News Archives

TASEZ announces the departure of CEO Dr Bheka Zulu

The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) announces that Dr Bheka Clive Zulu will be stepping down from his role as Chief Executive Officer to pursue other opportunities. Dr Zulu’s leadership, dedication, expertise, and contribution to the organisation and its collaborative spirit have left an indelible mark on our company culture and the clients and investors we serve. He played a critical role in driving the success of TASEZ, positioning it as a strategic special economic zone for automotive manufacturing, investment facilitation, localisation, job creation, and inclusive industrial development. Under his leadership, TASEZ continued to strengthen its role within South Africa’s automotive sector and its contribution to the broader industrialisation agenda. The TASEZ board of directors and the entire TASEZ team wish to thank Dr Zulu for his invaluable contribution and the absolute best in his exciting new chapter. To ensure continuity and stability within the organisation, the TASEZ board has appointed Andile Sangweni, the current Infrastructure executive manager, as the acting CEO until a permanent CEO is appointed. Sangweni brings strong institutional knowledge and will ensure that TASEZ continues to deliver on its mandate and maintains stability during the transition period. TASEZ remains committed to its vision of being Africa’s First Automotive City and to its role as a catalyst for industrial growth, investment, transformation, small, medium, and micro enterprise development, and socio-economic development.

Cabinet approves plan to drive job creation

News / By Tasez

Cabinet has approved the revised Industrial Development Strategy for implementation to facilitate employment opportunities through various projects and programmes. “The Industrial Development Strategy is expected to create thousands of jobs each year, with a strong focus on skills development and preparing unemployed people for high-demand sectors such as renewable energy and manufacturing,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Friday, 5 June 2026, in Pretoria. The Industrial Development Strategy prioritises sectors critical to industrialisation, including the protection of strategic industries such as steel, automotive, manufacturing and mining. It also promotes expansion in future growth areas including agro-processing, the digital economy and the green economy. “In addition, the strategy targets sectors with strong potential for economic growth and job creation, especially for young people, including tourism and global business services,” the minister said. She added that a committee of ministers, chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa, will oversee implementation of the strategy to ensure coordinated delivery and impact. Developed through extensive consultation, the strategy focuses on high-impact, inclusive industrialisation of South Africa’s economy. It aligns with the policy priorities of the seventh administration and is anchored in three key pillars to drive industrial growth and transformation: decarbonisation, digitalisation and diversification. – SAnews.gov.za

Kenyan delegation visits TASEZ to study South Africa’s automotive industrialisation success

News / By Tasez

By Mandla Mpangase A high-level Kenyan delegation accompanying President William Ruto on his state visit to South Africa visited the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) on 5 June 2026 to gain first-hand insight into one of the continent’s most successful industrial development projects. The Kenyan delegation was led by the cabinet secretary for investments, trade and industry, Lee Kinyanjui. The visit formed part of a broader programme aimed at deepening economic cooperation between South Africa and Kenya, with both countries seeking to strengthen trade, investment and industrialisation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). During the state visit, Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and William Ruto reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic ties and signed several agreements intended to enhance trade, skills development, transport cooperation and regional integration. For the Kenyan delegation, TASEZ offered a practical example of how strategic industrial policy, public-private collaboration and targeted infrastructure investment can be used to establish a globally competitive manufacturing hub from the ground up. Located adjacent to Ford Motor Company’s Silverton Assembly Plant in Tshwane, TASEZ has emerged as the flagship of South Africa’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) programme. Established to deepen localisation in the automotive sector, attract investment and create jobs, the zone has become a model for industrial development, drawing billions of rands in investment and creating thousands of employment opportunities while positioning South Africa as a major automotive manufacturing base on the continent. The Kenyan delegation’s interest in TASEZ reflects growing efforts across Africa to move beyond the export of raw materials and build value-added manufacturing industries capable of creating jobs and driving economic growth. TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu said the visit demonstrated the growing importance of SEZs as catalysts for industrialisation and regional economic integration. “Kenya’s interest in understanding the TASEZ journey is significant because it speaks to a broader African ambition to industrialise, create jobs and strengthen regional value chains. “What we have achieved here shows that with a clear vision, strong partnerships and sustained investment, it is possible to build a globally competitive automotive manufacturing ecosystem from scratch,” said Zulu. He noted that SEZs have become increasingly important instruments for attracting investment and supporting industrial development across Africa. “South Africa’s 12 SEZs collectively attracted R31.58-billion worth of investment since inception in the year 2000,” TASEZ executive for business development, Msokoli Ntombana, noted. “They have shown a net growth of R17.067-billion in the value of operational investments over the seven-year period starting from 2018/19FY, which has led to an additional 28 112 direct jobs being created, demonstrating the impact such zones can have on economic growth and employment,” Ntombana, added. The visit also provided an opportunity for discussions on the practical challenges and lessons associated with developing an automotive manufacturing hub, including infrastructure planning, investor attraction, supplier development, skills training and governance. As South Africa and Kenya seek to strengthen their strategic partnership, industrial cooperation is expected to become an increasingly important area of collaboration. Kenya has identified manufacturing as a key pillar of its economic development agenda, while South Africa continues to leverage its established automotive sector to drive exports, investment and industrial growth. The visit to TASEZ underscored a shared recognition that Africa’s future economic growth will depend not only on expanding trade between countries but also on building productive industrial capacity capable of supplying regional and global markets. For the Kenyan delegation, TASEZ was a case study in how targeted industrial development can transform a vision into a functioning manufacturing ecosystem, creating jobs, attracting investment and contributing to Africa’s broader industrialisation agenda.

