competitive in the global automotive market. Building a new future To the youth of South Africa, the time is now to embrace technology, invest in skills, explore entrepreneurship, and become the architects of an automotive industry that is world-class, sustainable, and inclusive. To the industry leaders and decision-makers, the time is now to work together to ensure youth-led initiatives receive the support they need – the time is now to a sector that does not just produce vehicles but empowers communities and transforms lives.

‘Let’s strengthen South Africa’s SEZ model’

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South Africa’s Special Economic Zones are working – let’s strengthen the model, not abandon it, argues the CEO of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone, Dr Bheka Zulu. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have become the latest ideological battleground in South Africa’s ongoing quest for inclusive growth, industrialisation, and sustainable job creation. In a recent article on News24, Ann Bernstein of the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) called for the private sector to take over the management of these zones, arguing that government-led SEZs have failed to attract investment or deliver value. While her concerns about state capacity are not unfounded, this blanket assessment misses crucial successes and risks throwing away a powerful economic tool that is beginning to bear fruit, especially in the automotive sector. At the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) we are seeing a very different story from the one Bernstein outlines. TASEZ is the first hybrid model in demonstrating the power of the three-tier government partnership so it brings in a different approach to that used in South Africa’s SEZ sector previously. Established as a strategic partnership between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), the Gauteng Provincial Government, and the City of Tshwane, in collaboration with the Ford Motor Company, TASEZ has become a model of effective collaboration between the public and private sectors. Since its inception in 2020, TASEZ has attracted over R28-billion direct and indirect investment and supported the creation of more than 8 000 construction and permanent indirect jobs, many of which are for young people from previously marginalised communities. Additionally, more than 10 000 jobs across the supply chain have been created. Furthermore, more than R1.7-billion, based on a social compact, was spent on SMMEs in and around the City of Tshwane between 2021 and 2024. These are not promises or projections – they are real numbers backed by infrastructure, operating factories, and a thriving ecosystem of component suppliers. A key enabler of this success has been the decisive role of the state in creating the conditions for investment: building roads, ensuring bulk infrastructure, streamlining regulatory processes, and coordinating skills development through various initiatives. That said, Bernstein is right to push for more agile, results-driven management. The private sector’s role is not only welcome – it is essential particularly now that government is pushing for a policy discussion for private sector participation. But rather than handing over the reins entirely, we need to deepen the hybrid model that has proven effective in cases like TASEZ. Government’s role should focus on regulation, enabling infrastructure, and long-term industrial planning, while operators and investors bring in the operational efficiency, market access, and innovation that drive competitiveness. Indeed, the problem is not that SEZs are state-led, it’s that too many are state-led in theory but lack the kind of collaborative approach that aligns municipal, provincial, and national priorities. Where this coordination exists, as in TASEZ, we see tangible results. Where it doesn’t, frustration festers. The automotive sector, supported by the South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM 2035), is uniquely positioned to demonstrate the value of SEZs. The sector is one of the country’s largest manufacturing contributors to GDP and exports, and it relies heavily on global value chains, just-in-time logistics, and infrastructure precision. An SEZ tailored to these requirements can be the difference between securing a global model’s production or losing it to another country. South Africa must continue to refine its SEZ policy, not abandon it. This includes tightening criteria for SEZ designation, strengthening management capacity, and measuring outcomes rigorously. But dismantling the model now, just as it starts to show success in strategic sectors, would be a mistake. Let’s learn from what works. At TASEZ, we welcome robust engagement, and we invite public and private stakeholders alike to visit, assess, and partner with us in shaping the next chapter of industrial development. The SEZ model, when done right, can be one of the most powerful tools in our developmental arsenal. This article was first published in News 24 Business: South Africa’s SEZs are working – let’s strengthen the model, not abandon it 18 June 2025  

