Yasmin Bilal
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says Chery International’s acquisition of a vehicle assembly plant in Rosslyn, Tshwane, is expected to strengthen the country’s automotive industry, create jobs and attract further investment.
Addressing guests at the Chery International Factory Acquisition Celebration today, Mashatile said the investment reflected growing confidence in the country’s manufacturing sector and long-term economic prospects.
“This moment stands as a living testament to the confidence in our nation’s future,” Mashatile said. “It is a testament to our participation in and shaping of global industrialisation with resilience, vision and shared purpose.”
Mashatile said Rosslyn has long been one of the country’s key automotive manufacturing hubs. He recalled the government’s intervention when concerns emerged over the possible closure of BMW’s operations in the area.
“That experience remains a reminder that government must be close to industry, close to workers and close to communities when the future of production and jobs is at stake,” he said.
The Deputy President said Chery’s investment was about more than producing vehicles.
“This milestone is not only about vehicles on our roads but about livelihoods, knowledge and renewal that fuel our nation’s developmental journey,” he said.
Mashatile said the factory would create opportunities for communities surrounding Rosslyn, including Mamelodi, Nellmapius, Eersterust, Mabopane, Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa and Hammanskraal.
“This factory is therefore a beacon of hope, skills and future opportunities for the youth of Mabopane, Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa and Hammanskraal,” he said.
He said government welcomed the investment because it would help root industrialisation in local communities and create opportunities where they are needed most.
“Government welcomes this investment precisely because it offers the possibility for industrialisation to be rooted in local communities, for jobs to be created where they are most needed, and for young South Africans to see themselves not only as workers but as owners, innovators and leaders in the automotive sector,” Mashatile said.
The Deputy President urged the manufacturer to work closely with local suppliers, particularly youth-owned businesses.
“We must ensure that local suppliers receive capacity building, mentorship and market access. We should provide opportunities for youth-owned enterprises to participate in logistics, components, services and technology,” he said.
Mashatile said stronger localisation would expand supply chains, create more jobs and ensure the benefits of investment extend beyond the factory floor.
He also stressed the importance of preparing the automotive sector for the transition to new energy vehicles.
“We stand to lose important export markets by 2035 if there isn’t a transition,” Mashatile said. He added that Chery was already leading the shift in Africa by offering new energy vehicle options.
The Deputy President said government remained committed to creating an environment that encourages investment while protecting local manufacturing.
“South Africa is open for investment, ready for innovation, and committed to building an economy that offers opportunities for all,” Mashatile said.
He said the success of the Rosslyn plant should ultimately be measured by the opportunities it creates for nearby communities.
“The Chery Rosslyn Plant must not only be about the vehicles that roll off its production line but also about the lives it touches and transforms in the communities nearby and South Africa as a whole,” he said.