green mobility Archives

NEV Summit sets clear direction for South Africa’s green mobility future

By Mandla Mpangase Day 1 of the New Energy Vehicles Summit provided much to think about. The opening day of the inaugural New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Summit in Midrand proffered a compelling combination of insights, inspiration and strategic direction, positioning South Africa, and Gauteng in particular, as a frontrunner in Africa’s transition to sustainable mobility. From the science behind hydrogen and battery-powered vehicles to the policies shaping South Africa’s green mobility roadmap, Day 1 covered a broad spectrum of issues. Delegates explored global trends, drew lessons from international case studies, including from China, and examined local readiness across policy, skills, and industry. In his summary remarks on the day, the CEO of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), Dr Bheka Zulu, noted that the discussions were “not just about dialogue, but about direction”. Every presentation, he said, “was the emergence of a shared vision; one that sees South Africa transitioning into sustainable mobility and industrial renewal”. Gauteng, as the country’s industrial heartland, was described as playing a strategic role in the future of the automotive ecosystem, leveraging its strong logistics infrastructure and manufacturing base to attract investment and drive innovation. “Today affirmed South Africa’s readiness to lead Africa’s green mobility future,” Dr Zulu added. “The key message was about collaboration – between government, industry, academia, and innovators – to create jobs, empower small, medium and micro enterprises, and localise technology.” Dr Zulu likened this collaboration to a relay race, where each participant contributes their unique strength at different stages: “It’s not about competition, but coordination, knowing when and how to pass the baton to build momentum together.” Throughout the day, recurring themes included industrial transformation, skills development, and ensuring that technology and labour advance together for a just transition. Speakers also emphasised policy clarity and investment confidence, highlighting growing optimism in the local NEV manufacturing sector. The province called for “urban-driven industrialisation” that integrates energy policy, investment frameworks, and urban planning, aligning Gauteng’s innovation and logistics strengths to create a globally competitive green automotive hub. As the day concluded, participants agreed that the NEV revolution “is no longer a possibility, but a present reality”, and that South Africa’s leadership must act boldly and decisively to harmonise policy, infrastructure, and workforce development. “Our NEV transition is not a single-sector effort – it’s a national movement,” Dr Zulu emphasised. “We must plan boldly, invest bravely, and move together to make Gauteng cleaner, smarter, greener, and more connected.”

From policy to action: Now is the time for South Africa to embrace new energy vehicles

