By Everson Luhanga
- The Tshwane automotive zone secured over R5.6 billion in private investments, beating its original target by more than R2 billion.
- More than 65% of investor jobs at the Tshwane automotive zone went to residents in Mamelodi and nearby township communities.
Families in Mamelodi and nearby townships are finding work through a massive industrial hub built right on their doorstep. The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone, known as TASEZ, sits next to the Ford South Africa factory.
The project is one of South Africa’s biggest manufacturing developments. It supports local parts suppliers, boosts exports, and drives local car production.
More than 7,800 jobs have been created in total. This breaks down as 3,244 investor jobs and 5,071 construction jobs. Over 65% of investor positions went straight to people from Mamelodi and surrounding townships.
The zone pulled in over R5.6 billion in private investments, beating the first-phase goal of R3.4 billion. Government gave R4.12 billion and foreign investment brought another R4.9 billion.
Dr Bheka Zulu, who leads the zone, says the project is about more than factories. The hub works to bring small businesses into the motor industry through support programmes, mentorship, and training.
Women-owned businesses got 6.2% of contracts, youth got 18%, and people with disabilities got 2%. The zone wants small businesses to reach 45% eventually.
A TASEZ Academy trains young people for future factory work. Lessons cover science, technology, engineering, maths, trade skills, and electric vehicle technology.
The zone gave over 700 pairs of school shoes to Mamelodi learners through local school boards. The hub also scored four clean audits in a row.
Building spend reached R223 million, with running costs at R354 million against a R369 million budget. The project is now moving into a second expansion phase to build more factories and support setups.
One of the first major contracts went to MES Major, a black-owned contractor from the mentorship programme, to build a 15-megalitre reservoir.
Zulu says industrial growth helps fight unemployment if communities are included early. “We must plan boldly, invest bravely, and move together,” he said.
Pictured above: Dr Bheka Zulu says the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone helps township communities through jobs and skills development.
Image source: Supplied
