Ramaphosa confident SA auto sector will adapt to tariff wars
President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa’s automotive industry remains a critical driver of economic growth, investment, and jobs despite global trade pressures and shifting market demands.
In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa highlighted the industry’s R3 trillion contribution to the economy, supporting over 115,000 direct jobs and more than 500,000 across the value chain.
"The shift to electric and hybrid vehicles makes green mobility increasingly important," he said, following the launch of BMW’s new X3 plug-in hybrid at its Rosslyn plant — the model’s exclusive global production site.
He acknowledged challenges like looming US tariffs and stricter EU emissions regulations, but said government support through programmes like the Automotive Production and Development Programme would help the sector adapt.
Ramaphosa also praised BMW’s training academy and the Youth Employment Service (YES), which has offered training and placements to more than 3,500 young people nationwide.
"With global conditions changing, we must invest in new skills, grow local production, and diversify our exports," the president wrote.
The president said the government remains committed to building a climate-resilient auto industry fit for the future.
READ FULL LETTER BELOW:
Last week, I attended the launch of BMW’s new X3 plug-in hybrid at the company’s Rosslyn plant in Tshwane. South Africa is the exclusive global production site for this model.
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 28, 2025
🔗 https://t.co/7nNnoEISjt pic.twitter.com/D7VlnhO42I