TASEZ – a force for industrial renewal through skills development

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By Mandla Mpangase The future of South Africa’s manufacturing sector lies in the hands of the school learners, who need to be ready for a fast-changing environment marked by the complexities of artificial intelligence and the drive towards a carbon-neutral world. The automotive manufacturing sector is already embracing green technology, AI development and design, and the change from combustion engines to new energy vehicles. These issues, along with much-needed entrepreneurial skills, are core to the work being done by the TASEZ Training Academy. In keeping with this drive to develop skills for the future in the automotive manufacturing sector, the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) will be working closely with the Department of Basic Education to support local schools of specialisation and technical high schools. The two signed a memorandum of understanding to develop curricula that produce entrepreneurs and skilled learners who are ready for the automotive industry, along with providing skills development focused on the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. So important is this development that the Ribane-Laka school in Mamelodi was turned into a science and ICT school of specialisation. The refurbished school was officially opened on 7 May 2025 by Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi, who observed that education makes economic sense. He added that it was important to make sure the education system in the townships is relevant. The school will focus on the automotive and electronic sectors – which is where TASEZ comes into the picture. “Africa’s first automotive city is not just a special economic zone. It is a force for industrial renewal,” said TASEZ CEO, Dr Bheka Zulu. In opening the school, Lesufi noted: “Today, we are launching education for purpose, where our children will not be taught things that will not assist them. Our children will not be taught things that will be irrelevant when they leave school.” The Ribane-Laka school is the future of education, he added, pointing out that the learners from the school will benefit from TASEZ, Africa’s first automotive city. “Never before has anyone thought that a Ford Ranger would be inside the school premises, not to boast but to teach our children how to repair it when it is broken. No one thought we could have an engine inside the school premises where our children can explain its meaning; where our children can explain to you how an engine functions.” The first next-generation Ranger was built by the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa at its plant in Silverton, City of Tshwane. The components for that car were manufactured by the tenants housed at TASEZ, which is located next to the original equipment manufacturer. Emphasising the message by the premier, Dr Zulu noted that the TASEZ Training Academy is not simply about skills programmes, it is about creating relevance. “We’re preparing young people for the future of work – advanced manufacturing, electric vehicles, industrial automation. We’re building a talent pipeline that our automotive manufacturing tenants can depend on. So, when they set up operations here, they’re not bringing in imported expertise. They’re hiring our people.”

TASEZ explores electric mobility and investment partnerships in China

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TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu and Business Development Executive Msokoli Ntombana reflect on their vital fact-finding visit to China, writes Mandla Mpangase. In a bid to deepen South Africa’s foothold in the global electric mobility revolution, a delegation from the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) embarked on a groundbreaking business and mobility study tour of China from 21 – 30 April 2025. The delegation, led by TASEZ Chief Executive Officer Dr Bheka Zulu and Business Development Executive Msokoli Ntombana, visited leading Chinese cities and innovation hubs to explore strategic investment, electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing opportunities, and clean energy technologies. Organised by the South Africa-China Transport and Technology Think Tank (SACTT), in partnership with Zhejiang Normal University and Valternative, the China mobility study tour took TASEZ to the heart of global electric vehicle production: from Shanghai’s smart cities to Shenzhen’s autonomous mobility ecosystems. “This mission was more than just a learning experience,” stated Dr Zulu. “It was a strategic positioning exercise. “As South Africa navigates the future of automotive manufacturing, China offers a blueprint for rapid, sustainable, and scalable industrialisation in electric mobility. We needed to be at the forefront of that conversation.” The tour provided unprecedented access to China’s booming electric mobility ecosystem. TASEZ’s engagements included visits to: The tour also featured a vital diplomatic engagement with the South African consulate general in Shanghai, which pledged facilitation of future investment efforts and participation in the upcoming China International Import Expo, scheduled for November 2025. “We are no longer in the age where TASEZ only chases internal combustion vehicle assembly,” explained Ntombana. “TASEZ is evolving into a future-focused industrial platform – one that is open to new energy technologies, battery innovation, and smart logistics. “This tour helped us connect the dots between Chinese capabilities and South African potential.” Accelerating South Africa’s new energy transition China’s meteoric rise as a global EV leader has disrupted traditional supply chains and redefined auto manufacturing. With brands like BYD, NIO, and SAIC exporting in growing volumes, the global centre of gravity in the automotive industry is clearly shifting east. South Africa, and particularly Gauteng – which accounts for over 40% of the country’s automotive output – must adapt quickly to remain competitive. The visit was aimed at positioning TASEZ as a gateway for Chinese investors looking to establish operations in Africa, with a focus on electric vehicle production, green energy components, and value-chain localisation. “One of the biggest takeaways was witnessing how Chinese companies localise technology and scale it rapidly,” said Dr Zulu. “We saw factories that were established within a year and are now producing thousands of electric units daily. South Africa has the human capital, we have the land, and we have strategic trade links. What we need now is the technology and investment, and China is a willing partner.” From Shanghai to Shenzhen – a panoramic view of China’s EV future The journey started in Shanghai, where the delegation engaged with the Consul General and visited the Lingang Special Area, a free trade zone renowned for housing Tesla’s Gigafactory and other advanced manufacturing operations. Here, TASEZ drew inspiration on how spatial planning and industrial policy can be aligned for EV growth. From Qingdao, where MESNAC and Sailun operate, to Xiamen and Shenzhen, home to battery innovators and autonomous vehicle manufacturers, each city offered insights into supply chain agility, automation, and EV infrastructure. “What struck us most was how integrated China’s innovation ecosystem is,” Ntombana said. “Their universities, government policy, manufacturers, and even property developers work in sync to build mobility cities. This is exactly the model South Africa needs to replicate, especially around the TASEZ hub in Tshwane.” The TASEZ team has committed to a series of post-tour engagements, including exploring partnerships with key players in the automotive sector. “We cannot let momentum fade,” added Dr Zulu. “Each conversation we had must be turned into a formal business case, each handshake into a partnership proposal. The goal is simple – make TASEZ the African home for clean automotive innovation.” This is no longer just about TASEZ. “It’s about how South Africa positions itself in the race for the green economy. The Chinese have moved – fast. Now it’s our turn to catch up.”

