infrastructure Archives

2025 – A transformative year for TASEZ

By Andile Sangweni, Executive for Infrastructure As 2025 draws to a close, it offers an important moment to reflect on the achievements, challenges, and defining developments that have shaped the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ). This has been a year of momentum, consolidation, and forward vision and one that has reaffirmed our position as one of South Africa’s leading special economic zones (SEZs) while pushing the boundaries of what world-class infrastructure delivery can look like. This has indeed been a transformative year for TASEZ. We have not only upheld our position as one of the country’s most advanced and impactful SEZs, but we have also redefined excellence in infrastructure delivery. Despite various national and global challenges, Phase 1 milestones were successfully achieved, demonstrating the strength of our operational planning and the resilience of our development model. With Phase 2 now underway, our focus is shifting decisively toward breaking ground and embracing the next wave of industrial growth. This phase is not simply an expansion, it is a catalytic step in deepening South Africa’s manufacturing capabilities and strengthening the country’s role in the global automotive value chain. Heading into Phase 2 A central achievement of 2025 has been laying the groundwork for the next phase of TASEZ’s evolution. The defining highlight of the year has been our work on ensuring the seamless integration of new infrastructure with Phase 1 facilities. This preparation is more than a technical requirement; it is a strategic pointer to our ongoing growth trajectory. It is about investor confidence, job creation, and community impact. The readiness to commence Phase 2 represents a collective vote of confidence from our stakeholders. It also confirms that infrastructure remains the backbone of sustainable economic transformation. Ready to tackle any test The year has not been without its challenges. South Africa continues to grapple with issues that directly influence industrial performance: Energy security; Skills development; and Global competitiveness. Our response to these pressures has been deliberate and solution-driven. We are advancing energy resilience through renewable integration, ensuring that future phases of the zone offer greater stability and sustainability. We are driving a skills revolution through strengthened partnerships with educational and training institutions through the TASEZ Training Academy, preparing young people for the advanced manufacturing jobs of the future. And we are sharpening our global edge by streamlining processes and enhancing investor support mechanisms. Amid these dynamics, TASEZ’s role in advancing South Africa’s industrial development has become even more pronounced. TASEZ is a catalyst for the country’s industrialisation ambitions. By hosting world-class manufacturers, the zone embeds advanced technologies, creates sustainable employment opportunities, and supports the development of resilient supply chains. Our work also contributes to economic diversification, reducing import dependency and positioning South Africa as a globally competitive producer. In every sense, TASEZ is shaping industries, futures, and communities—delivering impact far beyond our physical footprint. As we look ahead, 2026 must be a year defined by acceleration and bold action. Our priorities are clear: Breaking ground on Phase 2; Attracting a surge of new investors; Driving a green infrastructure revolution; and Deepening community integration. These commitments will ensure that TASEZ continues to set the benchmark for industrial excellence, innovation, and inclusiveness.

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TASEZ CEO to spotlight Africa’s automotive opportunity at SEZ Summit in Durban

