AIDC participated in Automechanika Johannesburg 2025, the leading trade fair for the automotive aftermarket, held at the Gallagher Convention Centre on 28-30 October 2025. The event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore the technologies and trends shaping the future of mobility, particularly in the automotive aftermarket.
At the AIDC stand, visitors experienced first-hand how the organisation’s Township Automotive Hubs are creating real economic impact in local communities. Through these hubs, the AIDC provides township mechanics and small enterprises with access to shared facilities, mentorship, market linkages, and business development support.
Showcasing their products and services at this year’s exhibition were RD Auto Interiors and Upholstery and Slovalava Mobile Locksmith from the Chamdor Automotive Hub, along with RanMan Garage from the Winterveldt Automotive Hub. Their participation underscored the AIDC’s commitment to broadening participation and ensuring that industrial growth translates into community growth.
As AIDC CEO Andile Africa emphasised during the exhibition, ‘empowering township SMMEs is not an act of charity but an economic imperative’. It builds resilience, expands participation, and strengthens South Africa’s manufacturing base.
Skills development remains central to the AIDC’s mandate. In the 2024/25 financial year, the organisation onboarded 30 interns across its operations, providing them with hands-on industry experience. During the previous financial year, the AIDC trained 256 unemployed youth in automotive skills programmes, and over 250 artisans were declared competent at its Trade Test Centre, with 30% of them being women.
This commitment to building a skilled and inclusive workforce was further highlighted in a panel discussion on New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), where AIDC Executive for Industry Development, Anton Fiest, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to preparing South Africa for the green transition. He noted that the future of the industry will be driven by cost competitiveness, sustainability, and digital transformation, and that the upcoming Centre of Excellence will focus on developing skills in electric vehicle and high-voltage training, mechatronics and automation, and advanced manufacturing incorporating AI.
“In the NEV era, technical skills alone aren’t enough,” said Fiest. “Adaptability, collaboration, and a renewed approach to learning are essential to achieving real transformation.”
As the industry continues to evolve, the AIDC remains steadfast in its role as a catalyst for skills development, SMME empowerment, and industrial growth.
