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

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

TASEZ and NAACAM sign a Memo of Agreement with a special focus on training

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By Mandla Mpangase Forming a significant partnership in the automotive manufacturing sector, the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) has signed a memorandum of agreement with NAACAM (the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers). The key areas of focus are around skills development and training, supply, small medium and micro enterprise (SMME) support, localisation and innovation. TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu referred to the signing of the memorandum of agreement as a milestone for Africa’s first automotive city, adding: “This must be a living document.” The two parties have a synergy that will help transform the automotive manufacturing sector in tangible ways. “This partnership is one that we’ve been speaking about for some time, but I think it’s a really concrete and focused one for us,” said NAACAM CEO Renai Moothilal. TASEZ was established to promote employment growth and productivity, contributing to South Africa’s socio-economic development and competitiveness, while NAACAM is recognised as the voice of the South African automotive component industry both domestically and internationally. “NAACAM, as you know, is the mandated voice of auto component,” said the organisation’s CEO Renai Moothilal. NAACAM, as a member-driven organisation, is positioned at the forefront of industry leadership, representation, and stakeholder engagement for automotive component manufacturers. “We also are excited about the opportunity to partner with yourselves on areas around export market development, township economy revitalisation, and, of course, wider industry events and other engagement platforms,” Moothilal said. The TASEZ hub accommodates mainly automotive component manufacturers, but not exclusively so. However, most of the tenants in TASEZ belong to NAACAM. Dr Zulu noted: “This is a great moment because we, as TASEZ, stand for the people; creating jobs, adding economic value, and skills development.” Dr Zulu pointed to the many strategic partnerships TASEZ has. “We stand for economic growth for Tshwane, for the province and for the region. We stand for economic growth for the country and for the continent.” As a special economic zone (SEZ), TASEZ is part of the 240 plus SEZs in Africa. “It means we are a continental player.” TASEZ is also part of the 5 000 plus SEZs across the world. The SEZ is in a position to open avenues and engagements with different stakeholders from an African footprint. “We are about facilitating trade and investment, and you are a partner that produces components that are needed by the industry, by the continent, by the world,” Dr Zulu noted. Africa, he added, is a big market. “If you look at the African continent, with its population sitting at 1.3 billion, that’s an area where you can make an impact, because all your components will fit into the livelihoods of people on a daily basis.” As its Phase 2 rolls out, TASEZ is looking to offer a diversity of appropriate land uses and other economic activities. Of particular importance to TASEZ’s Phase 2 development is supporting black industrialists and small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). In doing so TASEZ is also focused on developing programmes geared to providing skills for both the needs of the industry and those of the communities surrounding the project. It is with this in mind that the SEZ has set up a training academy, part of making sure Phase 2 delivers on becoming a centre of excellence for the industry. “This is our second passion,” Dr Zulu. On 5 March 2025 the two organisations agreed to collaborate in areas of special interest, with a particular focus on transforming the economy. The memorandum of agreement covered a wide-range of issues, including: The concept of localisation is of particular importance to TASEZ and NAACAM. “Not only do we want to see greater traction in reports, but we want to see it unfold with greater component production, especially in a facility such as the one that you manage,” Moothilal said. “That is why we are so passionate about having government policies and programmes and facilities such as TASEZ, which ultimately supports competitiveness of the whole value chain and then grows localisation.” Dr Zulu expressed his delight at having a partner that also focuses on innovation. “Innovation is one of the things we drive. Research and development is a stumbling block for many SMMEs, so we want to come into research and development.” TASEZ was busy setting up a research chair with this in mind and is working with the Tshwane University of Technology and the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) to do so. “We want to see innovation, change and global competitiveness,” Dr Zulu said. “For us, we see our collaboration as something that talks to our long-term impact – the socio-economic impact we are hoping to make here in the city, nationally and internationally,” said Dr Zulu.

TASEZ and parliamentary committee talk localisation and stimulating manufacturing