Parliamentary committee hears how TASEZ is strengthening South Africa’s industrial future

News / By Tasez

By Mandla Mpangase The Parliamentary Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade has heard how the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) is helping to drive industrialisation, attract investment and create jobs, while also serving as a model for the future development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) across South Africa. The committee conducted an oversight visit to TASEZ on Thursday, 4 June 2026, to assess the impact of government investments aimed at stimulating economic growth, manufacturing competitiveness and employment creation. Addressing the committee, Gauteng MEC for Economic Development Vuyiswa Ramokgopa described TASEZ as one of the most significant industrial development projects undertaken in democratic South Africa. “TASEZ is not simply another industrial park. It is one of the most important industrial development projects undertaken in democratic South Africa and a practical demonstration of how industrial policy can be translated into real economic opportunity,” she said. Ramokgopa said the success of the zone demonstrates the power of cooperative governance, with national, provincial and local government working together to create an industrial ecosystem capable of attracting investment, supporting manufacturing and creating jobs. Ramokgopa noted that the Tshwane region produces approximately 40% of the country’s passenger vehicles and has become the anchor of what is increasingly recognised as Africa’s first automotive city. The automotive sector remains one of South Africa’s most strategic industries, contributing approximately 5.2% to national GDP and generating exports worth R268.8-billion in 2024 to 148 global markets. Since its inception, TASEZ has attracted approximately R5.9-billion in private-sector investment, contributed an estimated R2- billion to the economy, created 5 500 construction jobs and more than 3 400 permanent jobs, while supporting around 10 000 jobs across the broader automotive value chain. The benefits of the project have extended to young people, women, township enterprises and surrounding communities through targeted skills development, enterprise support programmes and a social compact model that is increasingly being replicated elsewhere in Gauteng. The committee also received a broader overview of the national SEZ programme from TASEZ board chair Maoto Molefane, who outlined the strategic role of the country’s industrial zones in advancing economic growth and regional development. South Africa currently has 12 designated SEZs spread across seven provinces, with nine operational and three still under development. Since 2016, the SEZ programme has generated more than 30 000 jobs and recorded total expenditure of R24.2-billion. Molefane highlighted the role of SEZs in attracting investment into priority sectors, promoting localisation and strengthening South Africa’s participation in global value chains. He said the zones are strategically located to leverage access to ports, airports, rail infrastructure and major transport corridors, while supporting balanced regional development and stronger integration with Southern African Development Community (SADC) markets and the broader African continent. Within this national context, TASEZ has emerged as one of the programme’s strongest performers. The zone currently hosts 12 operational investments valued at approximately R5.76-billion. The committee heard that Phase One of TASEZ is fully operational and that bulk infrastructure development for Phase Two is already underway. Construction has also begun on Ford’s new R300-million facility within the zone, further strengthening Tshwane’s position as South Africa’s automotive manufacturing hub. Both Ramokgopa and Molefane emphasised the importance of preparing South Africa’s manufacturing sector for future industrial opportunities, including the transition to new-energy vehicle production, advanced manufacturing and green industrialisation. Molefane outlined the government’s Spatial Industrial Development Strategy, which seeks to build globally and regionally competitive industrial clusters, promote beneficiation and value addition, support black industrialists, deepen local supply chains and integrate township and rural economies into industrial value chains. The strategy also prioritises youth and women-focused skills development programmes, learnerships and partnerships between industry, universities and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges to strengthen the country’s industrial capabilities. While highlighting the achievements of the SEZ programme, Molefane also acknowledged ongoing challenges, including infrastructure constraints, unreliable electricity supply, logistics bottlenecks at ports and rail facilities, skills shortages in underdeveloped regions and delays in municipal service delivery. He said key lessons learned from the implementation of SEZs include the importance of strong political support, national government involvement, reliable infrastructure, effective stakeholder management, long-term planning, sound governance and active private-sector participation. The committee also received updates on major investments taking place across South Africa’s SEZ network, including a R110-billion green hydrogen project at the Coega SEZ, a R16-billion titanium dioxide plant in Richards Bay, a R1.3-billion automotive components facility at Dube TradePort, and major manufacturing, logistics and digital infrastructure investments in East London, OR Tambo and Nkomazi. TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu noted that TASEZ’s continued growth demonstrates what can be achieved when government, industry and communities work together to build productive industrial capacity. “Projects like TASEZ can inspire similar initiatives across our country that will deliver inclusive growth, re-industrialisation and economic renewal,” he added. The TASEZ model shows that economic development can be both globally competitive and locally inclusive. Echoing his message, the City of Tshwane’s MMC for economic development and spatial planning, Sarah Mabotsa, said: “The impact of TASEZ extends far beyond the boundaries of the SEZ itself.” TASEZ represents jobs, investment, economic growth, and opportunity for the City of Tshwane’s residents to put food on their tables, the MMC added. The City of Tshwane is committed to supporting the expansion of the automotive and manufacturing sectors and in April 2025, the council adopted an Economic Revitalisation Strategy to increase economic growth to at least 3,9%. The City has also approved the lease of a property in Nellmapius to support TASEZ’s skills development and training programme. The oversight visit formed part of the committee’s efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of strategic economic development initiatives and their contribution to South Africa’s industrialisation agenda, job creation objectives and long-term economic growth. Responding to the information received, the committee members pointed out that it would be greatly beneficial for the country’s SEZs to work closely with each other, sharing knowledge and lessons learnt.

