Naacam

NAACAM Head of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Beth Dealtry was interviewed on SABC News Channel Africa to discuss the opportunities for the development of an African automotive industry.

While noting the industry is heavily dominated by South Africa and Morocco, she added that many African countries have recognised the opportunities within ACFTA. “There has been growth in the number of African countries looking to find their part in the African autos value chain including the likes of Rwanda, Ghana, Kenya and Namibia.”

Discussing the role of governments and policymakers in facilitating the development of Africa’s automotive industry, Beth noted that the critical starting point, is addressing the large number of grey second hand vehicle and component imports. Along with this, component localisation needs to be prioritised. This will increase the number of opportunities for different African countries to participate in regional value chains without having to substitute the location of existing local component production to incorporate more countries into the regional value chains.

Read the article and listen to the interview here: https://naacam.org.za/opportunities-exist-for-developing-africas-automotive-manufacturing-sectors/

AAAM - African Association of Automotive Manufacturers

Opportunities Exist For Developing Africa’s Automotive Manufacturing Sectors - NAACAM According to the World Economic Forum, Africa's automotive industry was valued at over $30 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow by more than $12 billion in

NAACAM Exhibits At Career Event For Hearing Disabled Scholars

On Friday, NAACAM exhibited at the ‘𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝟴-𝟭𝟮’ event hosted by Tshiamo Keone, in partnership with merSETA Social. The event provided an interactive and engaging platform for students from 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗳 to learn about careers in the manufacturing and engineering industry through hands-on activities, demonstrations and presentations.

At the Event, NAACAM displayed its bespoke career guidance platform, Yakhifuture, which is an innovative and interactive free website providing informative and fun career guidance for roles in the automotive component manufacturing industry.

Having attended the event, NAACAM Project Manager, Kevin Willemse noted, “there are plenty opportunities for students with hearing disabilities in the component sector. With the right support and access to information, scholars with hearing disabilities can thrive and reach their full potential. It is critical that more events like these take place to not only raise awareness of these career opportunities but also generate interest in pursuing a career in component manufacturing.” Automotive Industry Development Centre Yakhi Future

Speaking at the Electric Trucks & Buses Conference in Johannesburg, Head of Policy and Regulatory Affairs at NAACAM, Beth Dealtry, shed light on South Africa's automotive industry landscape and its potential trajectory, focusing on electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, localisation opportunities, challenges and policy frameworks.

Ms Dealtry highlighted the localisation opportunities within the sector that were identified through research undertaken by the Automotive Supply Chain Competitiveness Initiative (ASCCI). The identified components include fuel cells, battery assembly, thermal management systems and high voltage wiring harnesses.

Ms Dealtry further highlighted that the sector is in a good position to support localisation, regardless of the predominant drive train technology. Within the battery value chain, a domestic company is already exporting components used within the high voltage battery enclosure, illustrating that domestic capability exists to localise components found within assembled battery packs. Equally, when assessing the fuel cell value chain, SA has rich PGM reserves and a NAACAM member is currently in the piloting phase of local membrane electrode assembly (MEA) production, which is a critical component within a fuel cell stack.

In considering a supportive policy framework, Ms Dealtry welcomed the release of the EV White Paper that was published in December 2023 and noted that policy attention now needs to be placed on operationalising the action items identified within the White Paper to ensure SA can be positioned as a competitive production location for NEVs and NEV components. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/d95Us9tM

Speaking at the Nedbank Manufacturing Roundtable, Head of Policy and Regulatory Affairs at NAACAM, Beth Dealtry, highlight the critical importance of increasing current levels of localisation in the automotive sector to support sector growth targets established under the SA Automotive Masterplan and ultimately strengthen the sector’s contribution to the country’s economy. Joining Beth on the Roundtable were Amith Singh, Disa Mpande CA(SA), 𝗘𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗯𝘆𝗲, Ajay Maharaj Bachulal and Njombo Lekula

Although noting that SA has world class component manufacturing capabilities, Beth reflected that the sector has not been able to increase localisation over the past decade, with average vehicle local content remaining stagnant at 39.5% in 2023. To unlock localisation opportunities it is critical that efforts to increase local vehicle production are made to enable economies of scale.