News / Jenny Tennant

By Mandla Mpangase A summit focused on how economic zones can be a growth opportunity for South Africa gets underway in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal today. Taking place from 3 – 4 December 2025 under the theme “Transforming Africa’s economy: Catalysing growth and future investment by enhancing competitiveness through SEZ and IDZ projects”, the DEVAC Special Economic Zones/Industrial Development Zones Summit brings together governments, representatives from SEZs and IDZs, private-sector leaders, development experts, and global investors to map out the next era of Africa’s industrial expansion. The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) CEO Dr Bheka Zulu will be a key panellist on 4 December 2025 in a high-level discussion exploring how Africa can unlock greater value from its emerging automotive sector. Driving value addition and youth employment through innovation Dr Zulu will join the panel titled “Leveraging industrial clustering, 4IR, and Africa’s emerging auto sector to drive value addition and youth employment in SEZs”. The session will unpack how SEZs can accelerate industrialisation through advanced manufacturing, Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, and integrated value chains – areas in which TASEZ has rapidly positioned itself as a national leader. TASEZ has become South Africa’s fastest- growing automotive hub and a cornerstone of the country’s reindustrialisation agenda. Dr Zulu’s contribution to the panel is expected to provide practical insights into how SEZs can cultivate specialised skills, create youth employment, and attract sustainable investment by leveraging industrial clustering and global automotive trends. The discussion will be moderated by Prof. Joe Amadi-Echendu from the University of Pretoria’s Engineering and Technology Management faculty. Dr Zulu will be joined by a distinguished group of panellists, including: Nomvula Shongwe-Gulwako, Acting CEO, Royal Science and Technology Park, Eswatini Tapiwa Samanga, Group CEO, Production Technologies Association of South Africa (PtSA) Dr Luyolo Mabhali, Executive Cluster Manager: Future Production – Manufacturing, CSIR Anathi Mlungwana, Unit Head: Trade Facilitation, Coega Development Corporation Philip Krause, Consulting Manager: Transport, Pegasys Global Consulting Together, the panel will explore how economic zones can shift from traditional manufacturing to innovation-driven ecosystems that promote competitiveness, integrate regional value chains, and support Africa’s industrial ambitions. Unlocking the full potential of economic zones The summit itself underscores the growing importance of SEZs and IDZs in driving Africa’s economic future. These zones, designed to boost local industries, streamline investment processes, and enhance regional exports, are central to the continent’s efforts to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy. While SEZs and IDZs offer significant promise, their potential remains under-utilised due to challenges ranging from infrastructure gaps to regulatory complexity and limited financing. The summit aims to address these barriers by strengthening collaboration among governments, investors, and industry leaders. A strategic moment for Africa As global demand shifts toward greener manufacturing, digital transformation, and resilient supply chains, Africa’s economic zones—particularly in high-growth sectors like automotive production—are poised to play a defining role. Dr Zulu’s participation signals South Africa’s commitment to shaping that future, positioning TASEZ not only as a national success story but as a continental model for how innovation and industrial clustering can transform economies and create sustainable employment. The summit’s insights are expected to guide future investment, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate the development of competitive and globally connected economic zones across Africa.

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TASEZ Phase 2 gets serious with handover of new reservoir site

News / Jenny Tennant

By Mandla Mpangase On a small, dusty hill in La Montagne in the City of Tshwane, a small but dedicated group gathered to officially turn the first sod where a reservoir will be constructed to provide water to the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone. The construction site, a crucial element of TASEZ’s Phase 2, was officially turned over to MES Major Projects, a wholly black-owned local company. Joining TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu at the event were leaders from the City of Tshwane, including Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya, Deputy Executive Mayor, Eugene Modise, and several MMCs, a team from the newly appointed contractor lead by managing director Musa Sambo, councillors from the neighbouring townships of Eersterust, Mamelodi and Nellmapius, and members of the local communities. So important is this development, TASEZ board member for infrastructure development, Vuyo Zithumane, noted: “We are launching one of the critical dependencies for the entire development of others, and especially Phase 2.” She added that the political principals in the City of Tshwane took the conscious decision to prioritise this development, making a financial allocation within the City’s budget. “We are very proud to be associated with this initiative. If you look at the history of TASEZ and the mandate that they have been given, I can say without any fear of contradiction, that they’ve been able to fulfil their mandate. They have delivered what was expected of them, far ahead of the targets that they had set for themselves. “TASEZ is one institution that does not compromise when it comes to the competence of contractors, which is precisely why in every project that they’ve initiated, they were always far ahead of their milestones.” TASEZ is a unique project, with shareholders from each of the three tiers of government along with Ford Motor Company; the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition represents the national government, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development represents the province, and the City of Tshwane represents local government. Dr Moya, spoke about the City of Tshwane’s ambitious revitalisation strategy that is aiming for a 3.9% annual growth by 2029, targeting 80 000 new jobs. Key sectors include agri-parks, solar farms and automotive manufacturing. The City committed to retaining investments and improving infrastructure, such as energy and water security. “As the City, we need to not only make a pronouncement saying we are committed to economic growth … but must be seen in action,” Dr Moya said. Standing under an old concrete water reservoir on the top of the hill, the executive mayor spoke passionately about the issue of water security. “We can’t expect people to come and invest in our city if we do not provide the infrastructure that is required.” This new development is significant, not only to the City of Tshwane, but to its residents, she added. The most recent statistics indicate that unemployment in the City of Tshwane has increased to 38.4%. “Do you know what that means? On a day-to-day basis, there’s a family that doesn’t have food or guarantee of a plate of food because they don’t have a job opportunity. It means there’s a small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) somewhere that is not surviving because the opportunities are less.” The efforts of the City of Tshwane, supported by business and investment is done with the ordinary residents in mind. “A student at college who has studied something to do with automotive, must know that there’s a future for them, because the City of Tshwane has an automotive centre here.” Dr Moya added: “We always appreciative of projects like this. Hence, we want to go the extra mile to make sure that they succeed, so that we can achieve our objectives and that the lives of our people are improved.” The executive mayor also spoke about the need for SMMEs to go beyond relying on tenders, but to be included in the whole value chain and become big businesses in their own right. Noting the presence of members of the community, including the TASEZ Community Project Committee which oversees the social compact between the local communities and the special economic zone, Dr Moya also spoke about the importance of community involvement in the success of the development. “If communities understand the benefit of this project, then communities start to protect the projects that they have.” The appointed contractor is one of the success stories of TASEZ: during Phase 1 of the development MES Major Projects was graded CE3 and today is a CE7. TASEZ CFO Rebecca Hlabatau outlined the significant work that MES would be undertaking; building a reinforced concrete reservoir that will hold 15 megalitres, standing 12m in height, 200 tons, and 2 500m³ in volume. The work is expected to be completed within 12 months.

