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TASEZ shows how SA can build an economy that works for all

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By Mandla Mpangase Every South African knows that when infrastructure fails, life becomes harder. Jobs disappear. Businesses relocate. Communities lose hope. But when infrastructure works, everything else begins to work too. Factories stay open. Investors arrive. That is the import of the speech given on 13 November 2025 by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the National Construction Summit held in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni. “We are a gathered here not just to talk about building an industry, but to build a nation,” the president said, adding: “We are gathered here to share a dream and determination to build a country that works for all its people. South Africa’s national economic drive has never been only about building structures; it has always been about building a country that gives every person a fair chance – something clearly articulated in the National Development Plan (Vision 2030). And the message has been clearly stated through the years of democracy. “From a social development perspective, infrastructure provides people with what they need to thrive,” President Ramaphosa told the summit participants. “It improves the quality of life and can play a key role in reducing inequality. Through reliable infrastructure we can boost productivity and reduce costs of living.” It also provides countries with what they need to grow and develop. “Infrastructure facilitates trade and commerce. When we boost infrastructure through the construction industry we attract investment.” And few places capture this mission more clearly than the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ). Where infrastructure becomes industrial strength “Infrastructure is the backbone of development because, among many other reasons, it bolsters economic competitiveness and sustainability. Without infrastructure economic growth slows down, inequality deepens and the quality-of-life declines,” Ramaphosa said. For years, underinvestment in roads, rail and logistics has held back the key sectors of mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. But South Africa is now shifting course. As the president pointed out: “Infrastructure is poised to once again become the flywheel of the economy. Infrastructure investment is one of the most effective levers for stimulating economic activity.” This is evident in the employment figures released by Statistics SA earlier this week. The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey released by Statistics South Africa in November 2025 indicates a decrease in the official unemployment rate from 33.2% in the second quarter of this year to 31.9% in the third quarter. Employment increased by 248 000 in the third quarter, with construction the largest contributor with 130 000 new jobs. This is not an accident. It is the result of a deliberate national effort to turn infrastructure into a growth engine. And TASEZ is one of the clearest examples of what that looks like in practice. The special economic zone (SEZ) is proof that when investment is made in the right infrastructure such as reliable power, efficient logistics, modern digital systems, further investment is made, jobs are created, and industrial capability is strengthened. TASEZ is where South Africa’s automotive future is being built, factory by factory, with global manufacturers choosing the Tshwane SEZ because the fundamentals are already in place. A model for inclusive growth The zone is succeeding not only because of its industrial strength but because of its social impact. It is bringing economic activity to communities long left on the periphery. It is creating opportunities for young people entering technical fields. It is giving small businesses a stake in a globally competitive value chain. As TASEZ CEO, Dr Bheka Zulu, notes: “When we talk about spatial redress, this is what it looks like: development that doesn’t speak about communities but works with them.” Towards investment Government has committed R1-trillion in infrastructure spending over the medium term, alongside reforms to unlock greater private investment. Procurement war rooms, new public-private partnership guidelines and accountability frameworks are designed to ensure that projects do not stall but move quickly from planning to ground-breaking. As the world prepares to join South Africa for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, the country is showing what renewal looks like on the ground. Roads being rebuilt. Industrial zones like TASEZ expanding. If this momentum is sustained, TASEZ will not be the exception but the blueprint, demonstrating what is possible when strong infrastructure, a capable state and committed investors come together.  