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By Mandla Mpangase The state of the automotive sector took centrestage during a visit by the portfolio committee on trade, industry and competition to the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) at the end of February 2025. TASEZ welcomed the committee to the special economic zone on 27 February 2025. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) is one of TASEZ’s key shareholders, so the oversight visit was greatly appreciated. “This is an important engagement,” CEO Dr Bheka Zulu noted, where the role of the automotive manufacturing sector and SEZs can be interrogated in depth. South Africa’s automotive sector currently contributes 5.3% to the GDP, however, it is facing challenges and seeing a 3% decline and facing stiff competition from the markets in China. The committee, chaired by Mzwandile Collen Masina, raised the need for a comprehensive industrial policy to transform South Africa’s economy, with a particular focus on localisation and stimulating local manufacturing. The TASEZ executive team, led by chairperson Lionel October and CEO Dr Zulu, provided the committee with insights into the progress of Africa’s first automotive city, including its economic impact both locally and nationally. The committee was told that TASEZ was a newcomer in terms of South Africa’s SEZs, set up in an innovative and unique way: supported by all three tiers of government. Along with the dtic, the Gauteng Province and the City of Tshwane contribute towards the success of TASEZ. TASEZ, in the capital city of Tshwane, sits in the logistics crossroads of the country, reaching east and west, north and south, with access to the neighbouring states as well as globally through rail and port connections to the Durban Port. The SEZ is also supporting the creation of a rail link to Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape. “What makes us unique and special is that our core focus is in the automotive sector, and that’s where we’ve made an impact,” Dr Zulu said. The automotive industry is an important contributor to the country’s economy, with more than 500 000 employed across its value chain. “TASEZ has been able to design a world class automotive manufacturing hub providing a conducive environment for investors, where they can harness their potential of economic growth,” the CEO said, adding that the contribution to the GDP from within the hub was 1%. TASEZ’s Phase 1 economic impacts: Ford, the anchor tenant of TASEZ, has managed to expand its production by 40 000 units a year, up from 160 000 to 200 000. “What this means is that one car is produced every minute because of the components manufactured in our hub. By the end of today, more than 720 cars will have been manufactured.” Transformation of the economy is crucial to the committee. As portfolio chairperson, Masina, said: “We have to ensure there is real transformation in South Africa.” All involved agreed that there is a need for innovative ideas that could change the course of development in South Africa. A committee member noted: “We have got to invest in building black industrialists.” The committee also discussed the need for a comprehensive industrial policy to transform South Africa’s economy, focusing on localisation and stimulating local manufacturing. The targets set in the South African Automotive Master Plan 2035 featured strongly in the discussions; with the aim of increasing South Africa’s global automotive manufacturing footprint to 1%, increasing the local content in South African manufactured or assembled vehicles to 60%, doubling employment in the automotive value chain, improving the industry’s competitiveness to that of leading international competitors, the transformation of the industry, and deepen the value addition within the automotive value chains. Masina noted that the Black Economic Empowerment scorecard currently in use, does not effectively promote real transformation. The two teams spoke about shifting the focus from Level 1 status to ownership and control. Concerns were also raised about the current tariff regime’s impact on local growth and the need for innovative strategies to support black industrialists. The committee emphasised the importance of aligning incentives and legislation to foster local industry development. “How do we create our own original equipment manufacturers without over-reliance on foreign direct investments? We’ve got to stimulate our economy through direct investment in this country,” a committee member observed. The discussion also highlighted the need for skills development, job creation, and the role of SEZs and SMMEs in driving economic growth within the automotive manufacturing sector. The development of TASEZ’s Phase 2 provides some answers to the questions on skills development, job creation and support for SMMEs. Phase 2 will expand the SEZ and attract an investment of R6.1-billion from private sector investment, and R3.9-billion from government partnerships. This phase will see the creation of 6 150 jobs, and, like Phase 1, SMME procurement spend has been ringfenced to the amount of R1.1-billion. Its particular focus is on including black industrialists into the SEZ. A key feature in Phase 2 is the setting up of a centre of excellence that will answer to the growing need to upskill, reskill and prepare South Africa and its communities, for the advancement of technology. With the move to NEVs, new skills and a new way of doing business will be required.