Parliamentary committee to visit TASEZ as focus turns to jobs, investment and growth

News / By Tasez

By Mandla Mpangase The parliamentary select committee on economic development and trade will visit the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) on Thursday, 4 June 2026, to assess the impact the industrial hub is having on investment, job creation and economic growth. The visit forms part of Parliament’s oversight role and will allow committee members to see first-hand how one of South Africa’s flagship special economic zones is contributing to industrialisation and manufacturing growth. During the visit, the committee will receive updates on TASEZ’s performance, including progress on investment commitments, infrastructure development, and the zone’s contribution to the automotive sector and broader regional economy. Members will also examine how the special economic zone is creating employment opportunities, supporting skills development and delivering benefits to surrounding communities. Discussions will cover infrastructure, governance, and the operating environment within the zone, as well as the experiences of investors and tenants. The committee is expected to engage with TASEZ management, representatives from the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, the City of Tshwane, and stakeholders from the automotive and manufacturing sectors. Feedback from investors operating within the zone will also form an important part of the visit, providing insight into South Africa’s competitiveness as an investment destination and the challenges and opportunities facing manufacturers. TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu said the visit comes at an important time for South Africa’s industrial development ambitions. “Quality infrastructure remains one of the most important ingredients for attracting investment and supporting industrial growth. Businesses need certainty, efficiency, and reliable services to compete globally. Infrastructure development is therefore about much more than roads and buildings – it creates the foundation for economic activity, job creation and long-term growth,” said Zulu. He said continued investment in the automotive sector was critical to strengthening South Africa’s manufacturing base. “The automotive industry remains one of the country’s most important economic sectors, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to exports and skills development. Every investment in automotive manufacturing creates opportunities throughout the value chain, from component manufacturers and logistics providers to small businesses and local communities.” Zulu added that TASEZ was established to create an environment where manufacturers can invest and expand with confidence, helping South Africa advance its industrialisation and localisation goals. The committee’s findings from the visit are expected to contribute to future recommendations on strengthening South Africa’s special economic zone programme. Since its establishment, TASEZ has become a key driver of automotive investment in Gauteng, helping attract billions of rand in investment while supporting manufacturing growth, skills development and employment creation.

