As part of the Eastern Cape China Mission led by Premier Lubabalo Mabuyane, DEDEAT MEC Nonkqubela Pieters, and HOD Mickey Mama, accompanied by the ELIDZ CEO Mr Thembela Zweni, acting COO Mrs Ayanda Ramncwana visited one of China’s successful commercial vehicle manufacturers.
This visit coincided with the signing of a collaboration agreement between the Chinese Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), a South African Taxi industry representative, and a South African company with existing manufacturing capabilities in the country.
The East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ), in partnership with the Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC EC) and the Department of Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism (DEDEAT), is on a mission to promote the province to foreign OEMs seeking a manufacturing presence in Africa.
The collaboration aims to pilot technologies and capabilities to build a safe and sustainable taxi industry in South Africa.
“The ELIDZ has been working with the local company on the possibility of establishing a manufacturing footprint in our zone. Today, we supported their engagement with the Chinese manufacturer to partner with them in South Africa. We are confident that our existing automotive ecosystem and value proposition can create an enabling environment for new entrants,” said Zweni.
“This revolutionary collaboration has the potential to transform public transport in the country, making it reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective. This aligns with ELIDZ’s vision of supporting industries to innovate, grow, and improve broad-based participation and localization of new capabilities,” echoed Zweni.
Speaking at the visit, MEC Pieters noted the growing market share of Chinese auto manufacturers and their increasing stature in the African consumer market. She emphasised that while internal combustion vehicles still dominate in South Africa.
“The Eastern Cape is committed to becoming a preferred location for new energy vehicle production. We are already rolling out charging infrastructure through AIDC EC and have developed an Electric Vehicle strategy for the province,” said the MEC.
About the ELIDZ
The East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) is a prime industrial site in South Africa. It is geographically designated and positioned for specialised industrial activity.
The zone was specially set up for light industry manufacturers in search of ultimate global competitiveness and new market entry. ELIDZ is renowned for its customised investment and property solutions that help industries streamline their business operations and lower their cost of doing business.
