Tasez

Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone

RFP011/2025: For the supply, installation and configuration of the network infrastructure and internet connectivity

The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) has issued a request for proposals for the supply, installation and configuration of the network infrastructure and internet connectivity for a period of three years. Closing date: 11 May 2026 by 12h00 Compulsory briefing: 23 April 2026Time: 12h00 – 14h00Venue: TASEZ Central Hub Manitoba, The Willows 340-Jr, Pretoria, 0081   Download RFP011/2025 here Download Addendum 1 here Download Floor Plans here

RFP024/2025: For the supply, delivery, and maintenance of printers

The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) has issued a request for proposals for the appointment of a service provider for the supply, delivery, and maintenance of three printers for a period of three years. Closing date: 8 May 2026 at 12h00. Compulsory briefing: 23 April 2026Time: 10h00 – 12h00Venue: TASEZ Central Hub Manitoba, The Willows 340-Jr, Pretoria, 0081 Download RFP024/2025 here Download Addendum 1 here

RFP026/2025 for the provision of tactical armed response security services

The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) has issued a Request for Proposals for the provision of tactical armed response security services to render a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week (including holidays) service to TASEZ for a period of 36 months. Compulsory briefing date: 24 April 2026Time: 10:00 – 12:00Venue: TASEZ Central Hub Manitoba, The Willows 340-Jr, Pretoria, 0081 Closing date: 8 May 2026 at noon. Download RFP026/2025 here

TASEZ begins Phase 2 expansion to bolster automotive capacity  

TASEZ has broken ground on Phase 2 of its expansion, with bulk infrastructure works and a 15ML reservoir underway, as the SEZ scales up capacity, attracts new investment, and advances localisation in South Africa’s automotive value chain, writes Mandla Mpangase. The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) has commenced Phase 2 of its expansion, building on the successful delivery of Phases 1 and 1A as its footprint to strengthen South Africa’s automotive manufacturing capacity. Phase 2 includes enabling bulk infrastructure works and the development of top structures. A key milestone is the construction of a 15‑megalitre reservoir, which began in July 2025 and is being undertaken by MES Major Projects, a black‑owned local contractor. At 13m high, the reservoir is expected to secure a water supply for future industrial activity and support the Tshwane area. External bulk works are underway, while internal bulk construction started on 17 March 2026, marking site establishment and preparation for incoming investors. Top structures will follow, further expanding the special economic zone’s industrial base. “Phase 2 is about integration, readiness, and growth,” said TASEZ infrastructure executive, Andile Sangweni. “The start of internal bulk works signals investor confidence, enabling us to accelerate delivery, unlock investment, and create jobs.” Phase 2 is expected to deepen localisation in the automotive value chain and advance South Africa’s broader industrialisation agenda.

