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.