Along with this, key infrastructure reforms, development of local accredited testing facilities, local availability of autos-grade raw materials and skills development will boost the competitiveness of local manufacturing and strengthen the business case for localisation. On the policy front, Beth recognised that APDP 2 programme offers significant support for the sector and maintenance of this is essential for investor confidence. However, there is a need to assess what tweaks to the programme could enable it to more successfully drive localisation.

Beyond reflecting on the positive impact of localisation from an economic growth perspective, Beth also highlighted how localisation assisted manufacturers during Covid. At a time when global supply chains and logistics faltered, imported products were substituted with local product to derisk and stabilise supply chains. Watch this interview: https://lnkd.in/ejbSvYCz

Providing a keynote presentation at a SA-Namibia bilateral discussion on automotive regional value chains NAACAM CEO Renai Moothilal reflected on benefits and constraints behind deepening automotive industrial partnerships between the neighbouring countries. He advised that “developing component production from Namibia into SA’s vehicle assemblies was a fantastic opportunity but was dependent on policy coherency, a purposeful localisation strategy and ensuring a strong value proposition and incentive package to complement the APDP2 to attract productive automotive component investment into the region.”

AAAM - African Association of Automotive Manufacturers The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition South Africa

: NAACAM invites Members to a webinar hosted by Creamer Media on 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒, 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟒:𝟎𝟎 for a discussion on "Navigating global and domestic risks while embracing new opportunities" in the South African automotive industry.

The aim of the webinar is to delve into critical questions surrounding policy, infrastructure, NEVs, localisation and export risks. NAACAM Head of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Beth Dealtry, will be a panellist speaking on critical questions surrounding SA’s industrial policy and the domestic component sector. Paul O'Flaherty, CEO of Metair Investments Limited, a NAACAM member company, together with Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS) manufacturing ambassador, Justin Barnes, will join Beth as panellists for the webinar, which will be facilitated by Duane Newman, partner at NAACAM Associate Member, EY.

Those wanting to attend can register via this link: https://ow.ly/t8Sh50Spafp

Engineering News Mining Weekly

: NAACAM congratulates the newly appointed members of cabinet to deliver on the mandate of South Africa’s seventh democratic administration. NAACAM looks forward to collaboration with government and other stakeholders to ensure continued growth of the domestic automotive manufacturing sector.

The importance of policy continuity and stability, particularly within the automotive industrial policy framework, cannot be overlooked. The appointment of the new cabinet presents an opportunity to reaffirm the government’s commitment to SAAM35 and the APDP 2 policy framework. NAACAM President, Ugo Frigerio, noted that: “APDP 2 is an essential policy package that has fostered a domestic automotive sector which remains conducive for investment, as seen by the component sector and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) being major investors of productive capital in a post covid environment.”

It is critical that the seventh administration maintains sector policies and equally identifies opportunities to strengthen the operating environment to unlock sector growth towards SAAM35’s vision of a globally competitive and transformed automotive industry.

NAACAM CEO, Renai Moothilal, welcomed the appointment of Minister Parks Tau and Deputy Ministers Zuko Godlimpi and Andrew Whitfield into the critical ministry for automotive manufacturing policy. “In ongoing support to reach the objectives of SAAM35, NAACAM will work closely with the newly constituted cabinet, and particularly at the The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition South Africa under Minister Tau’s direction, to harness opportunities for sector development and address production challenges.” Read the full release here: https://naacam.org.za/naacam-welcomes-new-cabinet-appointment-in-south-africa/ The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa

: NAACAM is excited to invite members and stakeholders to join the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗔𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗠 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝘆, hosted by Associate Member, DG Capital.

The golf day will be taking place on the 𝟮𝟵𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 at the 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗳 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯.

▪ Cost of a 4-ball: R5 250 (carts included)
▪ Cost of a tee-box sponsorship: R2 000

Arrival will be at 10:00, and tee-off at 11:00. A prize giving and dinner will follow.

To secure your four ball or tee-box sponsorship, click on this link https://shorturl.at/4StQI

Please note all entries will be handled on a first come, first served basis. The field is limited to 120 players.

For more information, please contact Brenden Adriaanzen (DG Capital) - [email protected]

: NAACAM is pleased to announce 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗘𝗡 𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗟𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗗 has joined the Association as a Manufacturing Member. Established in 1974, the company, located in Nigel, Gauteng, operates as both a Tier 1 and 2 supplier in the automotive industry. Malben Engineering is a manufacturer and assembler, with products and services including metal pressings, welded parts, assemblies, electroplating, powder coating and e-coating of components.