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

News / Jenny Tennant

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.

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TASEZ shares investment ideas, experience with African SEZs

News / Jenny Tennant

By Mandla Mpangase The leaders of Africa’s special economic zones (SEZs) – including Africa’s first automotive city – are putting their minds to the role they can play in attracting impactful investments and redefining competitiveness. This theme set the tone for the annual meeting of the African SEZs which was held in Nairobi, Kenya, at the end of November 2024. The meeting was attended by some 300 participants representing governments, international experts, decision-makers, financial institutions and representatives from the various SEZs. The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic (TASEZ) team participated in the meeting in order to “see how we are positioned in terms of the SEZs across the continent”, according to TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu, adding that it was surprising to find that TASEZ was ahead of the curve. “We have a lot to contribute, and we have much to learn too,” Dr Zulu adds. There are more than 200 operational SEZs in 47 countries on the continent, according to the African Economic Zones Outlook 2021. This breaks down into 150 000 hectares dedicated to manufacturing, ago-processing and services. It is estimated that more than $2.6-billion has been invested in these zones. South Africa currently has 11 SEZs based in different provinces: in the Eastern Cape are Coega and the East London SEZs; Maluti-A-Phofung is in the Free State; OR Tambo and the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) are situated in Gauteng; Dube Tradeport and Richards Bay are based in KwaZulu-Natal; the Musina/Makhado SEZ is in Limpopo; Nkomazi is based in Mpumalanga; and the Atlantis and Saldanha Bay SEZs are in the Western Cape. The African SEZs annual meeting is the flagship event of the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Africa Economic Zones Organisation (AEZO), providing insights on critical issues related to the development of SEZs in Africa. Said Business Development Executive Msokoli Ntombana: “SEZs are viewed as one of the key instruments to accelerate industrialisation, attract important foreign direct investments, and stimulate the country’s economy. It is crucial that these elements are firmly in place to answer the call of the National Development Plan to create jobs, fight poverty and promote socio-economic equality. “Not only are these priorities for South Africa, but are crucial for Africa’s success, as driven by the Africa Agenda 2063. SEZs have a critical role to play in shaping Africa’s economic landscape long-term,” Ntombana says. Topics covered at the Nairobi meeting included: Building intelligent infrastructure, focusing on necessary infrastructure upgrades, such as 5G networks and data centres to support industrial activity securely; Workforce development, looking at strategies for upskilling the workforce to integrate large-scale technologies; Regulatory frameworks for new technologies, examining how policies can be adapted to foster technology innovation while protecting data privacy and ensuring ethical use; Sustainability, discussing the integration of circular economy principles, eco-industrial parks, and sustainable urban planning in SEZ development; Financing sustainable SEZs, looking at innovative financing mechanisms such as green bonds and climate funds to support the sustainable development of SEZs; and Policy and governance, examining how African governments can create conducive environments for the growth of socially inclusive and sustainable SEZs. “As we head into the age of the new energy vehicles (NEVs), it is important to recognise that most of the commodities required for NEV development comes from the African continent,” the CEO says. “So for us to tap into the relationships with our brothers and sisters is actually forward- looking, because we have the insight to be able to create trade lines between ourselves,” Dr Zulu notes. “It is important to capacitate the rail infrastructure between the original equipment manufacturers based in the City of Tshwane and our ports, which are crucial to the export of vehicles to our global markets,” TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu noted.