Ramokgopa visits TASEZ as Gauteng pushes industrial growth and investment

News / By Tasez

By Mandla Mpangase Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development Vuyiswa Ramokgopa visited the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) on Thursday, 21 May 2026 where she received a comprehensive briefing on the zone’s growth plans and toured one of its key manufacturing facilities supporting the automotive sector. The visit formed part of the Gauteng provincial government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen industrial development, attract investment and create jobs through strategic manufacturing infrastructure projects. Ramokgopa was briefed on the progress and future outlook of the TASEZ project by the organisation’s Executive for Business Development, Msokoli Ntombana. The presentation focused on the economic impact of the special economic zone, ongoing infrastructure development and plans for Phase 2 expansion. Ntombana outlined how the next phase of development is expected to further expand manufacturing capacity within the zone, strengthen supplier networks and unlock additional investment opportunities linked to the automotive industry. The MEC was also taken on a guided tour of the Thai Summit factory, one of the major component manufacturers operating within the special economic zone. The facility supplies automotive metal forming products, interior and exterior finishes, as well as various vehicle components to the nearby Ford manufacturing plant in Silverton. During the tour, Ramokgopa engaged with management and officials on production processes, industrial innovation and the role of automotive component manufacturing in supporting Gauteng’s broader economic growth objectives. The visit highlighted the strategic importance of TASEZ in positioning Gauteng as a leading automotive manufacturing hub on the continent, while also supporting localisation, export growth and employment creation. TASEZ has become a central pillar of South Africa’s automotive value chain, with multiple component manufacturers operating alongside Ford’s production facilities in Tshwane. The special economic zone continues to attract both local and international investors seeking to participate in South Africa’s growing automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors. The Gauteng government has identified industrialisation and infrastructure-led growth as key priorities in addressing unemployment and rebuilding economic momentum in the province.

Economic Development MEC to visit TASEZ to help drive investment in Gauteng

News / By Tasez

By Mandla Mpangase Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, is expected to visit the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) on Thursday, 21 May 2026, as the provincial government intensifies efforts to drive industrialisation, attract investment, and stimulate job creation in South Africa’s economic hub. The visit will focus on assessing industrial development initiatives within the automotive manufacturing corridor, exploring investment opportunities, and evaluating the role of the special economic zone in growing Gauteng’s economy. TASEZ, which is anchored by Ford’s Silverton manufacturing operations in the City of Tshwane, has become one of Gauteng’s flagship industrial development projects and a central component of the province’s manufacturing and export strategy. Recent engagements at the zone have highlighted its contribution to supply-chain expansion, infrastructure development, and employment creation. TASEZ has already contributed significantly to economic activity in the region, with supply-chain operations linked to approximately 10 000 jobs. The zone has also positioned itself as a key platform for supplier development, infrastructure investment, and support for small businesses. Ramokgopa’s visit comes amid the Gauteng government’s renewed focus on rebuilding economic growth through industrial expansion, infrastructure investment, and sector-based development strategies. Since taking over the economic development portfolio earlier this year, Ramokgopa has repeatedly stressed the need to grow productive sectors of the economy and strengthen local manufacturing capacity. In recent public comments, the MEC said Gauteng’s economic recovery would depend on sustained investment in industrial capacity, logistics, infrastructure, and innovation-driven sectors such as automotive manufacturing. She has also identified Tshwane as a strategic growth corridor for automotive production, research and development, and advanced manufacturing. The Gauteng provincial government has identified investment attraction and industrial development as critical levers in addressing unemployment and improving economic growth in the province, which remains South Africa’s largest provincial economy.