Gauteng takes the wheel: Driving Africa’s NEV future

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South Africa’s shift to green mobility is no longer a distant idea, it is now a commercial necessity, and the economic heartland of the country must take the lead in embracing New Energy Vehicles as a core economic sector for the country – and the rest of Africa, writes Lebogang Maile, Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development. Gauteng is stepping up to lead South Africa, and Africa, into the new-energy vehicle (NEV) era. The province, already the country’s economic and industrial centre, is positioning itself as the continent’s NEV hub. The province is set to host its inaugural NEV Summit on 22–23 October 2025, during the country’s Transport Month, under the auspices of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, along with the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) and the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ). South Africa’s shift to green mobility is no longer a distant idea, it is now a commercial necessity. Global markets, particularly the European Union, are tightening carbon regulations. For South Africa to keep exporting vehicles and stay competitive, it must move fast to build an industry that produces low- and zero-emission cars. Laying the foundation The transition is backed by strong policy frameworks. The South African Automotive Master Plan 2035 (SAAM 2035) sets clear goals for increasing local content, boosting exports, and creating inclusive growth. The government’s White Paper on electric vehicles, approved at the end of 2023, provides a roadmap for building the NEV ecosystem from production and charging infrastructure to skills development and consumer incentives. Although the paper references electric vehicles, South Africa must take account of other green initiatives such as hydrogen and battery. The policy direction is clear – our job is to make sure Gauteng becomes the first mover. The NEV transition is about jobs, skills, and industrialisation not just greener cars. We are ready to lead Africa in this journey. Gauteng: South Africa’s economic hub South Africa’s economic hub has all the right ingredients: skilled workers, advanced manufacturing infrastructure, financial and logistics networks, and a strong automotive heritage. Ford, based in the City of Tshwane, has been in South Africa for over a century. Gauteng’s existing automotive value chain makes it the natural home for Africa’s NEV future. The province already hosts major original equipment manufacturers like BMW, Ford, Nissan, Tata and Iveco, and supplier networks that can pivot to battery, electronics, and component manufacturing. We already have the backbone, from vehicle assemblers to tiered suppliers. What we are doing now is aligning that value chain with new technologies, from battery assembly to software integration. The transition is not just about attracting investment; it’s about future-proofing Gauteng’s manufacturing economy. Turning policy into factories Gauteng is now focused on turning national policy into tangible projects. The Automotive Investment Scheme (AIS) and new EV production incentives announced by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), including a 150% investment allowance for qualifying projects, are key tools to make that happen. We are working closely with the dtic and industry stakeholders to streamline approvals and remove red tape. Investors do not want promises, they want certainty. Gauteng is offering that – a clear pathway from policy to plant. But we are also well aware of the challenges we face, from electricity reliability and logistics to the high costs of new technologies. One of the key projects we have put in place to overcome these, is the creation of a dedicated automotive hub in the City of Tshwane, with stable power, fast-tracked permitting, and shared testing and recycling facilities to lower entry barriers for manufacturers. Building demand and inclusion A vibrant NEV industry also needs a domestic market, and Gauteng is exploring ways to stimulate demand through public fleet electrification, taxi modernisation programmes, and municipal procurement. Demand creation will be critical to attracting more investors. OEMs and suppliers want to see that South Africa is serious about NEVs – that there is a real market for these vehicles. If we in government lead by example through fleet conversion, others will follow. Gauteng has the opportunity to set that example for the rest of the continent. Beyond manufacturing, Gauteng’s NEV strategy emphasises skills development and inclusion. The transition is being designed to create opportunities for black-owned medium, small, and micro enterprises, youth, and women entrepreneurs in new parts of the value chain, from charging infrastructure to digital mobility services. A turning point for the economy The upcoming NEV Summit is expected to produce a clear action plan: identifying priority sites, announcing anchor investors, setting timelines for disbursing incentives, and mapping out power and logistics upgrades. This summit is not just about speeches; it is about signatures. We want commitments, timelines, and projects that will create jobs and secure Gauteng’s place at the centre of Africa’s new energy future. If Gauteng can convert its strategic intent into action, the province will not only revitalise South Africa’s automotive manufacturing base but also anchor the continent’s NEV revolution. The race to lead Africa’s green mobility future has begun and Gauteng plans to be first across the line.

South Africa gears up for new energy vehicle transition

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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.