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Inclusive growth path will benefit SA economy – Finance Minister

News / Jenny Tennant

By Mandla Mpangase While fiscal prudence is the name of the game for the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana, a key standout – as far as automotive manufacturing industry in general, and the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) in particular – is the confirmation of rail upgrades between Tshwane and Gqeberha. Minister Godongwana delivered his 2024 Medium-term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) in the National Assembly on 30 October 2024. His policy statement outlined the country’s strategy to lift the economy to a higher and more inclusive growth path, and rests on four pillars: maintaining macroeconomic stability; implementing structural reforms; supporting growth-enhancing infrastructure; and building state capability. Speaking of the renewed energy that followed the national elections earlier this year, the minister said: “There is a new light that is shining down on our country and on our economy. The recent elections demonstrated the resilience and maturity of our young democracy.” Three priorities sit at the heart of government policy: Pillar three of the MTBPS is about effective infrastructure investment that will boost economic activity and enable higher growth over the medium term. “In this regard, we are implementing reforms that will create conditions to attract greater private sector participation.” One particular aspect of this is “to increase the pool of funders to diversify public infrastructure financing through new mechanisms and instruments. These include build-operate-transfer (BOT) structures and other concessions”. Included in this particular programme are capacity upgrades on the rail network from Watloo in the City of Tshwane – near TASEZ and the Ford plant in Silverton – to Gqeberha. This is particularly important given that the South African automotive industry is export-driven, with vehicles needing to be shipped to international markets. “It is important to capacitate the rail infrastructure between the original equipment manufacturers based in the City of Tshwane and our ports, which are crucial to the export of vehicles to our global markets,” TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu noted. Minister Godongwana added that a request for proposals will be issued this year for funders who are interested in supporting projects such as the Watloo to Gqeberha upgrades. “Collectively, the infrastructure reforms will strengthen planning, appraisal, contracting, financing, and monitoring and evaluation. “The outcome will be faster delivery of infrastructure that supports economic growth, the expansion of access to basic services and boosting job creation.” According to naamsa, the Automotive Business Council, Gauteng has the highest diversity in the country’s automotive profile, housing three OEMs as well as the majority of first- and second-tier automotive component suppliers in the country. “The economic muscle of the South African automotive industry, with its economic gains far outweighing its fiscal costs, cannot be underplayed.” Vehicle export value topped R203,9-billion in 2023.

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Tshwane SEZ shows the way on how to successfully attract investment and create employment

News / Jenny Tennant

The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) has set the benchmark for the development of South Africa’s new special economic zones. Special economic zones (SEZs) are key to making South Africa an attractive option for foreign direct investments. SEZs are important instruments in advancing the country’s strategic objectives of industrialisation, regional development, the promotion of exports and job creation. Africa’s first automotive city, based in the City of Tshwane, was an exemplary case in how to develop and set up an SEZ to hit the road running. From being gazette in January 2020 to seeing the first cars come off the production line in November 2022, TASEZ achieved all of this in just two short years – and during the Covid 19 pandemic. The TASEZ case study was central to discussions that took place in a workshop held in Pretoria on Thursday, 11 April 2024, that looked at how SEZs can be implemented speedily. Piloting a new method “We are conscious of the responsibility we have been given in piloting this new model for the development of SEZs,” says TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu. “It could not have been done without the strong strategic partnerships between our investors and all three tiers of government.” The TASEZ model has now set the benchmark for the establishment of new SEZs. Representatives from the country’s new SEZs joined the teams from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) responsible for SEZ development, the Industrial Development Corporation’s (IDC’s) SEZ unit, and TASEZ. TASEZ chair and executive director of the Industrial Zones Programme at the IDC, Lionel October, said: “We are here today to begin to standardise and formulate SEZ set up procedures.” The dtic’s Shaun Moses set the scene for the discussion, outlining the policy and strategies driving the development of SEZs. He highlighted the underlying economic challenges South Africa had to tackle: This led to the government identifying a number of objectives to change the economic landscape: combining growth with transformation; boosting local production; growing exports and expanding trade within Africa; increasing investment; establishing a reliable and low-cost energy system while greening the economy; and growing employment. This, Moses pointed out, would be achieved through promoting jobs and higher incomes via industrialisation; building an inclusive economy; and making sure public policies make an impact. Factors for success It was against this background that TASEZ became the pilot project for a new approach to setting up SEZs. There were a number of critical factors that ensured the project’s success: “The scale of the TASEZ project demanded a well-coordinated, systematic and objective approach in responding to the socio-economic performance targets, job creation and SMME opportunities.” Crucially, it was the agile project management approach that ensured TASEZ’s success. Key factors to this success were: One of the proposals to speed up the development of new SEZs, put forward by the technical advisor of the Industrial Zones Programme at the IDC, Dr Siyabonga Simayi, was the creation of multi-sites, or the extension of the boundaries of existing SEZs, to incorporate the development of new SEZs. This would see the development of a zone with more than one site, or the development on land that did not share a border with the existing SEZ. The licence of an existing Industrial Development Zone could be used to facilitate the creation of new SEZs, cutting down on read tape and allowing for a speedier and more agile process, Dr Simayi told the workshop. This would see a single licensee, operator and entity, with one management team and board; single operating systems and processes, and a single budget with one audit process. The workshop concluded by agreeing that there was a need to develop clear guidelines and operating procedures to implement successful SEZs within two years. As Stieneke Jensma, the chief operations officer of the Industrial Zones Programme at the IDC, noted in summing up the day: “TASEZ has done it – we know it’s doable.”