Thought leaders / By Tasez

South Africa must move from policy to action as a matter of urgency, aligning incentives, infrastructure, skills, and industrial coordination around new energy vehicles, writes the CEO of Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone, Dr Bheka Zulu. South Africa’s automotive industry stands at a turning point. The global race toward low- and zero-emission mobility is accelerating, and for a country whose automotive exports hinge on access to the European market, embracing new energy vehicles (NEVs) is no longer optional, it has become an industrial necessity. The Electric Vehicle (EV) White Paper and the South African Automotive Master Plan 2035 (SAAM) together lay a strong policy and strategic foundation. The challenge now is moving from intent to implementation. The country has a clear opportunity to build an inclusive, competitive, and sustainable automotive industry powered by innovation, ready for a net-zero world. Transformation is a must The global automotive landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the urgency to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net-zero goals. The European Union’s carbon neutrality policies are among the most influential in this shift, setting strict timelines for phasing out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and promoting zero- and low emission alternatives. The EU aims to be climate-neutral by 2050. The objective is to ensure an economy with net-zero greenhouse emissions. For South Africa, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The EU remains South Africa’s largest export market for vehicles, accounting for the bulk of automotive exports. A significant 68,7% of light vehicle production was exported in 2024, with three out of every four cars headed to Europe. This means that the EU’s green regulations will directly determine South Africa’s ability to continue trading competitively in this critical sector. Vehicles built in Gauteng and other parts of the country will increasingly need to meet low- or zero-emission standards to remain eligible for export. Transitioning now is not optional, it is essential. Early investment in NEV production, local battery manufacturing, and supporting infrastructure such as charging networks will safeguard South Africa’s market access, maintain its global competitiveness, and create a foundation for long-term industrial sustainability. Policy meets opportunity The EV White Paper charts a managed transition from internal combustion engines to cleaner technologies, ensuring decarbonisation does not lead to deindustrialisation. It sets out steps to localise EV production, develop charging infrastructure, and build skills for the future. The White Paper allows for a managed transition, setting out a number of processes: It has identified 10 actions required to build an EV production ecosystem, including the beneficiation of critical minerals, battery reuse and refurbishment, regulatory alignment, and incentives for localisation. Complementing it, the South African Automotive Master Plan (SAAM 2035) envisions South Africa increasing local content in vehicle manufacturing, expanding exports, and doubling employment by 2035. SAAM 2035 sets out six focus areas: optimising the local market, developing the regional market, localisation, infrastructure development, industry transformation, and technology a skills development. Targets include: Together, the EV White Paper and SAAM 2035 frame a just, inclusive transition that can preserve and grow the country’s industrial base. Driving implementation Turning these policies into tangible outcomes depends on strong institutions. In Gauteng, the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), its subsidiary the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), and the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) are taking the lead. TASEZ, Africa’s first automotive city, is positioning itself as a hub for future-focused investment, where manufacturers and suppliers can plug into purpose-built infrastructure, training, and incentives. The AIDC, through its learning centres and supplier parks, is aligning skills and enterprise development with EV technologies. Together, these institutions are turning national ambition into provincial action. South Africa must act quickly to overcome power constraints, develop a local battery value chain, and align incentives to attract NEV and component investment. Global markets are already shifting and delays could cost South Africa export access, investor confidence, and thousands of jobs. A call to lead Africa’s NEV revolution The upcoming 2025 NEV Summit, hosted by GGDA, AIDC, and TASEZ on 22-23 October 2025 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, represents the next phase: uniting government, industry, and investors to accelerate implementation. From policy to action, South Africa’s NEV future depends on decisive execution.