TASEZ launched Phase 2 ahead of hosting SOPA 2025

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By Mandla Mpangase Africa’s first automotive city, the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) marked a significant milestone with a sod-turning ceremony, unveiling Phase 2 of its development, prior to hosting the 2025 State of the Province Address. This event, held on 23 February 2025, underscored TASEZ’s role in Gauteng’s economic growth and job creation strategy. On a small, cleared patch of land, three yellow earth-moving excavators raised their buckets in salute at the arrival of Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. The premier joined the shareholders and executives of TASEZ to ceremonially turn the soil to signify the start of development. Lesufi was joined by the TASEZ chairperson Lionel October, and CEO Dr Bheka Zulu. Others in attendance at the event included: TASEZ board members Susan Mangole and Vuyo Zitumane; the CFO Rebecca Hlabatau; the Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature Morakane Mosupyoe along with the Deputy Speaker Nomvuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela; Gauteng Provincial Legislature Chair of Chairs Rev Dulton Adams; the City of Tshwane’s Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise; President of the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa Neale Hill; and Ford’s Corporate Transformation Manager for South Africa Esther Buthelezi. The small gathering belied the significance of the moment: the youngest of South Africa’s special economic zones was growing up. Zitumane told the gathering that Phase 2 of TASEZ is set to attract R6.1-billion in private sector investment, a crucial injection into the province’s economy, and will create more than 6 000 jobs in construction and permanent employment. In addition, like in Phase 1, Phase 2 will see an investment by TASEZ into small, medium and micro enterprises of R1.1-billion. Most importantly, Phase 2 also sees the creation of a centre of excellence for the automotive manufacturing sector, with the TASEZ Training Academy providing skills for the future, including for the emergence of new energy vehicles. Lesufi emphasised the transformative impact of these developments: “This is real economic transformation in action, where factories rise, businesses grow, and communities thrive.” TASEZ is solidifying its position as a key driver of Gauteng’s economic vision. The zone’s focus on automotive manufacturing and innovation aligns with the province’s broader strategy to boost economic growth and address unemployment. With Phase 2 underway, TASEZ is poised to further enhance its contributions to the city’s, the province’s and the country’s economy, solidifying its status as a vital economic hub.

TASEZ – it’s time for the lions to tell their story

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By Mandla Mpangase By hosting the opening of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and the State of the Province Address at the Tshwane Special Automotive Zone on 24 February 2025, the provincial government – one of TASEZ’s shareholders – acknowledged how far the special economic zone has come in opening up the economy. Premier Panyaza Lesufi took the opportunity to talk about the impact TASEZ has had in its short existence as he began his speech. “Five years ago, where we are now, there was nothing but empty ground. Today, as we hold this State of the Province Address in this facility, we can show how we are moving forward, helping drive South Africa – the future of manufacturing starts here.” TASEZ – Africa’s first automotive city – sees the production of more than 700 cars every day, 200 000 annually thanks to the component manufacturers based in the special economic zone, next to Ford’s Silverton plant. The premier referenced the proverb “until the lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter” pointing out that today, the lions are telling their story. “We are ready to tell our story,” he said, adding that the venue of the State of the Province Address stood as testament to the things that are being done in South Africa. “We have 8 000 people who were unemployed three years ago, that have jobs today.” Gauteng was proud to be the home of Africa’s first automotive city. Lesufi pointed out that TASEZ grew out of a multi-tiered partnership between the Gauteng Province, the national Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and the City of Tshwane – and of course, the drive from the investment made by the Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa in expanding its plant. Phase 1 of TASEZ saw a total investment of R26-billion, with more than 8 000 jobs created in construction and permanently. “This innovation has also brought opportunities for 229 small businesses to work within the zone. They benefitted from R1.7-billion set aside for procurement packages from small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).” Attention was paid to women, youth and people with disabilities in particular. “This special economic zone is a demonstration of what can be done by other special economic zones to create opportunities.” Premier Lesufi told the legislature that earlier in the day he had attended a sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of TASEZ’s Phase 2 development. Phase 2, the premier noted, will expand the SEZ and attract an investment of R6.1-billion from private sector investment, and R3.9-billion from government partnerships. This phase will see the creation of 6 150 jobs, and, like Phase 1, SMME procurement spend has been ringfenced to the amount of R1.1-billion. “We don’t want to simply build cars, we want to transfer these skills to our young people,” Lesufi said. “We are proud that Phase 2 is going to include an academy to train the young people for the future.” Reflecting on the fact that TASEZ was chosen to host the 2025 State of the Province Address, CEO Dr Bheka Zulu said: “History has been rewritten here, not with a pen, but with the presence of the people.” TASEZ is the first SEZ to host such a significant event. “Scores of people from all walks of life came to be part of this event,” Dr Zulu added. “For us, that is a significant indication that we are an organisation of choice.” The lions have told their story.  