RFQ 051/2025: Provision of GRAP Training Services

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The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) is looking to appoint a service provider to provide two days comprehensive Generally Recognised Accounting Practise (GRAP) training to the TASEZ finance team at their offices in Pretoria. Closing date: 14 October 2025, at 12h00. Download RFQ051/2025 here

TASEZ celebrates Women’s Month with empowering event

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As Women’s Month draws to a close, the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) has begun the countdown to its highly anticipated Women’s Month event on Friday, 29 August 2025. This year’s event, taking place under the theme “Defining your complete self”, promises to be a vibrant celebration of women’s contributions to South Africa’s industrial and economic landscape. The theme encapsulates the essence of the day, a call for women to embrace every facet of who they are. It is about recognising authenticity while creating space for softness and independence. Adding to the magic, participants will be captivated by the words of a featured poet, whose performance will bring the theme to life through the power of storytelling. This gathering is not just a celebration of women’s accomplishments but an acknowledgment of their wholeness as individuals. The event will bring together women from diverse backgrounds, including leaders from the special economic zones (SEZs) and the manufacturing sector, to share their experiences of being a woman in an economic environment that is often perceived as “a man’s world”. The theme reflects TASEZ’s commitment to empowering women to embrace their full potential, professionally, personally, and socially, while inspiring the next generation of leaders to break barriers and redefine success. The Women of the SEZs initiative: A catalyst for change Since its inception in 2023, the Women of the SEZs initiative, launched by TASEZ, has been a transformative platform, helping amplify the voices, contributions, and aspirations of women within South Africa’s SEZs. By fostering an inclusive environment, TASEZ is ensuring that women are not only participants but also drivers of innovation and progress in South Africa’s industrial sector. Inspiring conversations and insights The 2025 Women’s Month event will feature a diverse panel of women who will share their journeys and insights on how women can define and embrace their “complete selves” in the context of South Africa’s evolving economy. Participants in the event can expect thought-provoking stories of overcoming challenges, balancing personal and professional growth, and creating pathways for future generations. “We are thrilled to host this event as a culmination of Women’s Month,” said TASEZ CFO Rebecca Hlabatau. “Our goal is to celebrate the resilience and achievements of women while encouraging them to embrace their multifaceted identities and lead with confidence.” A commitment to empowerment TASEZ’s dedication to women’s empowerment extends beyond this event. Through ongoing initiatives, TASEZ continues to create opportunities for women to thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries. By providing access to job opportunities, training, and mentorship, TASEZ is helping women build sustainable careers and take on roles that shape the future of South Africa’s economy. And this Women’s Month event will be marked with style, substance, creativity, and celebration, a fitting tribute to the women who shape our present and inspire our future.