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South Africa’s SEZs driven by renewable energy

News / Jenny Tennant

The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) has a mixed-energy response – including gas to power and solar photovoltaic (PV) cells with battery storage – to ensure operations based in the manufacturing hub are not brought to a halt by power outages and to comply with government imperatives for onboarding green energy solutions. A key challenge to business operations within South Africa is ensuring energy supply remains constant, despite regular nationwide loadshedding. “This has led us to find innovative solutions,” TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu explained during a fireside chat at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA) in Cape Town on Tuesday 19 March 2024. “We are currently underway with a gas to power plant project, which will make 20MVA available, along with a solar PV and battery storage solution that will add another 10MVA.” However, as Africa’s first automotive city – based in Silverton – continues to grow, it needs to find more energy, Dr Zulu added. SIDSSA, an annual event, brought together stakeholders from South Africa and across the continent to discuss ways to drive infrastructure development, which has been identified as the key driver in growing the economy. SIDSSA provided a platform for discussions and partnerships in the infrastructure investment landscape, with a focus on accelerating economic activity through strategic infrastructure plans. SEZs are ideally placed to accelerate industrialisation in the country; according to the Chief Operations Officer of the Industrial Zones Programme at the Industrial Development Corporation, Stieneke Jensma. “We started a programme focusing on energy security, specifically regarding SEZs. The idea is to collaborate and to ensure that what we are delivering solutions that promote industrialisation.” Strategic partnerships are key in implementing green energy projects, according to TASEZ’s CEO. TASEZ’s approach to energy takes cognisance of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals – particularly Goal 7, which is linked to the provision of clean energy; Goal 9, which aims to build resilient infrastructure using innovative technology; and Goal 13, which is about taking action to combat the impact of climate change.

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TASEZ recognised at the Transport Evolution Africa Awards