Investment conferences are turning commitments into jobs

News, Thought leaders / By Tasez

In his latest weekly letter, From the Desk of the President on 18 May 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa reflects on the impact of capital commitments by South African investors. Since the start of this year, we have held a series of high-profile engagements with domestic and international investors. These have included business forums on the margins of visits to Brazil and Spain, the sixth South Africa Investment Conference in March, and, last week, an Infrastructure Investment Summit convened by BlackRock, one of the world’s largest infrastructure investment managers. These engagements are not ‘just for show’, as some people have suggested. They are an opportunity to connect investors with local opportunities, and bring together governments, business, banks and development finance institutions. Around the world, investment conferences and summits are platforms to attract foreign direct investment in a global investor landscape that has become increasingly competitive. The fact that international and domestic investors are willing to commit capital to South Africa demonstrates confidence in our country as an attractive investment destination. Since we launched our first national investment drive in 2018, we have attracted investments in energy, telecoms, infrastructure, automotive, mining, advanced manufacturing and many other sectors. On the back of R1.5-trillion in pledges, a total of R634-billion has already been invested into factories, mines, data centres, power plants and other infrastructure, and have been creating jobs. These include the R4.2-billion investment by BMW to electrify its Rosslyn plant in Gauteng and to support new energy vehicle production; the R500-million investment by Tetra Pak to upgrade its plant in KwaZulu-Natal; Corobrik’s R500-million investment to build its Kwastina plant in Gauteng; and the Newlyn PX terminal in the Port of Durban that began operating in 2024. Last year, I opened the Ivanplats Platreef mine in Mokopane, which originated from a R2.8-billion investment conference pledge. In addition to creating jobs, these investments are supporting skills development to better equip young South Africans for the rapidly evolving world of work. For example, Microsoft has partnered with the Youth Employment Service (YES) to offer globally recognised certification in high-demand AI Skills. This forms part of a more than R5.4-billion investment by Microsoft to expand its cloud and AI infrastructure in South Africa by 2027. We welcome all forms of investment, whether it is planned or new. Investment is a long-term commitment. Moving from pledges to large-scale growth and employment creation takes time, particularly in sectors where projects take years to reach implementation. The reality is that we are a long way from where we need to be. One of the most used measures of investment in the economy is gross fixed capital formation (GFCF), which is currently around 14% of our gross domestic product. The National Development Plan challenges us to reach 30% by 2030. Our GFCF reached around 21% in 2008, driven by a sustained commodity boom, the start of Eskom’s build programme and infrastructure expansion ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. There has been a steady decline since then, as the global financial crisis and the period of state capture progressively undermined private investment and business confidence. Since 2018 we have sought to arrest this decline. We have matched intent with action, moving to stabilise public finances, resolve the energy crisis and advance structural reforms. Yet there is still a disconnect between improved investor sentiment and greater investment. The message we have been taking to our meetings with investors is that we are creating the conditions for growth and providing the necessary policy certainty. As we reiterated at last week’s Infrastructure Investment Summit, we are improving project planning, funding and execution. Through this, we aim to narrow the gap between investment pledges, implementation and eventually job creation. We aim to encourage the substantial private capital that is in reserve to be used for productive domestic investment. According to the South African Reserve Bank, by July 2025 South Africa’s non-financial companies held R1.8-trillion in reserves. The task of building a more prosperous, inclusive society is a collective one. It relies on productive investment at scale. That is why we are encouraged that the greatest number of pledges made at the sixth South Africa Investment Conference were from domestic investors. Local businesses – those who know our economic and social conditions best – are making substantial investments in our economy. As we forge ahead with efforts to attract new investment, we call on the local private sector to be at the forefront of rebuilding investment momentum in our economy. Their confidence will encourage more international capital to follow. It is now abundantly clear that the engagements and commitments made in conference halls are steadily and increasingly translating into the economic activity that creates jobs and opportunities for South Africans.