TASEZ focuses on developing small enterprises for future growth

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By Mandla Mpangase The 2025 Tshwane SMME Symposium explored the best ways to prepare small businesses for the industries of the future. It is important to prepare now so that small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) will be in a position to lead both the country and the continent in the green economy, in technology, and in automotive manufacturing. The symposium, held on 6 May 2025 at the Innovation Hub, was hosted by the Tshwane Economic Development Agency along with the South African Electrotechnical Export Council and the Innovation Hub. The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) featured in a panel discussion on the road map for South African SMMEs to participate in future economies, with a particular focus on the automotive sector, digital technology and the energy sector. TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu spoke of the importance of understanding the impact SMMEs made in their sector, rather than simply looking at the numbers. “We need to know how we change lives, what are the SMMEs taking home?” He noted that TASEZ had ring-fenced R1.7-billion for SMMEs during the special economic zone’s Phase 1 development. Dr Zulu also addressed the issue of the skills gap within the automotive sector. TASEZ is now working closely with a number of partners to make sure the gap is closed. Technology can be a vital way to help the informal sector to grow. Another aspect was that SMMEs needed to be supported with research and development, Dr Zulu noted. He referred to a Chinese company, BYD, that has only been going for a decade. “They started as a battery manufacturer, but they evolved as the economic environment changed and now build cars. Last year they manufactured five million vehicles.” South Africa’s SMMEs must be strong enough to follow the same trajectory. It is vital to make sure that all role players understand the needs of the SMMEs and that SMMEs understand the requirements of industry. “Partnerships are important so that everyone understands the needs, requirements, constraints and challenges.” Partnering with established companies and organisations also makes access to markets much easier for SMMEs, who then have a champion lobbying on their behalf with the larger role players, Dr Zulu said. A key focus for TASEZ as it rolls out its Phase 2 development, is its support for black industrialists. The SMME symposium involved local SMMEs, representatives from a number of government agencies, potential funders, and industry partners, who all joined forces come up with concrete strategies to integrate township small businesses into mainstream supply chains and future-focused sectors. The Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Dr Nasiphi Moya, summed up the importance of SMMEs to the job creation and innovation: “These enterprises are the lifeblood of our economy, the backbone of local employment, and the heartbeat of township revitalisation.” The symposium focused on how all the economic sector players can support, strengthen, and boost local SMMEs.

Igniting a spark: TASEZ’s Andile Sangweni inspires future engineers at Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy

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By Mandla Mpangase In a world shaped by innovation, engineering stands as the backbone of progress – designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure and technology that drive modern life. This powerful message was at the heart of Andile Sangweni’s presentation at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, where he engaged young minds on the endless possibilities within the field of engineering. Speaking at the career exhibition, themed ‘Igniting the Spark of Endless Possibilities’, Sangweni, Infrastructure Executive at the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), shared insights on the role of engineers in transforming societies. “Engineering is more than a career; it is a commitment to problem-solving, innovation, and shaping the future,” he told the aspiring students. The event featured a diverse lineup of industry leaders, each offering unique perspectives on career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Sangweni emphasised that engineering is crucial for South Africa’s economic development, particularly in sectors like automotive manufacturing, infrastructure, and renewable energy. “Young people, especially young women, have the power to redefine the engineering landscape. The key is curiosity, resilience, and a passion for problem-solving,” he encouraged. With TASEZ at the forefront of advancing South Africa’s automotive sector, Sangweni highlighted the importance of skills development and industry transformation. He urged the learners to explore engineering not just as a profession but as a platform to drive meaningful change. As the event concluded, learners left with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to embrace the boundless opportunities that engineering offers. With role models like Sangweni paving the way, the future of South African engineering looks brighter than ever.