Collaboration and partnerships key to development

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By Mandla Mpangase The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Gauteng Provincial Legislature ahead of hosting the official opening of the legislature and the 2025 State of the Province Address next week. TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu and the Gauteng Provincial Legislature Acting Secretary Linda Mwale ceremonially signed the document during a media briefing at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature offices on 20 February 2025. Prior to the signing, members of the media were told of the strong partnership between the Legislature and TASEZ. The legislature’s Chair of Chairs, Bishop Dulton Adams said that holding the official opening of the legislature and State of the Province Address at TASEZ was of particular importance. “This is not just a venue. It is a symbol of economic transformation, industrialisation and investment driven growth.” The official opening of the legislature and the delivery of the State of the Province Address takes place in the TASEZ hub on 24 February 2025. TASEZ, he said, boosts Gauteng’s automotive industry, driving investment in economic growth, creating jobs and developing skills, and positioning Gauteng within the African and global trade environment. “This is a milestone moment for TASEZ,” the CEO told the media. Dr Zulu explained that TASEZ, known as Africa’s first automotive city, was a new kid on the block in terms of South Africa’s special economic zones (SEZs), but it was punching above its weight. The SEZ was supported by all three tiers of government: the Gauteng Province; national government, through the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition; and local government, through the City of Tshwane. “All these shareholders contribute to us, as an organisation, changing the landscape of SEZs and the automotive sector.” TASEZ, in the capital city of Tshwane, sits in the logistics crossroads of the country, reaching east and west, north and south, with access to the neighbouring states as well as globally through rail and port connections to the Durban Port. The SEZ is also supporting the creation of a rail link to Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape. “What makes us unique and special is that our core focus is in the automotive sector, and that’s where we’ve made changes,” Dr Zulu said. The automotive industry an important contributor to the country’s economy. In 2024 the industry’s entire value chain contributed 5.3% to the GDP. The industry also employees more than 500 000 people across its value chain. “TASEZ has been able to design a world class automotive manufacturing hub providing a conducive environment for investors, where they can harness their potential of economic growth,” the CEO added. “With the global shift towards sustainable practices of a greener future, TASEZ has embraced a number of green energy solutions centred on solar power.” This was part of the SEZ’s cleaner strategy. “One of the reasons for this,” Dr Zulu said, “is that 65% of the products manufactured in TASEZ are for export.” These products reach more than 100 countries around the world, including Europe, where the continent has set 2035 as the deadline for a net zero carbon footprint. Dr Zulu also pointed out that the industry was moving towards new energy vehicles, which will require new skills and a new way of doing business. He took the media through the economic impacts TASEZ had made during it Phase 1 development: TASEZ spent R1.7-billion on construction procurement from small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) – 43% of the total construction budget, well above the national target of 30%.Some 229 SMMEs benefitted, with 6.2% of the procurement spend going to women-owned businesses, 18% to youth-owned businesses, and 2% to people with disabilities.The SMME beneficiaries are based in the local communities of Eersterust, Mamelodi and Nellmapius. Some 5 500 jobs were created in construction, with 18% of the jobs going to women, 60% to youth, and 0.86% to people with disabilities. The SEZ created 3 311 permanent jobs, with 32% going to women, 65.47% to youth, and 0.83% to people with disabilities. Ford, the anchor tenant of TASEZ, has managed to expand its production by 40 000 units a year, up from 160 000 to 200 000. “What this means,” Dr Zulu said, “is we produce a car every minute. By the end of today, more than 720 cars will have been manufactured.” As TASEZ beings to unroll its Phase 2 development is has set up a center of excellence “because there is a growing need to upskill, reskill and prepare us, and our communities, for the advancement of technology”. TASEZ has raised additional funding specifically for skills development. “That’s how serious we are in terms of transforming and innovating this country – we can’t grow without our people. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

TASEZ to host 2025 State of the Province Address

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By Mandla Mpangase Africa’s first automotive city, the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) is hosting the official opening of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and the State of the Province Address – the first special economic zone to do so. TASEZ being the venue for this year’s address is a powerful statement; it acknowledges the role the SEZ’s commitment to economic diversification and innovation. The SEZ, with its focus on the automotive industry and related sectors, represents a key driver of economic growth in Gauteng and hosting the event at TASEZ draws attention to the importance of the automotive manufacturing and technology sectors. Addressing a pre-State of the Province Address luncheon on 20 February 2025 the Speaker of the Provincial Legislation, Morakane Mosupyoe, explained why TASEZ had been selected to host this mammoth event. This special economic zone (SEZ) set up in the City of Tshwane was strategically positioned to support the expansion of the Ford Motor Company’s plan in Silverton assembly plant. “When the initial agreement was signed, I was MEC for economic development, so I was part of the team that was negotiating with Ford,” Mosupyoe said. “We had serious competition from Thailand by the way, so we fought for that investment to brought here, and ultimately we got it going.” Ford brought a R15-billion investment to the country to expand its South African manufacturing operations – one of the largest-ever investments in the local automotive industry. With that came further investments from component manufacturers, who were all based in the TASEZ hub, alongside the Ford assembly plant. The impact on the provincial and local economy was noticeable, with new jobs and business opportunities opening up for small, medium and micro enterprises – particularly within the communities surrounding the SEZ. With the first phase of TASEZ now complete – it was set up in a record 18 months, during a global economic crisis and a pandemic, the SEZ is now looking to the future. Premier Panyaza Lesufi decided that because TASEZ is going into its second phase, Gauteng should take the State Of The Province Address to the hub to highlight the work that has been going on there, the Speaker said. “I’m sure the premier will talk to the jobs that were created, as well as the many other impacts that came from the relationship.” Gauteng Province is one of the three strategic state partnerships that support TASEZ, with the other two being the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and the City of Tshwane. “We need to appreciate in these relationships boost the automotive manufacturing industry,” Mosupyoe said. TASEZ and its partners, including all its tenants, drive investment and economic growth, create jobs and it develop skills, she added. It positions South Africa as a gateway to Africa and global trade, speaks to infrastructure and economic development. The much-anticipated address takes place on Monday, 24 February 2025, under the theme “Harnessing Parliamentary Diplomacy for the Realisation of Global Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”. The address is used by the premier to reflect on the provincial government’s achievements and challenges of the past year. It also serves as a platform to outline the province’s key priorities and plans for the year ahead. The State of the Province Address provides a crucial platform for the premier to communicate with the people of Gauteng, allowing for transparency and accountability as the provincial government outlines its key policy objectives and deliverables for this year. No doubt important topics such as economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development, and social service delivery will all fall under the spotlight.