Auto industry continues to drive investment, jobs and innovation

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In his weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa wrote about the importance of the automotive manufacturing sector in transforming the economic sector, creating jobs, providing much-needed skills development, and driving innovation.  South Africa has a well-established auto manufacturing industry that is more than a century old. It has proven to be one of the most resilient sectors of our economy.  Since the first assembly plants were established in the Eastern Cape in the 1920s, the auto industry has grown to become the largest manufacturing sector in the country. South Africa’s role in global vehicle manufacturing has expanded and grown.  Auto companies like Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have plants here in our country that produce vehicles for the local market and for export to many other countries in the world.   A number of these companies continue to expand their investments in our country. The sector currently supports more than 115,000 direct manufacturing jobs and more than 500,000 across the value chain. It contributes approximately 5.3% to GDP.  However, the industry is under growing pressure. The introduction of stricter vehicle emissions regulations in leading export destinations such as the European Union, as well as new tariffs from the United States, are expected to have a significant impact on the sector.  With exports currently accounting for approximately two-thirds of local vehicle production, it is critical that we strengthen the sector to not only overcome current headwinds, but to ensure its long-term sustainability.  Last week, I attended the launch of BMW’s new X3 plug-in hybrid at the company’s Rosslyn plant in Tshwane. South Africa is the exclusive global production site for this model. The shift from internal combustion engines (ICE) towards hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) in a number of markets means that green mobility is becoming increasingly important for automotive manufacturers. The latest investment by BMW following their pledge at our South Africa Investment Conference in 2023 is a welcome signal to investors that South Africa remains a favourable place to do business. As Government, we are working to ensure there is an enabling regulatory and policy environment to support the growth of this burgeoning industrial activity.  Our five South Africa Investment Conferences, where we invited companies to make investment pledges that are translated into actual investments, is an important platform for companies to declare their investment intention to South Africa and demonstrate that South Africa is an investable market. Government support to the car manufacturing industry through the Automotive Production and Development Programme will position South Africa as a key global manufacturing base for vehicles of the future.  This isn’t just critical to the sustainability of the sector, but to growing the workforce and skills of the future.  BMW, for example, has a training academy that focuses on competencies like EV assembly and robotics. The company is also a founding partner of the Youth Employment Service (YES), which was established between Government and the private sector to create work experience opportunities for young people. This initiative introduces young people into the world of work for a year of experience and training. Often if they meet the standards of the participating company they stand a good chance of being absorbed as employees of the company. BMW’s participation in this programme has supported more than 3,500 young people with training and work placements across all nine provinces.  We have invited more companies to participate in the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme as broadly as BMW has done. We are working to ensure that more production takes place locally, creating more employment. To do this, we must upskill our workforce and facilitate the creation of new companies across the value chain. As such, we welcome initiatives by the sector to support skills development through initiatives such as the Centre of Excellence at the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone. This centre has an artisan training academy, an incubation hub and a science, technology, engineering and mathematics programme for high school learners.  There are also a number of industry-driven training initiatives focusing on technical and artisanal skills, and deepening collaboration between Government departments, vocational colleges and companies to grow a new skills pipeline. Protecting existing jobs in the sector is paramount, particularly in the light of the looming US tariffs. The need to diversify our export base has become all the greater. We are committed to working with the sector to expand its continental footprint, building on the already strong growth of exports to the SADC region and leveraging the trade relationships that exist.  Amid these challenges, South Africa’s auto industry is making the investments needed to build resilience, protect jobs and lead the way into a new era of green mobility. 