The company has a Level 4 B-BBEE rating and is IATF 16949:2016, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, MMOG Compliant (100%), CQI-15 Compliant and Ford Q1 (since 2006) accredited.

View the company profile here: https://lnkd.in/diJtAjri

: NAACAM member 𝗔𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 has a vacancy for a Financial Planning & Analysis Controller at their Cape Town plant in Western Cape Province.

The qualifying candidate will be responsible for analysing financial information and implementing effective strategies to enhance overall business.

Other responsibilities will include but not limited to:

· Analysis comparing actual financial results with the budget and forecast results
· Design new reporting models with process-driven continuous improvement methodology
· Identify key factors that contributed to favourable or unfavourable variances, could include changes in market conditions, pricing dynamics, cost fluctuations, unexpected events
· Developing accurate financial forecasts by analysing historical data, market trends etc.
· Utilise financial software and tools to streamline processes, enhance accuracy, and optimise efficiency

Position requirements and Qualification requirements:
· Qualified Charted Accountant (CA SA), CPA, CIMA, ACCA
· 7 years relevant experience in FP&A or Accounting or related field
· Big 4 Post Articles Experience will be advantageous
· Experience developing financial reports and metrics
· Experience in manufacturing industry

Should you meet the requirements for this position, please email your word document CV to [email protected]

Atlantis Foundries, whose main shareholder is Daimler Truck AG, hosts one of Africa’s largest Foundry Operations. They are a proudly South African company with a claim to fame of the constant supply of good quality heavy duty engine blocks for the automotive export market.

: Last week 𝗡𝗔𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗠 met the 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗘𝗡 𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗟𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗗 management team and were hosted on a tour of their three plants based in Nigel. The family-owned company, which is proudly South African but with a strong Italian heritage is celebrating its 50th year of operations.

Specialising in metal pressing, welding and coating, the BBBEE level 4 and Ford Q1-rated company is currently producing close on 250 different products for the OEM market, including chassis components, side sills and back panels.

Most recently, on the back of the new Ford P703 Ranger, Malben has made a greenfield investment into an additional plant with 5 new press machines including the first TROG tool in the country which helps the company improve their material yield percentage.

Having toured the facilities, NAACAM CEO, Renai Moothilal, remarked “Malben is a prime example of the world class capability of South African automotive component suppliers. The recent investments including the establishment of a new plant and expanded tool room capabilities is testament to their commitment to invest in their operations and support greater levels of local value addition in line with the SA Automotive Masterplan objectives. We hope this results in an even greater exposure for Malben in domestic and global OEM markets.” https://naacam.org.za/naacam-visits-malben-engineering-limited-facilities/

: NAACAM hosted the first regional meeting and networking event of 2024 in Gqeberha on Thursday. With Old Mutual Limited as the event partner, the meeting had strong attendance by approximately 50 senior leaders of manufacturing and associate members based in Gqeberha / Kariega.

Starting off the informative morning, Prof Ndletyana provided the keynote address, presenting his thoughts on the national and regional political outlook in the run up to the national elections in May. This was followed by presentations from Old Mutual on their service offerings for the sector including SMEgo and the Masisizane Fund.

Concluding the agenda, NAACAM Head of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Beth Dealtry, provided an update on the activities and projects undertaken by NAACAM to firmly position component manufacturing at the centre of the local automotive industry development.

Following the morning’s activities, NAACAM and numerous members had great fun participating in the DG Capital Bowl’s Day in aid of Community Chest, a local charity organisation.

NAACAM extends its thanks to Old Mutual Limited and DG Capital for the support in hosting the successful event and to all NAACAM members who joined us.

NAACAM will ensure such regional events are delivered across all main automotive regions through the year and looks forward to continued value-driven engagements with members.

Congratulations MAXE on this great achievement. This award is a testament that the components industry in South Africa is a producer of world-class quality components.

Yay, we did it again!

MAXE has added to its cabinet of trophies by winning the runner up trophy in the Conversions and Accessories category.

We are so proud to be recognized again!

Thank you to the entire MAXE team for your contributions and efforts in ensuring that MAXE is recognized.

: 𝐍𝐀𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐌 would like to recognise and commend 𝐓𝐨𝐲𝐨𝐭𝐚 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚’s strong, productive partnership with the local supplier base, and also extend the association’s congratulations to members who were awarded at yesterday’s Toyota SA Annual Business Meeting and Supplier Awards 2024

The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has been a long-standing champion of localisation and these awards offered the opportunity to celebrate this and the vital contribution of local suppliers towards Toyota SA’s success.