Future of auto industry at centre of national discourse – MEC Maile

News / By Tasez

By Mandla Mpangase The discussion on the importance of new energy vehicles is taking place at a critical time in South Africa, where the future of the automotive industry is at the centre of national discourse, Gauteng MEC for Economic Development and Finance Lebogang Maile told the New Energy Vehicles Summit in Midrand today. The summit comes at a time when Gauteng is positioning itself as the automotive industrial hub for Africa, leveraging its existing automotive base, advanced logistics, and skills ecosystem. Critical to this positioning is the need to embrace the revolution that is the new energy vehicles (NEVs). Gauteng is determined to lead South Africa’s transition to electric and low-carbon mobility in line with global decarbonisation imperatives and the South African Automotive Masterplan 2035. “The South African automotive industry is facing a tough operating environment, heightened by the imposition of a unilateral 30% reciprocal trade tariff by the government of the United States, which has consistently been South Africa’s second-largest trading partner and key export destination for South African-manufactured vehicles,” Maile said, adding that on the manufacturing side, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) also face mounting challenges. South Africa’s automotive sector is particularly vulnerable to the 25% sectoral tariff imposed under Section 232 of the United States Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which specifically targets automotive exports. Key sector “The South African automotive industry is a cornerstone of the economy and contributes 22.6% to total domestic manufacturing output. It also directly supports over 110 000 formal sector jobs – a significant number in an economy that is battling with the creation of sustainable employment.” The MEC noted that a few months ago, naamsa (the Automotive Business Council) noted that the tariffs, and the broader uncertainty in our trade relations with the United States strike at the heart of South Africa’s industrialisation agenda and threaten future investment in high-value manufacturing. Mercedes Benz in East London, for example, exports at least 90% of its vehicles to the United States, making evident the impact of such an uncertain economic climate on the East London Special Economic Zone. “Tariffs have had a severe impact on South Africa’s automotive industry, leading to a sharp drop in exports to the United States, job losses, company closures, and reduced GDP contribution of the automotive sector.” Vehicle exports to the United States have fallen drastically, with one report noting an 82% drop in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year. Challenges “The industry has also experienced layoffs and job losses, with thousands of positions under threat due to companies losing contracts and reducing production,” the MEC said, adding that at least 12 company closures have been linked to these pressures, impacting the component manufacturing sector and its over 80 000 employees. Communities like those in East London, and the broader Eastern Cape, which are heavily dependent on the automotive sector, are at risk of economic destabilisation. Beyond job losses, the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA) has also highlighted the risk of short-time that has been introduced at 26 companies in the Eastern Cape – many based in Gqeberha. “Various economists have identified three structural challenges that are currently confronting the automotive industry, specifically, navigating South Africa’s exposure to tariff barriers in the United States, as outlined, the danger of dumping, and adapting to the global shift towards new energy vehicles,” said Maile. However, he noted, while these are real challenges with far-reaching implications, critical interventions can transform them into opportunities – particularly in relation to new energy vehicles. “New energy vehicles are crucial for South Africa’s future as they offer significant economic and environmental benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering fuel costs, while supporting industrial growth and job creation through local manufacturing and infrastructure development.” New energy vehicles produce significantly fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, which can help in combating urban air pollution and climate change. The place of new energy vehicles is also clear, with their lower operating costs and potential for industrial growth, the MEC said: “Electricity is cheaper than petrol and diesel, and energy vehicles have fewer moving parts, reducing overall maintenance costs.” Additionally, as South Africa’s automotive industry contributes over 4% to GDP and 12.5% to exports, transitioning to new energy vehicles can safeguard this sector’s global competitiveness, especially with European Union bans on internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035. New energy vehicles are also key to a Just Energy Transition, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which can help reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels that are increasingly subject to price volatility. Recognising potential NEVs could position South Africa to become a hub for regional battery production and new energy vehicle technology. Recognising this potential, the national government has developed policies covering for NEV production, infrastructure, and skills development. “As a result of this intervention, a 150% tax rebate for new energy vehicle production starts in March 2026, with over R1-billion having recently been allocated to support local new energy vehicle and battery manufacturing.” The MEC said that such investments in local battery production address the salient challenge that new energy vehicles pose – mainly that they are significantly more expensive than internal combustion energy vehicles due to import duties and more importantly, a lack of local battery production. A strategy is currently being finalised to secure supply chains for critical minerals like cobalt, lithium, and nickel, which are essential for battery production. “This is part of a larger plan to beneficiate these materials locally instead of exporting raw forms.” This is in alignment with the Gauteng’s mineral beneficiation strategy that focuses on adding value to raw materials by transforming them into higher-value products, with a key role in refining precious and base metals. Developing local battery manufacturing capacity for NEVs, and mineral beneficiation broadly, will address economic diversification, ensuring that the province moves beyond raw material extraction to creating a more value-added mineral economy and to retain more wealth within the province and the country broadly.

