News

Captain Bheka Zulu to steer TASEZ’s mettle in rebuilding SA’s manufacturing capacity. The Board of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) has appointed Captain Bheka Zulu as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with effect from August 2022. Captain Zulu says he is encouraged by the performance and achievements of TASEZ. “The organisation has been able to attract interest from notable players in the automotive industry which has resulted in positive socio-economic spin-offs,” he says. TASEZ is a joint project between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Gauteng Provincial Government and the City of Tshwane. Its mandate is to support the development of the South African automotive manufacturing industry. Captain Zulu was the CEO at a Durban-based ocean economy shipping company and a board member at the South African Maritime Safety Authority. He is also a part-time lecturer at the Durban University of Technology’s Maritime Studies Department and is a PhD candidate focusing on the ocean economy. As the new CEO, Captain Zulu is tasked with the overall responsibility of positioning TASEZ as a leading investment hub for automotive manufacturing in South Africa. In addition to its successful initiatives in the automotive sector, TASEZ has also shown its strength in good governance and financial management, receiving successive clean audits from the Auditor-General for 2020/2021 and 2021/2022.

The importance of women in the South African economy cannot be understated. They have a critical role to play that is not simply limited to their contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) but in creating jobs and growing the country’s production capacity. There is no doubt that the number of women-owned businesses in South Africa has increased over the past few years. However, much more still needs to be done as South Africa strives towards inclusive economic growth. The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, also known as UN Women, identifies women – particularly those in the rural areas – as key agents for achieving the transformational economic changes required for sustainable development. It is befitting that both the public and private sectors create opportunities for women-owned businesses. If South Africa, as an active proponent of inclusive economic growth, is to establish itself on a growth path, a concerted effort is needed to include the contributions of women. They are among the most resourceful entrepreneurs in South Africa and beyond; they are stronger and nimbler in living their entrepreneurial dreams. To quote the former United States first lady, Michelle Obama: “There’s no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”

TASEZ has become one of the significant players in the special economic zone ecosystem, led by Lionel October. The Board comprises members from key partners including the dtic, Gauteng Provincial Government, City of Tshwane and Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. For the second year running, TASEZ has received clean audits from the Auditor-General. This is as a direct result of effective strategic guidance and sound corporate governance provided by the Board. As one of the key implementors of government’s industrial development policies, TASEZ plays a critical role in the broader special economic zone ecosystem. This is evident in the company’s mettle to attract automotive investments. As at the end of 2021/2022 financial year, about R3.41 billion was in by 12 investors. These investments will provide a great opportunity for South Africa to achieve real and meaningful industrialisation, especially in the automotive industry. More than 600 direct job opportunities have been created for the residents of Mamelodi, Nellmapius and Eersterust. Additional 1 400 (jobs opportunities) are expected to be created in the current financial year. One of the critical objectives of TASEZ is to increase investment and support the development of SA’s automotive manufacturing industry.