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Gauteng maps out its NEV future as Summit draws to a close

By Mandla Mpangase The Big Question at this week’s New Energy Vehicles Summit can best be summed up as ‘How can South Africa fast-track to alternative energy vehicles?’ On Day 2 of the NEV Summit 2025, hosted by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) and the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone at Gallagher Convention Centre, in Midrand, on 23 October 2025, a panel discussion on Challenges and opportunities in the charging infrastructure provided some answers. Moderated by the Department of Transport’s Pulane Manale, some pointed questions were posed to the panellists around “smart charging”, the use of artificial intelligence (AI), skills development, the business case for NEVs, the country’s readiness for the transition, and the role of government interventions. In response, the panel made it clear that South Africa’s road to green mobility will be powered not only by technology, but by collaboration, innovation and decisive government action. Technology at the heart of the transition Cathy Shilubana, CEO of Volt Hi reiterated that green mobility was tech-based. “AI helps us manage everything, from the interface between drivers and chargers to predicting carbon emissions and detecting vandalism or faults in real time. Our systems can lock down automatically if tampering is detected. That’s how AI is securing the infrastructure.” The company, which is partnering with the AIDC, revealed plans to establish an EV-charger assembly plant in South Africa, training local engineering graduates and sending them to China for hands-on experience. “We are reskilling young people for jobs that are fit for purpose,” she added. “This is how technology transfer becomes job creation.” Lessons from abroad Cangjun Zhou, from China’s EV Mengchen Wenzou, drew lessons from projects in Ethiopia. The first challenge is one well-known to South Africans – an unhindered power supply. “We need stronger transformers and upgraded grids.” The second challenge is that of s government planning. “Without long-term strategy and support, progress slows,” he said. His recommendation for South Africa was to focus on fast-charging infrastructure around 160 kW, which suits most vehicles in the mainstream market while being cost-efficient. Partnerships, he emphasised, are crucial – not only with government, but with local payment solutions. “The payment model affects how convenient EVs become. Every country needs its own solution.” He also announced that his firm would be building an assembly plant in South Africa, supported by local partners, aimed at serving the entire African market. “We hope South Africa will be the leader for green energy across the continent,” he said. Before NEVs there was GridCars For Winston Jordan, CEO of GridCars, the local EV-charging pioneer, the transition is already under way. “We started building charging infrastructure before EVs even arrived, back in 2011,” he said. “Now there are over 800 public chargers across the country and roughly 6 000 more installed in homes. So, the idea that South Africa isn’t ready simply isn’t true.” Jordan pointed out that charging in South Africa is cheaper than petrol by at least a third. Different chargers, speeds, and connections mean different prices. But the average driver pays far less than they would for fuel.” He also observed that the private sector should be driving the charging rollout, suggesting that government had more pressing priorities in delivering basic services. Nonetheless, Jordan issued a challenge to government to lead by example. “The biggest thing government can do is take the lead and set aggressive targets,” he said. “If the President announced tomorrow that all new government vehicles must be electric, it would send a clear signal to the market.” He also urged that the automotive sector look at targets closer than the South African Automotive Masterplan’s 2035. “The target of 2035 is too late; we need 2028 or 2030 at the latest.” Load shedding is in the rear-view mirror Eskom’s Mashangu Xivambu, responding to questions about grid capacity and energy security, was optimistic. “Load-shedding is now in the rear-view mirror,” he said. “We’ve had 157 consecutive days without it, and we’re learning from the past.” Eskom, he noted, has already launched a pilot programme for EVs and has committed to converting its entire 8 700-vehicle fleet to electric by 2035. The utility is also installing solar-powered charging stations at its offices, including in rural areas, and plans to open charging points to the public. “People need to see that they can drive anywhere and still charge their vehicles,” he said. “If Eskom is doing it, others will follow.” The way forward The panel agreed that while technology is key, policy coherence and skills development are equally important. “We need a conducive environment to grow the NEV sector,” Shilubana said, adding an innovative idea that would draw attention of the public to the importance of green mobility. She suggested the use of green number plates on NEVs to help the public recognise them on the road and normalise their presence. “The more people see them, the faster adoption grows.” Jordan said that skills transformation must include retraining traditional automotive technicians. “The future is electric, but we can’t leave petrol-engine mechanics behind. We must upskill them for the next generation of vehicles.” By the end of the discussion, one message came through clearly: South Africa is ready, but urgency and alignment are essential. From AI-powered chargers to homegrown assembly plants, and from Eskom’s electric fleet to the private sector’s nationwide network, the building blocks are already in place. What is required is fearless leadership and an accelerated NEV rollout. As Jordan put it: “Electric mobility is not a choice between technologies, it’s a transition. The future is electric. The question is whether South Africa will be ready to lead or just follow.”

