Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi is setting the stage for Gauteng to lead in smart mobility and is urging motor industry leaders to support this vision by establishing motor vehicle energy charging stations.
Speaking at the South African Auto Week, held at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Premier Lesufi emphasized the province’s commitment to addressing energy challenges. He revealed that the provincial government has allocated R1.2 billion for the rehabilitation of energy generation stations.
“As Gauteng, we have been diligently working to find solutions to the energy crisis. We’ve set up an energy crisis response team that collaborates with the National Energy Crisis Committee and works closely with local government and energy experts. We took swift action and organized the inaugural Energy Solutions Expo to explore available solutions in the market, with the aim of forming partnerships for sustainable solutions,” Lesufi stated.
The premier highlighted the significant impact of the automotive sector on the provincial economy and urged industry stakeholders to unite in addressing vehicle-related crime and lawlessness.
Furthermore, Lesufi unveiled plans to revamp the car registration system in Gauteng by introducing secure, tamper-proof registration plates by year-end.
He emphasized the role of vehicles in violent crimes, both as stolen vehicles and getaway cars, stressing the need for legislative improvements in car registration, the eradication of illegal firearms, and the transition to cashless transactions for local businesses.
Lesufi urged industry leaders by saying, “The province must focus on safeguarding our vehicles against crime, as 80% of criminal activities involve vehicles.”
The SA Auto Week event was hosted by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (naamsa), the Automotive Business Council, and Auto Week. It serves as the premier networking and thought leadership conference for the local automotive industry.
Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa elaborated on the significance of SA Auto Week, stating that the event brings together all industry stakeholders to reflect on achievements, contemplate the future, showcase cutting-edge technologies, and discuss current policy considerations.
He added, “It also provides a platform to address and manage the challenges presented by the global and local economy, ensuring that the right decisions are made to support South Africa’s growth ambitions.”
The South African automotive industry is recognized as the largest manufacturing sector in the economy, contributing approximately 4.9% to the annual GDP in the previous year. It directly employs 497,408 individuals, constituting 2.9% of the total workforce in South Africa.
Moreover, the SA auto industry’s export activities reached 152 markets and generated R227.3 billion in export revenue for the country last year.
Mabasa concluded, “The local automotive industry makes an extraordinary contribution to South Africa’s prosperity, and that’s why it’s essential to secure its viability and growth, now and into the future.”
By Lerato Mailoane