Budget vote a commitment to economic justice, inclusion and transformation

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By Mandla Mpangase Sustainable economic growth requires significant investment in economic infrastructure. With that in mind, Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile identified eight areas that will help drive inclusive growth and job creation in his budget vote speech presented to the Gauteng Legislature today, 16 July 2025. MEC Maile presented a R1.71 -billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year “We are prioritising projects that drive industrial expansion, urban renewal, and township revitalisation, fostering an environment in which businesses can flourish and contribute to local economic development,” Maile said. In keeping with the national directive to drive inclusive growth and job creation, reduce poverty, and build a capable developmental state, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development has developed a comprehensive five-year strategy and an Annual Performance Plan with these three strategic frameworks front as its focus areas. A decade of economic challenges South Africa’s economic engine – the Gauteng province – has faced a decade of ongoing challenges, including a listless economy, rising unemployment, sluggish investor sentiment, and economic sectors that remain untransformed. In the decade 2014 to 2024 Gauteng’s economy grew by an estimated 8%, rising from R1.313-trillion in 2014 to R1.419-trillion 10 years later, an average of just 0.8% yearly. At the same time, however, the population grew by some 25%. The province’s economy also underwent structural changes, with finance growing to contribute 34% to provincial gross domestic product (GDP), up from 29.2% in 2013, while manufacturing dropped to 14.8%, from 17.9% in 2013. This shift is a significant one. “The manufacturing and construction sectors are crucial employers for our low-skilled workforce cohort,” MEC Maile noted. Like manufacturing, construction too is on a downward trend. Unemployment remains the most urgent socio-economic crisis. Quarter 1 of 2025 showed that Gauteng’s unemployment rate stood at 34.7%, with youth unemployment at 48.4%. However, Maile noted, the South African Reserve Bank projects a promising GDP growth of 1.3% for 2025. “Despite several headwinds threatening this forecast, including the risk of electricity constraints, infrastructure challenges, and trade tariffs concerns, there is potential for significant growth in the South African economy,” MEC Maile said. Eight focus areas The Department of Economic Development will focus on eight areas: Revenue enhancement. Strengthening the province’s fiscal capacity is at the heart of the department’s strategy. Economic infrastructure. Sustainable economic growth requires significant investment in economic infrastructure. Support for SMMEs and cooperatives. SMMEs play a vital role in job creation and economic transformation and need to be supported through financial assistance, capacity building, and expanded market access, ensuring their meaningful contribution to economic growth and employment. Structural transformation. This is about transforming historically marginalised sectors, creating opportunities for disadvantaged groups with a strong focus on Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment compliance and promoting inclusive growth. Building a capable state. Ensuring the provincial government has the institutional capacity, technical expertise, and governance systems necessary to drive inclusive economic growth. Revitalising the township economy. The township economy is a critical driver of employment and entrepreneurship yet continues to face systemic barriers such as limited access to finance, infrastructure deficits, and market exclusion. Re-industrialisation. This will enhance competitiveness, deepening localisation, and fostering sustainable manufacturing value chains. Research and development. This commitment will position Gauteng as a leader in innovation and the knowledge economy, driving long-term competitiveness. As part of its ongoing commitment to catalyse inclusive growth and regional industrialisation, the department has outlined key infrastructure development targets for the 2025/26 financial year, which are central to its objective of operationalising special economic zones across Gauteng by 2030. In addition, the department will also advance the Industrial Parks Programme which is designed to stimulate local manufacturing, support small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), and revitalise economic nodes across the province. Impact on TASEZ TASEZ is being allocated R122.5-million to continue its facilitation and provision of a secure high tech business environment for manufacturers within the automotive sector. The Gauteng Department of Economic Development is a strategic shareholder in TASEZ, along with the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition, and the City of Tshwane. Gauteng’s funds go towards TASEZ’s internal bulk infrastructure. TASEZ is now in the process of rolling out its Phase 2 development. “During the next phase of our development, we will continue with our focus on supporting SMMEs through procurement spend and training opportunities and we will also be expanding our support to incorporate black industrialists,” TASEZ CEO, Dr Bheka Zulu, said. In addition, the budget vote also set an an ambitious investment target for Africa’s first automotive city – of attracting R1.5-billion. The growth of the SEZs and industrial parks is being led by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, with the aim of unlocking investment, driving innovation, and accelerating job creation. The department also plans to support 2 040 SMME beneficiaries across Gauteng during 2025/26. A total of R769.3-million will go to trade and sector development with a specific focus on SMMEs and cooperatives; R289.5 million will be directed towards integrated economic development services; R134.2 million goes to business regulation and governance; R275.4 million will be spent on economic planning, particularly in research and development; and R244.9-million has been allocated to corporate services and financial management. In his conclusion, MEC Maile said: “Economic development is crucial for improving living standards, reducing poverty, and enhancing the overall well-being of our society. “It drives job creation, attracts investment, and fosters innovation, leading to increased tax revenues and improved public services. “Ultimately, economic development strengthens communities and creates a more prosperous and sustainable future. It is for this reason that we must treat the work of this department as a crucial component of building a better Gauteng.” And in keeping with its own vision of being the benchmark for SEZs in South Africa, while contributing to the growth of the automotive sector, being a major creator of new businesses and a contributor to employment, transformation, and socio-economic development, TASEZ has taken the budget vote message to heart. “As a global role player, TASEZ is a catalyst for economic growth