Makhura: Tshwane will be SA’s automotive capital
Gauteng Premier David Makhura has vowed to make Tshwane the automotive capital of South Africa.
He was speaking at the launch of Tshwane Automotive Hub at the headquarters of Ford in Silverton on Tuesday.
The launch comes a day before President Cyril Ramaphosa's second investment summit.
Makhura was joined by President Ramaphosa, Tshwane Mayor Stevens Mokgolapa and Minister of Trade and Industry Ebrahim Patel.
The total value of the Special economic zone (SEZ) investment is R3,2 billion and it is expected to create 6700 direct jobs.
The park where the hub is located is already fully subscribed, said Makura, with nine companies already confirmed to set up factories by 2021.
Makhura pointed out that Gauteng was a small player in the automotive industry two decades ago.
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"Now we produce more than 40% of South Africa's cars. They are produced here in the City of Tshwane. It is for that reason our vision is to have this become the automotive city of South Africa.”
Makhura says job creation is not a dream but a reality.
"It is already clear how many are going to be created. We start the president's second investment summit on a very positive and high note.”