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

News / By Jenny Tennant

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.

South Africa must shift towards green mobility

News / By Jenny Tennant

South Africa’s transition to a green and sustainable automotive industry is not a “nice-to-have” it’s a fundamental social and economic requirement. As the world accelerates toward green mobility, the country’s automotive leaders are racing to ensure that local manufacturing keeps pace with global change while also capturing greater value from Africa’s mineral wealth. This was the message from Andile Africa, CEO of the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), during an interview on SAfm Radio on Friday, 17 October 2025, with Cathy Mohlahlana on The Talking Point. Africa was speaking ahead of the inaugural New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Summit, set to take place on 22–23 October at Gallagher Convention Centre – an event that signals South Africa’s intent to move from policy to action in the NEV space. “Globally, the move from internal combustion engines towards NEVs, particularly battery electric vehicles, is no longer a debate – it’s a reality,” said Africa. “South Africa must move with the rest of the world or risk losing a significant part of our automotive export markets.” Gauteng at the centre of the shift Gauteng, the country’s economic engine, is at the forefront of this transformation. The province accounts for 37% of all vehicles sold in South Africa and is home to three major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), BMW, Ford, and Nissan. The Gauteng province, led by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, and supported by the AIDC and the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone, is playing a key role in preparing South Africa for the shift to green mobility. But, Africa notes, the transition will not be easy. South Africa’s NEV uptake remains modest at less than 2% of new vehicle sales – largely due to high vehicle prices and limited charging infrastructure. “Electric vehicles are still 40% to 50% more expensive than internal combustion cars,” Africa explained. Something to mull over is how other countries have managed to drive their NEV markets and combat high costs. “Other countries have introduced incentives or subsidies to bridge this gap. We’re not there yet in South Africa, and that’s one of the discussions we’ll be having at the summit.” Export pressures South Africa’s automotive industry, which exports most of its locally produced vehicles – BMW, for example, exports 97% of its vehicles to the UK and Europe, is already under pressure from international regulations. “Europe has made it clear that by 2030, they will no longer register new vehicles that are not zero-emission,” Africa noted. “If we don’t adapt our manufacturing base, we stand to lose access to those markets and the thousands of jobs they sustain.” This makes the South African Automotive Masterplan 2035 (SAAM 2035) and the EV White Paper more urgent than ever. Both frameworks envision a globally competitive, green automotive industry that supports innovation, industrialisation, and export growth. However, the transition cannot succeed without addressing energy security and infrastructure. As South Africans often point out, load-shedding remains a major obstacle. “It’s a fair concern but this is precisely why we need to use this transition to rethink how we generate and distribute energy. The entire value chain must move toward cleaner, more sustainable sources like solar and wind.” Beneficiating Africa’s minerals In a second interview on the same day, Africa told Ashraf Garda on SAfm’s afternoon show The National Pulse that another opportunity – and challenge – for South Africa’s automotive sector— lies beneath Africa’s soil. The continent holds vast reserves of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, manganese, and nickel which are all essential for electric vehicle batteries. Yet much of this wealth leaves African shores unprocessed. “If Africa wants to truly benefit from the green transition, we must not only supply raw materials, we must manufacture and beneficiate them locally,” said Africa. South Africa and the continent can build value chains that produce battery components, not just export ore, and in so doing, secure jobs, industrial growth, and economic independence. The upcoming NEV Summit will bring together government, industry, academia, and investors to explore precisely this: how to build a sustainable ecosystem for NEVs, from mineral beneficiation and battery production to vehicle assembly and charging infrastructure. Although South Africa’s journey toward NEVs is still at an early stage, the momentum is growing. The policy groundwork is in place, global market pressures are mounting, and industrial leaders like Africa are pushing for coordinated action. South Africa has a strong foundation: the raw materials, the manufacturing base, and the industrial know-how. As the NEV Summit convenes in Gauteng next week, one thing is clear: South Africa’s green mobility revolution will not only depend on how it adapts to new technologies, but on how boldly it turns its mineral wealth into sustainable industrial value.