Tshwane councillors encouraged by TASEZ progress after oversight visit

News / By Tasez

Tshwane councillors have expressed confidence in the progress made at the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), saying the project is emerging as one of the City’s most important industrial development platform, writes Mandla Mpangase. Members of the City of Tshwane’s Section 79 Oversight Committee on Integrated Development Planning, visited TASEZ on 12 May 2026 for an oversight inspection and engagement with management. The visit included a presentation by the TASEZ leadership team and a walkabout of two facilities within the Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The engagement focused on job creation, small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) development, infrastructure delivery and the zone’s next phase of expansion, which is expected to deepen Tshwane’s position as one of South Africa’s automotive manufacturing hubs. TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu briefed councillors on the SEZ’s development, performance and strategic positioning as one of Gauteng’s most significant industrial projects, anchored by Ford’s Silverton operations and positioned in the wider Tshwane automotive corridor. Zulu said Tshwane produced about 40% of South Africa’s passenger vehicles and was home to five original equipment manufacturers – Ford, BMW, Nissan, Iveco and UD Trucks – with Chery also expected to enter the market. The region also hosts more than 100 component suppliers and supports more than 40 000 direct jobs in the automotive sector. Since its establishment, TASEZ in its first phase of development has attracted R4.12-billion in government investment and R5.9-billion in private-sector investment. It has created 5 500 construction jobs and 3 422 permanent jobs, while more than R1.7-billion has been spent on SMME procurement. The first phase of the project was largely built around supplier facilities linked to Ford’s R16-billion investment in its Silverton production plan in South Africa between 2020 and 2023, followed by a further R5.2-billion investment cycle from 2024 to 2026. Zulu said the zone’s supply-chain impact extended to about 10 000 jobs and made a significant contribution to GDP. He also highlighted TASEZ’s transformation and enterprise-development work. TASEZ reported that 229 SMMEs had benefited from Phase 1 and Phase 1A, while 265 SMME packages had been awarded and 370 SMMEs trained. TASEZ infrastructure executive Andile Sangweni briefed councillors on the SEZ’s expansion plans, saying the master plan included the 81ha Phase 1, a 10.5ha Phase 1A, an 81ha for Phase 2, and future land parcels. Phase 2 includes an industrial node, the TASEZ Centre of Excellence campus, truck staging and mixed-use elements aligned with market demand. Sangweni said Phase 2 was already being implemented, with work under way on the La Montagne reservoir, bulk water reticulation, bulk electrical infrastructure, roads, stormwater systems and internal engineering services. TASEZ expects Phase 2 to unlock further economic activity, with government investment of R1.95-billion in top structures and bulk services, and private-sector investment of R3.5-billion in machinery, equipment and technology. The phase is expected to create 2 000 construction jobs and 2 500 permanent jobs. The zone is also looking increased SMME procurement, with a minimum 30% of spending earmarked for SMME participation. The visit came as TASEZ advances plans to diversify its energy infrastructure. Sangweni said the zone’s energy plans include a solar independent power producer project by Heshun, which is expected to install rooftop solar photovoltaic and battery storage systems across selected factories in Phase 1 and Phase 1A. The project is expected to provide 20MW of photovoltaic capacity with battery storage, carry an estimated investment value of R600-million and be completed by May 2027. The solar project forms part of TASEZ’s broader green energy initiatives and extends its energy mix programme, which also includes a 20MVA gas-to-power solution. Zulu said the visit was more than a routine site inspection. “For Tshwane, the visit was more than a routine site inspection. TASEZ is an implementation partner of the City, has been in operation for five years and is linked to a memorandum of understanding with the municipality,” he said. “The engagement gave councillors an opportunity to see first-hand the progress being made, the economic impact already delivered, and the next phase of work required to deepen Tshwane’s role in South Africa’s automotive economy.”

TASEZ, partners donate 700 pairs of school shoes to learners

News / By Tasez

By Mandla Mpangase The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) and the Community Project Committee have donated more than 700 pairs of school shoes to learners in Mamelodi, Nellmapius and Eersterust as part of the efforts to strengthen school participation in communities surrounding the industrial hub. The handover took place at J Kekana Secondary School in Ward 6 on Tuesday, 5 May 2026. TASEZ said the initiative formed part of its social compact and broader community development programmes linked to the growth of SA’s automotive manufacturing sector. The shoes were sponsored by TASEZ partners, including Thai Summit, Eltek Solethu JV and MES Major Projects. TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu said education remained one of the most critical drivers of long-term economic inclusion, particularly in communities under persistent socio-economic pressures. “Shoes don’t define you. You define where your shoes will go,” said Zulu, encouraging learners to remain focused on education despite difficult circumstances. The donation comes as large industrial developments face growing expectations to show measurable benefits beyond investment, infrastructure and job creation, particularly in communities located near strategic economic projects. TASEZ is positioning itself as Africa’s first automotive city, with plans aimed at deepening SA’s automotive value chain and supporting industrialisation in South Africa. But the scale of the project has also increased expectations that surrounding communities should share more directly in its development gains. Research by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other development agencies has consistently linked access to basic school necessities, including uniforms and footwear, to improved attendance, learner retention and academic performance, especially in under-resourced communities. Statistics South Africa data continues to show that poverty and household income pressures remain major contributors to unequal educational outcomes across the country. Against this backdrop, TASEZ framed the intervention as part of a longer-term commitment to restoring dignity and supporting educational participation, rather than a once-off charitable exercise. Located in one of Tshwane’s largest townships, J. Kekana Secondary School serves a community where many households continue to face economic hardship. The initiative also reflects a broader shift within South Africa’s automotive manufacturing ecosystem, where environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are increasingly shaping corporate investment priorities and stakeholder expectations. For TASEZ, the message was clear: industrial expansion must translate into visible benefits for surrounding communities if economic development is to be sustainable and inclusive.