Gauteng gears up for green revolution as New Energy Vehicle Summit kicks off

News / By Tasez

By Mandla Mpangase The inaugural New Energy Vehicle Summit is taking place this week in Gauteng, drawing attention to the importance and urgency of moving to green mobility within South Africa’s automotive industry. The landmark event, hosted by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), and the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), will assess the progress of the transition to new energy vehicles (NEVs), investigate possible partnerships, and plan practical strategies to accelerate the creation of a competitive local NEV ecosystem. Speaking ahead of the summit on Channel Africa’s Africa Update with Lulu Gaboo, the CEO of TASEZ, Dr Bheka Zulu, said the gathering marks more than just summit. “It’s a statement that Gauteng, as the heart of South Africa’s automotive sector, is ready to lead Africa’s technological shift,” said Dr Zulu. “With more than 60% of the country’s vehicles produced in this province, we are asserting South Africa’s leadership in the continent’s new energy vehicle transition.” Zulu said South Africa is no longer a “passenger” in the global race toward electric mobility. Since the release of the EV White Paper in 2023, the focus has been on positioning the country for global competitiveness through research, innovation, and partnerships. “We’re gearing up for the race on the global EV track,” he noted. “Our goal is to attract international investors, harmonise trade standards across African markets, and promote regional value chains that make South Africa the hub for sub-assemblies and NEV components.” Dr Zulu emphasised that the NEV Summit, taking place at the Gallagher Convention Centre on 22-23 October, will focus on building consensus between industry, labour, and government to develop a balanced roadmap for transformation, one that prioritises both ambition and pragmatism. Policy alignment Asked about policy readiness, Dr Zulu said South Africa already has the right frameworks in place, but faster implementation and targeted incentives are needed. “The road is paved; now we need the green light to move faster,” he said. “We must streamline tax incentives and develop charging infrastructure that supports local manufacturing and adoption.” The NEV shift represents a major opportunity for deepening local supply chains, creating high-value jobs, and transforming South Africa into the main exporter of NEV components across the continent. The South African Automotive Masterplan 2035 (SAAM 2035) is a key enabler of the transition, with its goals to increase local content from 40% to 60% and to double employment in the sector. It is supported by the Electric Vehicles White Paper, that was published at the end of 2023. “This is not just about swapping the engine for a battery,” he said. “It’s about creating new high-value jobs and ensuring that no one is left behind, including workers, black industrialists, and small suppliers.” At the heart of the TASEZ strategy is inclusivity, with initiatives to upskill the existing workforce, mentor small component manufacturers, and facilitate partnerships between local suppliers and global OEMs. Collaboration is vital Dr Zulu stressed that while Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Ford play a critical role, the NEV opportunity is open to new entrants and innovators. “The NEV space is for everyone,” he said. “We want to see new black industrialists and emerging OEMs entering the field. This is the transformation we’ve been driving.” Although reliable energy and charging infrastructure remain a challenge, partnerships are being developed to roll out a national charging network and invest in renewable solutions. “We are identifying key sites and collaborating with private partners to ensure charging infrastructure keeps pace with NEV adoption,” he said. With the European Union’s zero-emission and carbon border adjustment policies set to take effect by 2035, dr Zulu said South Africa must align its timelines and environmental standards with international expectations. “We’re adapting our manufacturing processes to reduce coal-based energy use and increase solar, gas, and hydrogen integration,” he said. “Our ambition is to match the EU’s climate neutrality goals and maintain export competitiveness.” Looking ahead to 2035, Dr Zulu concluded: “We want NEVs to form a significant part of local production, deepen component manufacturing, and make South Africa the hub of NEV exports to Africa and beyond,” he said. “Most importantly, we want this transition to create jobs, skills, and shared prosperity.”

Gauteng positions itself as Africa’s green automotive hub

News / By Tasez

By Mandla Mpangase As the global automotive industry accelerates toward electrification, Gauteng is steering to the front of Africa’s green mobility transition. Speaking on Radio 702’s Drive with John Perlman, Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) deputy board chairperson Tshegofatso Ditshwane said the province is ready to anchor South Africa’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) revolution through strategic industrial planning and policy alignment. His remarks come ahead of the NEV Summit 2025, to be held on 22–23 October at Gallagher Convention Centre, hosted by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), AIDC, and the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) under the theme “Driving Gauteng Towards a Green Automotive Economy”. “The NEV Summit plays a central role in realising our vision of becoming Africa’s green industrial hub,” Ditshwane said. “Gauteng already leads in automotive manufacturing through the Northern Corridor, which includes the Tshwane Automotive SEZ, anchored by Ford, and by the Automotive Supplier Park. NEV manufacturing is the next frontier.” With most South African vehicle exports destined for the European Union, which is phasing out internal combustion engines (ICEs), Ditshwane said the transition to NEVs is not optional but essential for market access. “We must align with global policy shifts,” he said. “The summit will showcase Gauteng’s potential and build the ecosystem for battery manufacturing, charging infrastructure and local supply chains.” Policy direction and industrial readiness South Africa’s Automotive Master Plan 2035 and 2023 Electric Vehicle White Paper form the backbone of the national transition. Ditshwane said these frameworks give the sector clarity and investor confidence. “South Africa has a mature manufacturing base, skilled workforce and rich mineral resources,” he said. “To maintain momentum, we must invest in battery production, energy security and supplier development. Localisation will be key to industrial resilience.” Ditshwane emphasised that the NEV shift can be an engine for inclusive growth rather than job losses. “There’s a perception that NEVs mean fewer jobs, but Gauteng’s skilled workforce gives us an advantage,” Ditshwane noted. “The transition will create new opportunities in manufacturing, technology, and maintenance.” The NEV Summit 2025 is expected to unite policymakers, manufacturers, and investors to advance South Africa’s green industrial agenda. “Gauteng is not just showcasing potential,” Ditshwane concluded. “We’re actively building the ecosystem that will define Africa’s automotive future.”