Of note were the efforts of 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 with its Managing Director, Selvin Konar, accepting 5 supplier awards on behalf of this 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 subsidiary. Other multiple awardees included 𝗠𝗦𝗦𝗟 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗦𝗔 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗧𝗼𝘆𝗼𝘁𝗮 𝗕𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗸𝘂 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮, 𝗥𝗮𝗺𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 and 𝗔𝗟𝗚𝗢𝗔 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗨𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗥𝗦.

Speaking at the event NAACAM CEO, 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐢 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐥, applauded the achievements of component manufacturers and reaffirmed that “the SA supplier base is ready for the transition to NEV production and committed to continuing to support OEMs in this transition. The long-term production ecosystem including industrial policy needs to ensure that high value localization opportunities in the NEV space must happen in SA to prevent the country becoming a producer of lower value components only.”

NAACAM component manufacturers awarded on the day included: 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘃, 𝗕𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗮 (𝗣𝗧𝗬) 𝗟𝘁𝗱, 𝗟&𝗝 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀, 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗢𝗺𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮, 𝗙𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗲𝘅 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗺, 𝗛𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀, 𝗠𝗮𝘅𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗧𝗼𝘆𝗼𝘁𝗮 𝗧𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗼 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮, 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮, 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱, 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝟰, 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮, 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘆

: NAACAM congratulates 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝗸𝘀𝘄𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 on its announcement of a R4 billion investment in its manufacturing plant in Kariega to support the production of a third model at the facility.

Speaking at the announcement, Martina Biene Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa, reiterated the company’s commitment to South Africa and noted that not only is the announcement a vote of confidence in the future of the plant but it will also futureproof jobs both within Volkswagen and within the supplier network. The investment will primarily be spent on the production facilities, manufacturing tooling, local content tooling and quality assurance.

Localisation will remain a priority for Volkswagen, with the new model aiming to achieve and grow from approximately 40% local content. The existing Polo and Vivo models are currently achieving local content levels of respectively 46% and 58%.

NAACAM CEO, Renai Moothilal congratulated Volkswagen and welcomed the investment and announcement of a third model, reflecting, “This investment is a firm display of Volkswagen’s commitment to the country and confidence in the local supplier base. NAACAM and its members look forward to continuing to work with the Volkswagen team to drive localisation and the further development of the domestic automotive industry.” Volkswagen

: NAACAM welcomes Sondor Performance Foams, who joined the Association as a Manufacturing Member. Established in 1948 and operating Nationally, with the factory in Parow Industria, Cape Town, and branches in Sebenza - Gauteng, New Germany – KZN and Deal Party - Gqeberha, the company is a leading manufacturer, converter & exporter of closed cell expanded polyethene & EVA foam in Africa. They also offer technical solutions for a broad range of sealing, insulation and buoyancy applications.

Sondor's products are CFC and HCFC free and the company complies with international standards, including - where applicable: ISO 9001 or ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.

View the company profile here: https://naacam.org.za/member/sondor-performance-foams/

: NAACAM is pleased to announce that 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝐓𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐒𝐀 has joined the Association as a Manufacturing Member. The company, located in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is a 100% black female owned small business enterprise that has been in operation since 2005.

𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝐓𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐒𝐀 are Foam converters and manufacturers of pressure sensitive adhesives, used for broad spectrum of sealing and insulation. The company is currently servicing the automotive, construction, mining and various other industries.

View the company profile here: https://naacam.org.za/member/enermous-foamtapes-and-psa/

This is an opportunity for Tier 2 and Tier 3 component manufacturers based in the Eastern Cape to test their products via eNtsa.

eNtsa’s Automotive Localisation Testing (ALT) programme offers product & material testing of manufactured components/sub-assemblies produced by local SMEs, Tier 2, and Tier 3 automotive suppliers.

The programme is aligned with the National sectoral masterplan (SAAM 2035) with the core focus being local market optimisation and regional market development. The extensive range of testing capabilities aims to validate product quality adherence and evaluate material/design performance.

South African Automotive component manufacturers that meet the criteria are invited to submit their proposed testing requirements via the programme link (below).

https://ow.ly/O04s50R3SmC

Application closing date has been extended to 15 April 2024!