2023 – a successful year for TASEZ

News / Jenny Tennant

From the launch of an initiative supporting women development to signing a partnership agreement with local communities to hosting interested investors from BRICS countries, the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone is helping change South Africa’s economic landscape. TASEZ has a vision to be the benchmark for special economic zones (SEZs) in the country, contributing to the growth of the automotive sector by being a major creator of new businesses and contributing to employment, transformation, and socio-economic development. It is a big ask for any organisation, particularly one that is three years old. Celebrating women leadership This year has been a particularly busy one for the SEZ. One significant event was the launch in September of the Women of the SEZs, an initiative to empower women, champion diversity, foster inclusivity and celebrate achievements of women in all spheres of the SEZ space. As TASEZ board member Susan Mangole noted, the event aimed to “inspire and build women”, serving as a testament to the unyielding determination of women who continue to steer the course of progress, innovation, and collaboration within the SEZs and beyond. Encouraging investment TASEZ also held its own on the international stage, hosting delegates to the 15th annual BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg in August. BRICS, made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, incorporates more than 40% of the global population and accounts for over 25% of the world’s economy. A number of investors from Brazil, Russia, India and China toured the TASEZ Silverton facilities to find out for themselves what Africa’s First Automotive City has to offer. The SEZ provides world-class production facilities, steers investors towards tax incentives and helps source well-trained workers. At the end of the tour the deputy chair of the BRICS Manufacturing Working Group, Lesetja Mogaba said TASEZ had showed the delegates just how to link industrial development to local community needs. “This is a class act,” he added. International and local relations Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Kamal Madbouly visited the Ford Frame plant at TASEZ in August 2023. In addition, TASEZ played host to several other African partners from Uganda and Zimbabwe, who wanted to learn firsthand how TASEZ had managed to grow from a vacant lot into a well-established manufacturing hub in two short years. Questions were asked on how TASEZ is run, what incentives are provided to investors, and what lessons were learnt in the process. Equally critical to the success of TASEZ is its partnerships with the local communities, and to this end the organisation signed a memorandum of understanding with the Community Project Committee (CPC) in February 2023. The document outlined the formal ties between TASEZ and the surrounding communities of Mamelodi, Eesterust and Nellmapius. TASEZ and the CPC are committed to working together to create job opportunities while at the same time building an inclusive automotive industry. Good governance Good governance sits at the heart of all TASEZ’s business efforts, and August saw the company receive a clean audit from the Office of the Auditor-General. This was the third year in a row that the company received such a result. Board chair Lionel October noted TASEZ’s “unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence”. The clean audit reaffirmed TASEZ’s commitment to prudent financial management, effective controls, and ethical practices, he added. management, effective controls, and ethical practices, he added. Awards for industry excellence September saw TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu recognised at the Transport Evolution Africa Awards for his “inclusive leadership”. The awards, which acknowledge “the achievements of transport trailblazers in making an impact locally, nationally and continentally”, formed part of a three-day gathering of decision-makers, businesses and organisations involved in the transport sector. In addition, TASEZ sponsored a special lounge at Transport Evolution Africa to showcase the offerings of South Africa’s SEZs and encourage investors to talk business with the SEZs represented. The year ended on an exciting note, with TASEZ receiving another award: this time the Council for the Built Environment and the Construction Education Training Authority honoured the SEZ as a state-owned entity that implemented infrastructure projects timeously at their inaugural Built Environment Recognition Awards held on 7 December 2023 under the theme “Road to Professional Registration”. The award recognised the efforts TASEZ made to establish and develop Phase 1 of the SEZ in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. A new year is just around the corner and will bring a new phase of development to TASEZ, as it begins work on Phase 2.

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TASEZ features on Power FM business programme

News / Jenny Tennant

The secret to the success of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone lies in its partnerships, says board chairperson Lionel October. He was speaking to Power FM’s Noluthando Mthonti-Mlambo during the business focus on 25 October 2023. TASEZ is based on partnerships between SEZ and the communities of Mamelodi and Eersterust, the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa and its international component manufacturers that come from Thailand, Portugal, Brazil, as well as South Africa, and government. “If the three partners work together the community gets real benefits – [jobs and skills development], government provides the world-class infrastructure required, and the private sector creates the jobs and brings the technology, creating our export platforms that is the secret to success,” October said. TASEZ is one of 10 SEZs set up in South Africa to help grow the South African economy. SEZs are geographically designated areas set aside for distinct economic activities and are supported by special arrangements and systems that are often different from those that apply in the rest of the country. They are seen as engines that can propel government’s strategic objectives of industrialisation, regional development, and employment creation forward through attracting Foreign Direct Investment and exporting value-added commodities. Looking at the impact of TASEZ on the South African economy, October pointed out that it is a relative newcomer to the SEZ space, being built in record time, in two years and during Covid-19. This was thanks to strong leadership from the president, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition and the provincial and local governments, October said. In addition, Ford invested R16-billion into expanding their plant in South Africa. “They are now producing the new Ford Ranger vehicle in one of the biggest plants in their stable, exporting to over 100 countries.” Ford’s investment has seen the creation of highly skilled jobs – 2 000 created by Ford and 3 200 created by TASEZ. “This development has really been beneficial to the local economy.” Considering how South Africa’s SEZs measure up globally, October looked to China and the Asian Tigers, pointing out that their success can be attributed to SEZs. “While they obviously provide tax incentives and import incentives, but the real winning proposition that we see from China is power, land and logistics.” It is important to provide a proper logistics system, rail and road; to provide regular and consistent electricity; and to provide a well-developed zone in which to base the manufacturing businesses. In the case of TASEZ, the partnership with the City of Tshwane ensures consistent power to the zone, October said. “We’re working on a railway link between Tshwane and Gqeberha to use Port Elizabeth as an export port.” Added to this is the world-class infrastructure provided within the TASEZ hub.

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