TASEZ shows TIPS delegation what is possible in turning policy into reality

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By Mandla Mpangase Hosting a group of government officials from across a range of economic-linked departments, the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone used the time to provide insights into what it takes to build a successful special economic zone in South Africa. The delegation, organised by the Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS), undertook a community of practice visit to Africa’s first automotive city on 12 March 2025, where they engaged with the TASEZ executive team, led by CEO Dr Bheka Zulu. The visit allowed for the sharing of knowledge and learnings from TASEZ, as a newcomer to the SEZ space in South Africa. “What makes us unique is that our core focus is in the automotive sector, and that’s where we’ve made an impact,” Dr Zulu said. The automotive industry is an important contributor to the country’s economy, with more than 500 000 employed across its value chain. The community of practice process, which is facilitated by TIPS, aims to enhance best practices in relation to the implementation of industrial policy across government. The process is also used to build a more open and safe space for sharing experiences and learnings concerning industrial policy. Departments involved in the community of practice include the Presidency; the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; National Treasury; the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition; the Department of Public Enterprises; the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy; the Department of Small Business Development; and the government organisations related to science, technology and innovation. About TASEZ Known as Africa’s first automotive city, TASEZ is a relatively new SEZ kid on the block, with the ability to punch above its weight. The SEZ was set up to boost South Africa’s automotive industry, drive investment in economic growth, create jobs and develop skills, alongside positioning the City of Tshwane, the Gauteng province, and the country, within the African and global trade environment. Established in 2020, Phase 1 of TASEZ’s development was galvanised by the need to expand the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa’s production from 160 000 a year to 200 000. Ford’s component manufacturers are based in the SEZ, along with the Ford Frame plant. With a deadline to produce the next generation Ford Ranger within 18 months, TASEZ became the fastest SEZ developed from scratch in South Africa. It had 11 operational investors in less than two years. “Right now, 720 cars are produced every day because of what we’ve created in this zone,” Dr Zulu said. Driven by commitment Answering the reason why the TIPS team visited TASEZ was easy: establishing Africa’s first automotive city was about turning a vision into reality. “TASEZ has been able to design a world-class automotive manufacturing hub providing a conducive environment for investors, where they can harness their potential of economic growth,” said Dr Zulu. Ford had an investment ready and waiting, with a tight deadline and alternative locations, while South Africa needed the investment to drive industrialisation and economic transformation. The economic climate at the start of the project could not have been worse, with a global downturn amidst a pandemic, businesses closing their doors, jobs being lost, borders closing and the global focus on fighting an ever-evolving virus. Despite all of that, a team was put into place, each member with a role to play in the bigger picture of developing from scratch a dedicated automotive special economic zone made up of Ford component manufacturers. TASEZ showed the country – and the world – South Africa has what it takes to deliver a complex internationally recognised project that delivers on the mandate set out in the National Development Plan of tackling the triple challenges of poverty eradiation, social and economic transformation and creating jobs. Phase 1 economic impact Turning the policy set out in the Special Economic Zones Act into reality, TASEZ supports inclusive economic participation by broadening participation to include small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and promote skills development and technology transfer. During the development of its Phase 1, TASEZ made a significant economic impact on the local economy, on the provincial economy and on the country’s economy. “TASEZ contributed 1% to the national GDP (gross domestic product during Phase 1,” Dr Zulu notes, adding that he envisages doubling that number through the development of Phase 2. In Phase 1 TASEZ spent R1.7-billion on construction procurement from SMMEs – 43% of the total construction budget, well above the national target of 30%. Some 229 SMMEs benefitted, with 6.2% of the procurement spend going to women-owned businesses, 18% to youth-owned businesses, and 2% to people with disabilities. The SMME beneficiaries are mainly based in the neighbouring communities of Eersterust, Mamelodi, and Nellmapius. In addition, 5 500 jobs were created in construction, with 18% of the jobs going to women, 60% to youth, and 0.86% to people with disabilities. The SEZ also created 3 311 permanent jobs, with 32% going to women, 65.47% to youth, and 0.83% to people with disabilities. Concluding the visit to TASEZ, the TIPS team noted: “The visit provided some important insights for government officials as to how policy translates into reality and practice.”