South Africa gears up for new energy vehicle transition

News / By Jenny Tennant

South Africa’s transition to a green, sustainable automotive sector is gathering momentum with the launch of the inaugural New Energy Vehicles (NEV) Summit next week. The summit, hosted by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), and the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), will be held on 22–23 October 2025 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. This summit will see policymakers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), investors, and innovators designing a roadmap to accelerate the South Africa’s transition to NEVs, marking a major milestone in South Africa’s journey towards a low-carbon, globally competitive automotive future. While the South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM 2025) and the Electric Vehicle White Paper already provide a framework for transformation, the NEV Summit, is where policy turns into results. The event will showcase progress, partnerships, and practical steps towards building a robust local NEV ecosystem. As South Africa’s industrial heartland, Gauteng produces a significant share of the country’s automotive manufacturing – one third of all of the country’s automotive output – and has the infrastructure, logistics, and talent to scale up its NEV manufacturing. With the European Union’s carbon neutrality policies reshaping global trade, South Africa’s automotive exports, with the common destination being the EU, must increasingly meet low- or zero-emission standards. The NEV Summit underscores the urgency of adapting now to safeguard market access, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability. Key themes at the 2025 NEV Summit: Policy alignment and industrial readiness for NEV manufacturing. Green economy investment and financing opportunities. Skills development and workforce transition. Infrastructure and technology partnerships to enable NEV production and uptake. As South Africa’s automotive sector evolves, GGDA, AIDC, and TASEZ is at the forefront of driving inclusive, green industrialisation, ensuring that the transition to cleaner mobility not only meets global standards but also creates sustainable local jobs and growth opportunities.

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

News / By Jenny Tennant

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.

The TASEZ breakaway discussion team at the Tshwane Energy Summit 2024: the CEO of the AIDC Andile Africa, TASEZ's CEO Dr Bheka Zulu, the NAAMSA's chief policy officer Tshetle Litheko, and the co-founder of the Mobility Centre for Africa Vincent Radebe

TASEZ hosts vital and vibrant discussion on new energy vehicles

News / By Jenny Tennant

New energy vehicles loom large in the discussions on the evolving automotive manufacturing landscape – but the time for the internal combustion engine is not yet over. Two experts from the industry discussed the important topics of whether the legacy original equipment manufacturers are being left behind by disruptive innovators like Tesla and BYD, and the new energy vehicle landscape in a South African context during a breakaway session at this year’s Tshwane Energy Summit on Thursday, 20 June 2024, held in Menlyn Maine, Pretoria. The breakaway session was hosted by the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone, Africa’s first automotive city and an important player in the country’s automotive manufacturing sector. Introducing the session, TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu provided the insight into the new energy vehicle (NEV) landscape globally and locally. “We all know that the NEV space has been growing. In the last year, if you compare figures from the first quarter of last year, it grew by 8.7% – units that have grown from 1 665 to 2 220. And in the second quarter, that number grew to 3 042. These are the some of the figures that show the demand and the need for the sector to grow.” He noted a number of important milestones in the drive towards cleaner energy: the publication in 2023 of a White Paper on NEVs aimed at unlocking the potential of South Africa’s NEV market; the fact that 2024 marks a centenary of manufacturing in South Africa – and Ford is celebrating its 100 years in South Africa. Opportunities available in NEV space The NEV space is one that can open opportunities in unexpected ways, Dr Zulu noted, such as the “last mile” programmes that have rolled out across South Africa delivering goods to the consumers’ doors via scooters or motorbikes. This is particularly important in growing the township economy. Although a critical element, NEVs are not confined to passenger vehicles but will also impact public transport and freight and logistics, Dr Zulu said. South Africa exports the majority of its vehicles, so it needs to comply with the clean energy regulations set by it external markets. For example, Europe has set stringent regulations that have to be met by the automotive manufacturers: it will require 55% lower carbon-dioxide emissions from 2030, with a target of zero from 2035. Mobility Centre for Africa co-founder Victor Radebe delivered a thought-provoking talk asking are the legacy OEMs sleeping at the wheel in the face of disruptive innovation by front-runners such as Tesla and BYD. Using the work of academic and business consultant Clayton Christensen, Radebe dived into the concepts surrounding “disruptive innovation” noting that “it’s like a tidal wave that strips over established industries creating new markets, whilst leaving old ones in its wake.” Disruptive innovation starts humbly, often ignored or dismissed by established companies. But then it marches on, transforming the landscape and toppling giants, Radebe said. “Christensen’s The Innovators Dilemma explains why many established firms, despite their resources and expertise, find themselves in this predicament hesitating at the edge of innovation,” Radebe said, adding: “This is where legacy OEMs find themselves.” Rise of the NEVs The automotive manufacturing industry is currently experiencing a seismic shift driven by the electrifying rise of NEVs. “Legacy OEMs are finding themselves in the slow lane compared to speed stars like to Tesla and BYD.” This technological race is not just about who gets to the finish line first, but who can navigate the twists and turns of innovation without losing control, Radebe noted. One of the innovations of NEVs is that the manufacturers build most of their parts, whereas the biggest OEMs rely on a supply chain of multiple suppliers from across the globe. Radebe looked at the potential drivers for change: Another important element is that of the minerals required to make the batteries required by the NEVs. “If you look at the upstream supply chain, China controls the extraction of the of the raw materials. They control the processing of the raw materials.” The beneficiation of minerals is a hot topic in South Africa that will have to form part of a more in-depth negotiation. “The future outlook of the automotive industry will be shaped by those who dare to navigate the choppy waters of innovation in geopolitical, geopolitical uncertainties,” Radebe said. “Legacy OEMs need to embrace a bold strategy to protect their turf, whilst diving headfirst into the new technology and business models, partnerships, heavy investments in innovation, and a willingness to disrupt their own operations.” NAAMSA’s chief policy officer, Tshetle Litheko, brought the topic closer to home, discussing the NEV landscape and outlook in South Africa. NAAMSA represents the South Africa automotive manufacturing industry and the seven original OEMS in the country. NEVs, the next natural step Litheko noted that because of environmental pressures, the innovation and migrating towards NEVs is unavoidable – “it’s the next natural step”. South Africa currently produces 0.5% of the global production of cars. Through its South African Automotive Master Plan, it aims to produce 1% of the world’s cars by 2035. However, Litheko noted, the export markets that South Africa has are now looking to cleaner energy vehicles such as hybrids and EVs. So, the current production of vehicles with internal combustion engines will not be fit for purpose and South Africa will need to adjust its products accordingly. “That said, one of the biggest markets that we need to factor in is the 1.4 billion market in Africa – and that market is not about to migrate or evolve into these NEVs.” In the African market the production of cars is around two million, with South Africa producing a third of that. He then referenced India, with a similar population density to that of Africa, and pointed out that India currently produces almost eight million vehicles annually. “India is the biggest and fastest growing exporter of cars into South Africa (and by extension into Africa).” Taking a leaf out of India’s book, South Africa