SA investment drive shifts from promises to infrastructure delivery

By Mandla Mpangase South Africa’s investment agenda is entering a new phase, with infrastructure development emerging as central to converting pledges into visible economic growth, as the country prepares to host the sixth South Africa Investment Conference under the theme “Investment that delivers”. The conference, on 31 March 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, is designed to move beyond policy commitments toward “bankable, deployable opportunities” that translate into measurable outcomes. This shift reflects a broader evolution in the country’s investment strategy – from attracting commitments to ensuring implementation – with infrastructure positioned as the backbone of that transition. Infrastructure at the centre of investment strategy Government and industry leaders have increasingly aligned around a common understanding: without modern, reliable infrastructure, investment cannot scale. Recent policy signals reinforce this priority. In the Presidency Budget vote for 2025/2026,  South Africa committed more than R1-trillion to public-sector infrastructure over three years, with a strong focus on transport, logistics, and energy systems – all critical enablers of industrial expansion. At the same time, the South Africa Investment Conference is structured to showcase projects that are not only investment-ready but also already placed within broader infrastructure ecosystems. These include logistics corridors, industrial parks, and sector-focused development zones designed to unlock productivity and competitiveness. Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition Parks Tau underscored this approach in the build-up to the conference, noting that South Africa is making its investment case “not with promises alone, but with proof”, as billions in previous pledges are already being funneled into operational projects. More than R600-billion from earlier investment commitments has already flowed into new factories, mines and productive infrastructure, signaling a growing emphasis on execution. Speaking in the run-up to the conference, Minister Tau emphasised that South Africa’s national strategic landscape, underpinned by the Growth and Inclusion Strategy and the country’s ongoing reform agenda, provides a coherent, compelling framework for investors who are serious about long-term returns in a high-potential emerging market. TASEZ: A model of infrastructure-led industrialisation Within this national framework, the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) has emerged as a leading example of how targeted infrastructure investment can catalyse industrial growth. Strategically located within Gauteng’s automotive corridor, TASEZ integrates world-class manufacturing facilities with purpose-built logistics infrastructure, enabling seamless movement of goods between production sites, suppliers and export channels. Its development has been closely tied to anchor investments in the automotive sector, demonstrating how infrastructure, when aligned with industry needs, can rapidly unlock value chains and attract further investment. Crucially, TASEZ illustrates a shift in how special economic zones are being positioned in South Africa. Rather than operating as isolated industrial parks, SEZs are increasingly viewed as integrated ecosystems, combining: This integrated approach is central to improving competitiveness, particularly in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, where logistics efficiency and supply chain reliability are decisive factors. Linking infrastructure to localisation and jobs Infrastructure investment is also directly tied to South Africa’s localisation and job creation agenda. Discussions feeding into the South Africa Investment Conference have highlighted how infrastructure gaps continue to constrain local manufacturing, particularly in component production and supply chain integration. By addressing these bottlenecks, projects like TASEZ are helping to: This aligns with broader industrial policy objectives, with infrastructure viewed as a strategic tool for economic transformation. From investment platform to delivery engine The evolution of the South Africa Investment Conference reflects a maturing investment ecosystem that prioritises delivery, accountability and measurable impact. With infrastructure at its core, the conference is positioning South Africa as a destination where capital is not only welcomed, but effectively deployed. In this context, TASEZ stands out as a tangible demonstration of what “investment that delivers” looks like in practice: a project where infrastructure, policy alignment and private-sector participation converge to create a functioning industrial hub. As the country seeks to deepen its investment pipeline and accelerate growth, infrastructure is the foundation upon which South Africa’s next phase of industrialisation will be built.

TASEZ stakes claim as blueprint for inclusive industrial growth

Infrastructure investment, the drive for localisation, and community integration position Tshwane’s automotive hub as a model for economic reform By Mandla Mpangase The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) is emerging as a leading model for inclusive industrialisation in South Africa, with government and industry leaders positioning the automotive hub as a practical pathway to drive economic reform, investment, and job creation. This message took centre stage at a high-level investor engagement held in Menlyn Maine, Pretoria, where stakeholders outlined how coordinated infrastructure investment, localisation strategies, and community integration are underpinning the zone’s growth. Addressing investors and industry partners, TASEZ board chair Maoto Molefane said the evolution of the zone reflects a deliberate shift towards ensuring that industrial development delivers measurable socio-economic outcomes. “This is not just about industrial expansion – it is about building a model that works for communities, for investors and for the country as a whole,” said Molefane. He added that, despite persistent economic headwinds, targeted interventions through special economic zones offer a credible mechanism to accelerate industrial growth, deepen localisation and support structural transformation. A model for economic reform and inclusion Gauteng’s head of the Department for Economic Development, Motlatjo Moholwa, described TASEZ as an emerging blueprint for how South Africa can better align industrial policy with community development outcomes. “We are not yet where we want to be, but we are getting there. What we are seeing here is a blueprint – one that can be adapted across the country to ensure that development reaches communities meaningfully,” said Moholwa. Infrastructure investment anchors growth The City of Tshwane COO Vuyo Zitumane outlined the City’s coordinated approach to enabling industrial expansion. “Our focus is on creating a reliable, investor-friendly environment through sustained infrastructure investment and strategic planning. These developments are about positioning Tshwane as a globally competitive automotive hub,” said Zitumane. Localisation and industrial deepening TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu said the zone’s strategy is firmly anchored in localisation, industrial deepening and measurable economic impact. “Our focus is on building an integrated automotive ecosystem that drives localisation, expands supplier participation and delivers sustainable industrial growth. TASEZ is not only attracting investment, but also ensuring that value is retained and expanded within the local economy,” said Zulu. As TASEZ continues to scale, stakeholders say the focus will remain on converting policy ambition into tangible outcomes – from deeper localisation and expanded supplier networks to sustained job creation and community inclusion. With further investment expected in the next phases and infrastructure upgrades gathering pace, the automotive hub is increasingly being viewed not only as a driver of regional growth, but as a test case for how South Africa can translate industrial policy into measurable economic reform.

