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.