SA fails to see the small victories - Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa believes the new Tshwane Automotive Hub is proof of the growing investor confidence in the country.
Ramaphosa launched the hub at the For headquarters in Silverton, Pretoria on Tuesday.
The launch comes a day before the president's second investment summit.
Ramaphosa was joined by Tshwane Mayor Stevens Mokgolapa, Gauteng Premier David Makhura and Minister of Trade and Industry Ebrahim Patel.
The total value of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) investment is R3,2 billion and is expected to create 6700 direct jobs.
The park where the hub will be is already fully subscribed with nine companies already confirmed to set up factories by 2021.
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Makhura: Tshwane will be SA's automotive capital
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.
Ramaphosa says while there been doubts around the country's economic growth, the announcement of the zone reveals there's steady growth.
"Much as there is gloom, some doubts, some dismay but South Africa is still proving to be a very attractive investment destination.
"South Africa is the continent’s largest automaker and our automotive sector exports are steadily climbing – having recorded a 19% growth this year compared to 2018.
"Not only will this automotive SEZ catalyse further growth in a sector that is the mainstay of our national industrial base."
He says the inability to see good in the small victories is what plunges the country into depression.
"Sometimes we bling to the little and measured and large initiative that we are recording. Sometimes as South Africans, we like to bring ourselves down and make ourselves feel dejected and depressed and dismayed.”