South Africa’s SEZs under spotlight as leaders push for greater industrial impact

By Mandla Mpangase Government and industry leaders have called for a fundamental shift in how South Africa’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) deliver value, arguing that stronger integration with spatial planning and industrial policy is key to unlocking growth. This emerged at a breakfast session hosted at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) in Illovo, Johannesburg, on Friday, 20 March 2026, forming part of the roadshow to the 2026 Gauteng Investment Conference. Opening the session, Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) acting CEO Sithembiso Dlamini outlined the province’s strategy to position SEZs as anchors of development corridors, driving infrastructure investment and manufacturing-led growth. She highlighted recent progress in Gauteng’s SEZ programme, stressing its role in catalysing regional economic activity. A central theme of the discussion was how to close the “value-for-money” gap in SEZ investments. Trade expert Donald MacKay presented findings from a comparative study of global and local SEZ performance, noting that while South Africa has made progress, structural and policy shortcomings continue to limit impact. He pointed to the need for targeted reforms to improve efficiency, attract investment, and boost export competitiveness. From a policy perspective, Maoto Molefane, the special advisor to the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition and chairperson of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), outlined the government’s new Spatial Industrial Development Strategy. He acknowledged limitations in the current SEZ model, including fragmentation and uneven returns, and said the new approach aims to better align industrial spending with national development goals. “The focus is on ensuring that every rand invested delivers measurable industrial outcomes,” Molefane said. Insights from operational SEZs reinforced the importance of execution and partnerships. Dube TradePort CEO Hamish Erskine reflected on the evolution of the KwaZulu-Natal-based SEZ, highlighting the role of logistics integration, infrastructure planning, and strong governance in its success. He said the model demonstrates how SEZs can drive broader regional development, including job creation and small business growth. Meanwhile, TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu emphasised the importance of sector-focused development, noting that strategic partnerships – particularly with major investors such as Ford – have been central to its rapid growth. Zulu also pointed to the need for SEZs to adapt to global shifts, including the rise of new energy vehicles, as part of their future positioning. The session concluded with consensus that South Africa’s SEZ programme must evolve beyond isolated zones into fully integrated industrial ecosystems, capable of delivering sustained economic impact, increased exports and long-term investment attraction. The discussion forms part of ongoing engagements ahead of the Gauteng Investment Conference scheduled for 9 April 2026, where infrastructure, manufacturing and industrial policy are expected to take centre stage.

