Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) has boarded on a landmark Public-Private partnership with Local, Provincial and National Government, to enable the establishment of Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (SEZ), nearby Ford’s Silverton Vehicle Assembly Plant in Pretoria.
The Tshwane Automotive SEZ is a major automotive parts supplier industrial park that will perform a major role in strengthening advance investment and job creation in the local economy. It will also be influential in enabling future development opportunities for Ford’s local operations.
Neale Hill, Managing director of Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa said, “The launch of the Tshwane Automotive SEZ is a ground-breaking achievement following 5 years of commitment between the Government and Ford Motor Company and, precisely the Department of Trade and Industry,”
“It is an outstandingly proud moment for Ford to partner with South African Government in the establishment and development of the Tshwane Automotive SEZ, as an provider for economic expansion for the Gauteng Province, City of Tshwane and the neighboring communities.
Hill added, “The public-private partnership amongst all three domains of Government and the private sector is essential to drive development in the automotive industry, to generate more jobs and to boost the economy. The Government’s new region-based model for Special Economic Zones is an imperative new tool to attract domestic and international deal, which will help businesses grow and to become more competitive on a global scale,”
“This thrilling new project bear witness to Ford’s ongoing commitment to South Africa as one of the country’s largest manufacturer of original vehicle equipment, in addition to that of key supplier companies that are essential devices in the wheel as we run towards making a brighter and more successful future. It is only by Government, Industry and Communities working in unity, that we can create these opportunities and accomplish our true potential.”
While the Department of Trade and Industry is the key patron, and is in charge for all ten SEZs in South Africa, the Tshwane Automotive SEZ is a partnership on a provincial level with the Gauteng Province. The Automotive Industry Development Centre and the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, has been chosen the operating company for this SEZ. On a local Government level, the project has associated with the City of Tshwane and the Tshwane Economic Development Agency (TEDA).
As an addition of the Gauteng Province’s superior OR Tambo Special Economic Zone, the Tshwane Automotive SEZ is designed at driving investment in the City of Tshwane, helping the economic progress of neighboring communities and, eventually, becoming a world-class Automotive Manufacturing Hub.
