Today marked a significant step in shaping the future of Gauteng’s automotive industry, as the Gauteng Automotive Industry Stakeholder Workshop kicked off at the Automotive Supplier Park in Rosslyn. This critical industry engagement forms part of a broader study assessing the feasibility of establishing a dynamic, inclusive, and globally competitive automotive industry cluster in Gauteng.
Over 100 representatives from across the automotive value chain including Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), component manufacturers, logistics providers, government departments, academia, civil society, and SMMEs gathered to collectively consider a bold journey of transformation and collaboration.
Gauteng has a proud automotive heritage, contributing significantly to South Africa’s GDP, exports, and employment. However, as AIDC CEO Andile Africa noted in his opening address, maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global landscape requires innovation, integration, and a new approach to collaboration.
“An automotive cluster is more than just a geographic concentration of firms,” said Africa. “It is a platform where OEMs, component manufacturers, logistics providers, research institutions, and SMMEs can collaborate to unlock shared value. But for such a cluster to succeed, it must be rooted in local realities and informed by the insights of those who know the industry best-you, our stakeholders.”
A key feature of the day was a panel discussion on industrial clustering in South Africa. The panellists echoed similar advice for creating a successful Gauteng cluster: identify a burning issue to solve, clearly define the roles of participating entities, and set measurable outcomes for what the cluster seeks to achieve. Access to markets and funding emerged as a critical challenge that the Gauteng cluster could directly address.
The feasibility study is a collaborative initiative led by the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), in partnership with the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). It aims to comprehensively analyse the potential advantages and challenges of forming a cluster and assess its value as a mechanism for inclusive, sustainable industry growth.
Issued by:
Automotive Industry Development Centre
For media queries, contact Lerato Mphahlele
E-mail: Lmphahlele@aidc.co.za WhatsApp: 081 734 4055