Logistics roundtable sets stage for 2026 Gauteng Investment Conference

By Mandla Mpangase “The opportunity is not ahead of us – it is here,” the head of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Motlatjo Moholwa, told participants at a high-level roundtable on logistics in Pretoria on 19 March 2026. With Gauteng contributing approximately 34% of South Africa’s GDP and more than 45% of its manufacturing output, Moholwa used the platform to reinforce the province’s position as the country’s industrial powerhouse and a prime destination for investment. The roundtable, convened by the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) and the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), forms a key part of the build-up to the 2026 Gauteng Investment Conference taking place on 9 April 2026 It brings together senior representatives from government, state-owned entities, logistics operators, manufacturers and investors to align on priorities that will shape Gauteng’s investment pipeline. “This roundtable is more than a conversation,” Moholwa said. “It is a strategic platform feeding into the Gauteng Investment Conference, where we will showcase bankable projects and present Gauteng as an investment-ready destination.” Driving toward an investment-ready province At the heart of discussions is the need to strengthen Gauteng’s logistics ecosystem to support industrial expansion, particularly in the automotive sector, where the province hosts a dense network of component manufacturers and OEM-linked operations from Rosslyn in the west to Silverton in the east, and across the broader Tshwane corridor. Participants are focusing on practical reforms to: These interventions are expected to play a key role in attracting private sector participation and ensuring that infrastructure development aligns with the province’s broader industrial strategy ahead of April’s conference. Localisation and industrial growth A major theme emerging from the roundtable is the importance of component localisation in deepening Gauteng’s manufacturing base. “With its well-developed industrial infrastructure, access to skilled and semi-skilled labour, and strong technical training institutions, Gauteng is not just participating, it is a leading component manufacturing. “This makes the province an ideal destination for investment,” Moholwa said. Moholwa highlighted opportunities in import replacement, the growing automotive aftermarket, and export expansion through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He also pointed to the rise of green mobility as a new frontier for investment, particularly in electric vehicle components and advanced materials. However, he stressed that unlocking this potential will require deliberate action, including stronger supplier development programmes, improved access to finance, and greater coordination between OEMs and local suppliers. Infrastructure is the foundation Infrastructure remains a central pillar of Gauteng’s investment drive. The roundtable discussions are exploring how enhanced road and rail integration, coupled with targeted infrastructure investment, can reduce inefficiencies and improve the movement of goods across key corridors. With established industrial zones, specialised facilities such as the Automotive Supplier Park, and incentives offered through special economic zones like TASEZ, Gauteng is positioning itself as a globally competitive manufacturing hub. “Manufacturers benefit from market access to the SADC region, an established industrial base that reduces the cost of entry, and dedicated facilities such as the Automotive Supplier Park and Special Economic Zones like TASEZ, which offer world-class infrastructure, incentives, and streamlined regulatory processes. Public-private partnerships and government commitment further strengthen the province’s investment readiness,” Moholwa added. Countdown to 9 April As the province prepares for the conference, engagements like today’s roundtable are helping to refine its investment narrative to one based on infrastructure development, industrial expansion and localisation. “Scaling localisation requires deliberate action,” he said. “We must strengthen supplier development programmes to build technical capability and quality standards, improve coordination across OEMs and suppliers, and invest in skills development, technology adoption, and industrial infrastructure. “Equally important is enhancing access to finance and markets for emerging manufacturers and providing policy certainty that encourages local production.” The head of the province’s Department of Economic Development issued a three-fold challenge to the participants at the roundtable: “We call on industry to invest, expand, and partner locally. We call on government and agencies to enable, support, and accelerate. And we call on all stakeholders to collaborate in building a globally competitive, locally anchored manufacturing ecosystem.” Moholwa’s call to action was unequivocal: collaboration between government, industry and institutions will be essential to translate plans into tangible investment outcomes. With just weeks remaining before the conference, Gauteng is not only making its case to investors, it is also shaping the conditions needed to secure long-term, inclusive economic growth.

Logistics roundtable to shape investment agenda ahead of Gauteng Investment Conference

By Mandla Mpangase As Gauteng gears up for the highly anticipated Gauteng Investment Conference (GIC) on 9 April 2026, government and industry are intensifying efforts to position the province as a leading investment destination, with infrastructure, manufacturing and the automotive sector at the centre of that strategy. A key step in this journey is an upcoming high-level Logistics Roundtable, convened by the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) and the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ). The engagement will bring together senior representatives from government, state-owned entities, logistics operators, manufacturers and investors to address one of the most critical enablers of economic growth: an efficient, modern logistics ecosystem. The roundtable is not a standalone event, but a precursor to the GIC, designed to ensure that the province’s investment propositions are cemented in practical, bankable solutions. By tackling structural bottlenecks and identifying opportunities for reform, the session will help shape the infrastructure and logistics priorities that will be presented to investors in April. At the heart of discussions will be the urgent need to strengthen freight and corridor efficiency, a longstanding constraint on South Africa’s industrial competitiveness. Stakeholders will explore ways to improve the integration of road and rail networks, reduce congestion, and unlock the full potential of Gauteng as a logistics hub for both domestic and regional trade. Equally important is the focus on infrastructure investment. With growing demand for reliable transport networks, energy systems, and industrial facilities, the roundtable will seek to identify projects that are not only viable but also capable of attracting meaningful private-sector participation. These projects are expected to form part of a broader investment pipeline to be showcased at the conference. The manufacturing sector, particularly automotive production, will feature prominently in the discussions. As one of Gauteng’s key economic drivers, the automotive industry holds significant potential for job creation, industrial expansion and export growth. The roundtable will examine how improved logistics and infrastructure can enhance the competitiveness of manufacturers operating within the province, including those in strategic hubs such as TASEZ. A highlight of the programme will be a panel discussion on component localisation, a key issue for the sustainability of South Africa’s automotive value chain. Panellists will assess how increasing the local production of automotive components can strengthen domestic supply chains, reduce import dependency, and create new opportunities for local manufacturers. However, the discussion will also address the practical challenges of localisation, particularly logistics inefficiencies and infrastructure limitations. Addressing these constraints will be key to ensuring that localisation efforts translate into tangible economic gains. Ultimately, insights from the Logistics Roundtable will feed directly into the Gauteng Investment Conference, helping to align industrial development priorities with the province’s broader investment strategy. By ensuring that policy, infrastructure and industry needs are closely coordinated, Gauteng aims to present a compelling, investor-ready narrative. As the countdown to 9 April continues, the message to potential investors is clear: building a competitive economy requires more than ambition; it demands coordinated action, strategic investment, and a logistics system capable of supporting growth at scale.

