The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) celebrated the achievements of 134 learners who graduated from a training course on organisational health and safety on 14 May 2024.

The training, under the guidance of TASEZ’s safety, health and environmental manager Patricia Mandleni, is an important part of the special economic zone’s commitment to broaden economic participation by promoting small, micro, and medium sized enterprises and co-operatives, while promoting skills and technology transfer.

Learners were called to the stage, where they were presented certificates by TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu.

“It is important that TASEZ supports training of people in the automotive manufacturing and construction sectors as well as individuals from our neighbouring communities,” Dr Zulu noted.

“We are driven by helping make sure that the South African Automotive Masterplan 2035 is a success, as well as helping develop a skilled workforce for our ever-changing industry which will need different high-level skills that embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he added.

“We are determined to play a role in shaping the future of automotive excellence.”

SAAM 2035 calls for transforming the industry and has identified six pillars for growth:

• Increasing productive capacity: producing at least 1% of global manufactured vehicles – 1.4 million units annually, including hybrids and new energy vehicles.
• Doubling employment in the sector: with growth up to 224 000 workers.
• Increasing local content in vehicles assembled in our country: up to 60% from a baseline of less than 40%.
• Transforming the sector: providing incubation hubs to participation in the economy and increasing black ownership to 25%.
• Deepening the value add: supporting research and development and innovation; encouraging beneficiation and growth of locally produced components for export.
• Improve the sectors competitiveness: to ensure that products manufactured within the country are globally well-priced.

According to the recently published Industrial Policy and Strategic Review – Transforming Vision into Action: Charting South Africa’s Industrial Future the rapid scaling-up of infrastructure spending should be a top priority, with specific focus on improving electricity and freight transport for established businesses, and to qualitatively upgrade infrastructure to support economic activities in working-class communities, especially by providing industrial, commercial and cultural centres.

Training is an important aspect of transforming the economic landscape, as the country’s industrial development increases its pace and reach, ensuring the realisation of the National Development Plan’s Vision 2030, Dr Zulu added.

The NDP identifies artisans and SMMEs as key elements in driving the economy through infrastructure development and manufacturing.

The NDP has set a target of producing 30 000 artisans a year by 2030, with the country currently seeing 20 000 artisans qualify annually.