The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (Tasez) in Silverton is currently a hive of activity as construction companies race to meet the June 2021 deadline to complete the zone.
Once complete, Tasez, which is strategically situated next to Ford’s headquarters in Silverton, will house a number of automotive component manufacturers who will supply parts to Ford Motor Company South Africa (FMCSA).
Launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in November 2019, the R4.3-billion project brings together the department of trade, industry and competition (the dtic), Gauteng provincial government and the City of Tshwane in partnership with the private sector through Ford.
The multi-layered partnership is set to boost FMCSA’s ambition to become the world’s largest Ranger pickup plant.
Situated between the townships of Mamelodi and Nellmapius, Tasez forms part of government’s automotive masterplan that is geared to shape Tshwane as a smart city, while creating much-needed jobs through the automotive industry.
Speaking to SAnews on Thursday, the dtic’s deputy director general for SEZs, Sipho Zikode, said the project demonstrated what was achievable when public and private partners collaborated for a bigger purpose.
