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Alexandra Automotive Hub opens to link township mechanics to industry

Published

Gauteng MEC for economy and agriculture Vuyiswa Ramokgopa spoke at the launch of the hub on Thursday. The province said it has identified 30 nodes for automotive hubs across Gauteng.

Ramokgopa said the automotive sector contributed about 2.1% of South Africa's GDP and employed approximately 300,000 people nationally. She said the facility is "the beginning of the journey that will see the township take its rightful place in the automotive space".

Andile Africa, chief executive of the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), said the hub aims to professionalise the informal automotive sector. He said it will also strengthen existing businesses and offer skills development.

Eugene, a representative of the hub, said it gives experienced mechanics a chance to pass skills to the younger generation. The hub has 17 workshop rentals.

Nomoya Mnisi, the City of Johannesburg MMC for economic development, said the project could connect local businesses with industry partners, training institutions and potential investors.

Key facts

Who
Vuyiswa Ramokgopa (Gauteng MEC for economy and agriculture); Andile Africa (chief executive of the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC)); Eugene (representative of the Alexandra Automotive Hub); Nomoya Mnisi (City of Johannesburg MMC for economic development)
What
Gauteng MEC for economy and agriculture Vuyiswa Ramokgopa spoke at the launch of the Alexandra Automotive Hub, which aims to bring township automotive businesses into the mainstream industry. The province said it has identified 30 nodes for automotive hubs.
When
22 October 2026
Where
Alexandra, Gauteng, Johannesburg
Status
Reported

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