TASEZ welcomes the State of the Nation address

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By Mandla Mpangase The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) takes careful note of the key messages raised by President Cyril Ramaphosa in this State of the Nation address in Cape Town last night, 6 February 2025. One of the issues he raised was the need to ensure that growth creates jobs for all, especially for young people. “We are going to answer that call,” says TASEZ CEO, Dr Bheka Zulu. “Our aim in the special economic zone is to encourage investment within the global automotive manufacturing sector and in so doing, create jobs for the people of the City of Tshwane in general and the local communities of Eersterust, Mamelodi and Nelmapius in particular.” The president noted that the success of the Presidential Employment Stimulus shows how public employment programmes can create meaningful work that generates a wider benefit and contributes to sustainable employment.  “The employment stimulus has created almost 2.2 million work and livelihood opportunities through innovative models that provide high-quality work to participants.”  One of the industries of the future is in the automotive manufacturing space, with the setting of limits to carbon emissions and the rise of new energy vehicles, particularly in the European market, something TASEZ is directly involved in monitoring and supporting. President Ramaphosa noted: “To create jobs, we must leverage our unique strengths and our unrealised potential to build the industries of the future – green manufacturing, renewable energy, electric vehicles and the digital economy.” His comments about finalising a modernised and comprehensive industrial policy that drives economic growth by “focusing on the opportunities in localisation, diversification, digitisation and decarbonisation” is of particular importance to the automotive manufacturing industry. The South African Automotive Masterplan 2030 has set targets to deal with all of these issues: Grow South Africa’s vehicle production to 1% of global output Increase local content in South African-assembled vehicles to up to 60% Double employment in the automotive value chain Improve automotive industry competitive levels to that of leading international competitors Transformation of the South African automotive value chain Deepen value addition within South Africa’s automotive value chains In addition, South Africa will be working towards the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), “which will tear down the barriers to trade on our continent”, the president said. “As the most industrialised economy in Africa, we are positioning ourselves to be at the centre of this new and growing market.” As a global role player, this is of particular importance to TASEZ. South Africa has been a key player in the development of AfCFTA’s automotive framework, which aims to enhance trade within the continent.  The automotive sector is one of the country’s largest economic sectors. According to the Automotive Business Council, naamsa, the automotive industry contributes 5.3% to GDP [3.2% manufacturing and 2.1% retail], with exports equating to 14.7% of South Africa’s total exports – reaching 148 international markets. The manufacturing segment of the industry employs 110 000 people across its various tiers of activity and combined with the industry’s strong multiplier effect, is responsible for 457 000 jobs across the South African economy. With the national goals of making the economy more inclusive, TASEZ focuses on empowering those who were “deliberately excluded from playing a key role in the economy of their own country”, to quote the president: black industrialists; small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs); women; the youth; and people with disabilities. TASEZ, in its Phase 1 development supported SMMEs to the tune of R1.7-billion and created 5 500 construction jobs and 3 311 permanent jobs for people from the local communities. Of the construction jobs, 18% were women, 60% were youth, and 0.86% went to people with disabilities. Of the permanent jobs, 32% went to women, 65.47% to youth, and 0.83% to people with disabilities. “As we enter Phase 2 of our development, we remain committed to transforming the sector, opening opportunities for SMMEs and black industrialists, and helping train people for the future,” said Dr Zulu.