NAACAM and its members were out in support of the second Black Industrialist and Exporters Conference hosted by the The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition South Africa (The Dtic).

Taking place on the eve of Human Rights Day and 30 years since South Africa became a democracy, the event was a celebration of the significant strides taken by Black industrialists over the past 30 years.

The exhibition had NAACAM members Batyi Automotive Component Supply-BACS, Enermous, Fez. Simplicity, Steelbest and Thekwini Wire showcasing their capabilities, while a highlight of the conference were pledges made by industries for procurement from black owned over the coming years. NAACAM CEO Renai Moothilal represented several large component companies as part of a combined automotive and rail industry pledge of approximately R23 billion. Total conference pledges amounted to R261.6 billion.

The conference provided a platform to discuss what needs to be done to support greater numbers of black industrialist thrive in South African industries and contribute to the country’s economic growth. Market access was reflected as being a critical element to this. NAACAM is committed to continuing to work with industry stakeholders to support transformation in the automotive component industry through a range of supplier development and scorecard enhancing measures. One such measure is the partnership with AITF, which will create both funding and market access opportunities for black industrialists.

: NAACAM Project Manager, Lebalang Molobele, recently delivered the keynote address, “Bridging the gap: Skills Programmes and the Labour Market”, at the merSETA Social Gauteng Stakeholder Breakfast Engagement Session.

The address focused on the current skills landscape within the automotive component manufacturing industry and what is required to enhance the skill profile of the sector to align with industry needs and international standards.

Research undertaken by NAACAM has highlighted that existing skills gaps present a significant barrier to localisation and sector growth. The establishment of a demand-driven TVET curriculum that creates a sustainable pipeline of well-skilled graduates entering the industry is thus essential to unlock localisation and foster economic growth, increased innovation, higher levels of employment and ultimately, increased social equality.

To do this, Lebalang highlighted 8 fundamental areas for further attention:
1. Improved industry alignment
2. Flexible curricula that can quickly adapt to market changes
3. Increased work-based learning to increase practical exposure
4. Foster partnerships between key stakeholders to develop comprehensive skills development initiatives
5. Provide career guidance to support individuals identify their strengths and passions and drive interest in component manufacturing
6. Improve soft skill development
7. Establish targeted support programs for underrepresented groups
8. Continuously evaluate skills programmes to ensure areas for improvements are identified

Concluding her address, Lebalang noted, “Failing to bridge the gap between skills programs and the labour market can have far-reaching consequences for individuals, businesses, and society as a whole. It is therefore essential to prioritize efforts to ensure that education and training programs align with the needs of the workforce and economy.”

NAACAM continues to be a valued partner to the merSETA.

: Yesterday NAACAM CEO, Renai Moothilal and Head of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Beth Dealtry attended the Nedbank Manufacturing Client Appreciation picnic.

The event showcased Nedbank’s strong relationship with the South African automotive component manufacturing sector and provided an opportunity to engage on ways NAACAM and Nedbank can collaborate to provide further innovative support and solutions for the sector.

The NAACAM team also had a chance to catch up with Tapiwa Samanga, Group CEO of Production Technologies Association of South Africa (PtSA) at the event and discuss the importance of the South African automotive component and tooling sectors in driving industrialisation and economic growth in the country.

: Recently, Renai Moothilal, NAACAM Executive Director, attended the unveiling of manufacturing member, 𝐈𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐬’ production facility in the OR Tambo Special Economic Zone. The Black owned Platinum Group Metal (PGM) technology company will be the first industrial scale membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) and PGM catalyst manufacturer for fuel cells and electrolysers in South Africa. The facility will have the capability of producing 18 million automotive PGM coated MEAs and 14 600kg of catalysts per year.

Commenting on the recent launch, Renai applauded the investment and commitment of Isondo Precious Metals, stating, “This marks a significant step towards the development of a local hydrogen economy in alignment with visions set out in the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) White Paper and Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy which both highlight the significant opportunities within the hydrogen economy, and specifically, fuel cell manufacturing, to drive localisation, mineral beneficiation and increased levels of industrialisation in SA.”

To support this localisation, NAACAM and Isondo will be partnering on a future-led skills development project aimed at equipping engineers with the relevant skills required for a thriving South African hydrogen fuel cell industry.

Isondo’s value proposition also includes the upcoming deployment of hydrogen into refuelling stations in Gauteng and the recycling of PGMs.