The Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) and the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) today formalised a partnership aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, innovation, and industry development. The signing took place at TUT’s Main Campus in Pretoria, marking a milestone in the ongoing effort to align academia, government, and industry in driving South Africa’s automotive competitiveness.
In her welcoming address, Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation & Engagement at TUT, emphasised the university’s commitment to community-embedded, solutions-driven research. “TUT works with government, industry and communities because we see ourselves as part of those communities, bringing solutions to the challenges around us,” she said. “We have taken great strides in research and innovation growing from 274 research output units in 2021 to 634 currently.”
AIDC CEO, Andile Africa, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to using research and data to shape the sector’s future.
“Through this partnership, we will contribute to evidence-based policy development, ensuring that our automotive strategies are informed by robust research and the realities of the market. As the sector transitions towards new energy vehicles, automation, and smart manufacturing, this research chair positions us to respond proactively, rather than reactively.”
The MOU outlines key areas of collaboration, including policy advocacy, economic impact analysis, research and development, and emerging technologies.
