South Africa’s new Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) will create more than 8 500 jobs, with up to 70% going to local residents in Mamelodi and surrounding areas, according to the department of trade, industry and competition.
President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the zone last November and it will act as an automotive component supplier industrial park, supporting Ford South Africa’s ambition to become the world’s largest Ford Ranger pick-up plant.
Plans are on track to finish all construction work by next June, director-general of the trade department Lionel October said.
“This project is a game changer and very strategic for all three tiers of government, the City of Tshwane, the Gauteng provincial government and national government,” he said.
“The involvement of Ford Company as a key partner in the project is a massive confidence boost for South Africa.”
The government says its special economic zones program is key to driving the country’s new industrial strategy, aimed at reigniting the ailing economic and unleashing private investment in sectors with high growth potential, including the automotive sector.