Gauteng charges ahead with Africa’s green mobility future

News / By Tasez

Gauteng is looking to secure its place on Africa’s map in terms of the production of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), setting an agenda that will see a green transport revolution across the continent. Under the leadership of Gauteng Department of Economic Development, via the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), the province is translating big ideas into reality; from policy to production and from vision to economic reality. In September 2025, Gauteng MEC for Economic Development and Finance Lebogang Maile laid the foundation in an address at a dialogue with the automotive industry. There, he outlined the province’s ambition to turn Gauteng into the hub of Africa’s automotive industry – and NEVs have to play an important role in this. Gauteng already accounts for a third of the country’s automotive manufacturing output. In 2024, the automotive industry contributed 5.2% towards South Africa’s GDP, with 110 000 direct jobs – 33 154 in the original equipment manufacturers and 81 860 people employed by component manufacturers. It is also home to three original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), BMW, Ford and Nissan – all based in the City of Tshwane – as well as automotive development hubs such as the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) and the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ). Together, Gauteng’s OEMs produced 1.8 million vehicles between 2014 and 2023, accounting for 32.8% of South Africa’s vehicle production, and, according to the naamsa (the Automotive Business Council), Gauteng’s automotive sector is expected to gain momentum, especially with the establishment of the Tshwane Automotive City. Making sure the vision becomes concrete, the GGDA, along with the AIDC and TASEZ, is hosting the 2025 NEV Summit to drive Gauteng towards a green automotive economy, providing insights into trends and innovations across the NEV sector. A strong manufacturing sector For decades, South Africa has powered Africa’s automotive industry. Yet the global automotive landscape is shifting rapidly. The European Union’s carbon neutrality commitments are reshaping trade and market access, making low- or zero-emission vehicles essential for competitiveness. NEVs are no longer optional, they are essential to South Africa’s continued participation in global markets and will play a significant role in meeting the target set in the South African Automotive Master Plan (SAAM 2025) to manufacture 1% of the global automotive output. Against this backdrop, the NEV Summit will unite manufacturers, investors, policymakers and innovators to accelerate South Africa’s NEV transition. It is where strategies from the SAAM 2035 and Electric Vehicle White Paper move from the drawing board to the production line. As South Africa’s industrial heartland, Gauteng – which produces a vehicle every three minutes – offers a complete ecosystem with world-class logistics, skilled labour, top universities, and a strong innovation network that is capable of driving the green mobility revolution forward. Through its focus on localisation, battery manufacturing, and value chain integration, Gauteng offers Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and investors a ready-made base for the NEV industry. Gauteng’s proactive approach positions South Africa as both compliant with international climate goals and competitive within the global market. Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have; it is now a core driver of industrial success. Building skills for the future The shift to NEVs also demands new skills – from battery technology to software development and recycling innovation. Gauteng’s education and training institutions, supported by the GGDA, AIDC and TASEZ, are already preparing the workforce for this next-generation economy. The province is not only building factories, it is building people, ensuring that the transition is inclusive and sustainable. Gauteng’s ambition extends beyond South Africa’s borders. With Africa’s rich reserves of lithium, cobalt, and manganese – critical for battery production – the province aims to localise value-add and establish itself as the gateway for Africa’s NEV value chain. This also fits neatly in the target set in the SAAM 2025 to raise localisation to 60% by the middle of the next decade. By creating a connected network of automotive and energy hubs across the continent, Gauteng is laying the groundwork for Africa to lead the continent’s green transition. The NEV Summit 2025 will showcase how Gauteng is driving this transition, demonstrating that green growth and industrial expansion are not opposites, they are on the same route.