The Gauteng Provincial Government, through the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), has officially relaunched the Gauteng Automotive Learning Centre (GALC) as the Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, reinforcing the province’s commitment to developing a future-ready workforce and strengthening Gauteng’s position as Africa’s leading advanced manufacturing hub.
Officially launched by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi on 16 July 2026 at the Automotive Supplier Park in Rosslyn, the Centre has been transformed to equip artisans, technicians, unemployed youth and industry professionals with the advanced technical skills required for modern manufacturing.
Training will focus on areas such as automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, mechatronics, digital manufacturing, and New Energy Vehicle (NEV) technologies, ensuring that Gauteng’s workforce is equipped to meet the evolving needs of industry.
Political principals emphasised that the relaunch marks a strategic step in positioning Gauteng as Africa’s leading hub for advanced manufacturing, innovation and industrial competitiveness. As the automotive sector continues to evolve through automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and new energy vehicle technologies, they highlighted that investment in future-focused skills is essential to sustaining economic growth, attracting investment and strengthening the province’s manufacturing ecosystem.
They further underscored that the Centre represents a long-term investment in Gauteng’s people, equipping young South Africans with industry-relevant skills while supporting supplier development, localisation and job creation. Built on strong partnerships between government, industry and academia, the Manufacturing Centre of Excellence will help ensure that Gauteng continues to develop the skilled workforce required to meet the demands of modern manufacturing and future mobility.
Training will focus on areas such as automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, mechatronics, digital manufacturing, and New Energy Vehicle (NEV) technologies, ensuring that Gauteng’s workforce is equipped to meet the evolving needs of industry.
The relaunch builds on more than a decade of skills development through the Gauteng Automotive Learning Centre, which has trained more than 24,631 learners since opening its doors. The Centre’s expanded mandate extends beyond the automotive sector to support the broader manufacturing industry, providing practical, industry-aligned training in advanced production technologies that are increasingly shaping global manufacturing.
The Manufacturing Centre of Excellence also strengthens Gauteng’s broader automotive ecosystem by supporting supplier development, localisation and investment attraction. Through partnerships with leading industry and technology organisations, learners will gain exposure to globally recognised manufacturing systems and technologies, ensuring that training remains aligned with current and future industry requirements.
A highlight of the relaunch was the donation of a state-of-the-art Electric Vehicle charging station by Volt-Hi, further enhancing the Centre’s ability to provide practical training in New Energy Vehicle technologies. The donation demonstrates the value of collaboration between government and industry in preparing South Africa’s workforce for the transition to greener mobility.
Volt-Hi Chief Executive Officer Cathy Shilubana said partnerships between government and industry remain critical to advancing South Africa’s industrialisation agenda and developing the skills required for future economic growth.
Built on strong partnerships between government, industry and academia, the Manufacturing Centre of Excellence will help ensure that Gauteng continues to develop the skilled workforce required to meet the demands of modern manufacturing and future mobility.
The relaunch of the Manufacturing Centre of Excellence represents another important milestone in Gauteng’s ongoing investment in human capital, ensuring that the province continues to produce the skilled workforce needed to support industrial growth, attract investment and create sustainable economic opportunities for future generations.
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