From growth to dignity: Why coordinated industrialisation is Gauteng’s best weapon against unemployment

Dr Bheka Zulu, CEO of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone, reflects on Gauteng’s MEC for Economic Development and Finance, Lebogang Maile’s call to tackle unemployment through sustained, coordinated implementation that transforms growth into jobs. Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, is correct in asserting that addressing unemployment in the province is no longer about isolated interventions, but about sustained, coordinated implementation that transforms growth into jobs – and jobs into dignity, stability, and hope. This is not simply a policy statement; it is a call to action that speaks directly to the structural realities of South Africa’s economy. For too long, economic growth and employment outcomes have moved on separate tracks. Investment announcements have not always translated into meaningful opportunities for communities, and skills programmes have not always aligned with industry demand. Bridging this gap requires precisely the kind of coordinated execution the MEC is advocating. At the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ), we see daily evidence that when alignment is intentional, growth does convert into jobs. Special Economic Zones are designed to function as integrated ecosystems – bringing together government policy, infrastructure investment, private sector capital, skills development institutions, and local enterprise participation into a single industrial platform. This coordination reduces barriers to investment while accelerating employment creation across multiple layers of the economy. The automotive sector provides a powerful illustration. Industrial expansion anchored by major manufacturers such as Ford Motor Company not only creates jobs on the factory floor, but also drives supplier development, logistics demand, construction activity, services growth, and opportunities for small and medium enterprises. Each manufacturing job can support several additional jobs across the value chain. When scaled, this multiplier effect becomes a meaningful response to unemployment. However, coordination cannot stop at attracting investment. It must extend to localisation strategies that deepen domestic supplier participation, targeted skills development that prepares young people for modern manufacturing, and deliberate pathways for township and small businesses to enter industrial value chains. Without these linkages, economic growth risks remaining abstract — visible in statistics but not felt in households. The MEC’s emphasis on dignity and hope is particularly important. Employment is not merely an economic indicator; it is a foundation for social stability. Work provides income, certainly, but it also provides identity, confidence, and belonging. Communities with access to sustainable employment experience lower inequality, stronger family structure,s and greater resilience. Industrialisation, therefore, should be understood not only as an economic strategy but as a social compact. For Gauteng to succeed, three priorities stand out. First, implementation discipline must become non-negotiable. Plans and strategies are abundant; execution is the differentiator. Projects must move from announcement to completion faster, with measurable outcomes and clear accountability. Second, collaboration across spheres of government and institutions must deepen. Provincial initiatives, national industrial policies, municipal planning, and private sector investment need to operate within a shared framework focused on employment outcomes. Third, policy certainty and investor confidence must be protected. Industrial investment is long-term by nature. Businesses commit capital when they trust the stability of the environment in which they operate. Consistency and reliability in policy signals are therefore critical to sustaining job creation momentum. Gauteng remains South Africa’s economic engine. Its infrastructure, industrial base, financial ecosystem and human capital position it uniquely to lead a new phase of re-industrialisation. But leadership will ultimately be judged not by growth rates alone, but by whether that growth changes lives. If we succeed in translating investment into factories, factories into jobs, and jobs into dignity, stability and hope, then we will have met the challenge MEC Maile has placed before us. And that is a goal worth coordinating around.