Growing township automotive sector through investment, regulating, upgrading skills

News / By Jenny Tennant

Government takes the automotive sector very seriously, Premier Panyaza Lesufi said at a workshop on township mechanics held in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 6 September 2023. Addressing a packed hall of industry role players including the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), the MerSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services), the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), professional automotive mechanics, apprentices and learners, Lesufi said that key to investing in and growing the sector – particularly in the province’s townships – it was important to make sure that the businesses needed to be regularised and be competitive. In addition, “those who want to invest in the townships must invest on our terms. They must consult with the local players and make sure they empower them”, Lesufi said. The workshop was part of the Growing Gauteng Together initiative run by the Gauteng provincial government and the Gauteng department of economic development. He told the delegates at the workshop that the township economy was critical to developing the country’s economy in general. “This is the only province that has passed a law ensuring that the government will buy services from townships, hostels and informal settlements.” TASEZ is a prime example of ensuring that townships are included in the development of the automotive sector. One of the policies essential to the TASEZ business model is that investors must make provision for the inclusion of local community members in their workforces. Lesufi’s message drew on the data shared by the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Fikile Majola, who noted that the workshop should provide long-lasting, actionable solutions. SMMEs crucial to economic growth The triple challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality impact on the country’s development agenda, and the townships are the epicentre of these challenges. More than a quarter of South Africa’s population live in townships and more than half of those in the townships are unemployed, yet the township economy is critical to the country. He referred to the importance of special economic zones (SEZs) being connected to the township model of economic development. SEZs are geographically designated areas set aside for specifically targeted economic activities to promote national economic growth and exports by using support measures to attract foreign and domestic investments and technology. TASEZ, Africa’s first automotive city, is located in Silverton near the townships of Eersterust, Mamelodi and Nellmapius. Much of the workforce used in the factories based at TASEZ come from the surrounding communities. Majola noted that the South African Automotive Masterplan spoke about doubling production by 2035. “One million cars are manufactured annually on the African continent, with 700 000 of those coming from South Africa, Morocco and Egypt.” The continent had a population of 1.3 billion. He compared this to the production figures from India, which manufactures 4 000 000 cars a year. It has a population of 1.4 billion. “We must be more competitive and ramp up production.” And that can be done through developing small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). “Globally, all economies are driven by SMMEs, but the number of SMMEs in this country is too small for an economy the size of South Africa,” Majola added. “If we are to expand the SMME base in South Africa, we have to think outside the box, but within the law.” Collaborative efforts TASEZ has a team dedicated to helping develop SMMEs and providing skills development programmes. Gauteng MEC for Economic Development Tasneem Motara pointed out just how important the automotive sector is to South Africa. It contributed 4.9% to the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023. “It is a huge player in the economy with the potential to grow.” However, she added, picking up on the issues of SMMES: “How do we address the challenges small businesses face?” Common challenges include struggling to access to markets; financing; to support; and infrastructure. The automotive sector had added challenges, such as being unable to receive reliable parts; a lack of entrepreneurial skills; and the onerous and expensive accreditation processes. Collaboration was key to growing small businesses. “We need to focus on the informal sector, but also ensure that industry bodies are included.” Skills development was crucial, she added. “We have to find meaningful solutions.”