- CEO Breakfast held on fair’s opening day.
- Focus on localisation, skills, investment and trade.
- R107.5 billion in parts imports during 2025.
- Automotive Incubator Highway plan announced.
- Show runs until 29 October in Midrand.
Industry leaders, government representatives and development partners called for coordinated action on localisation, skills, investment and African trade at a CEO Breakfast held on the opening day of the Automechanika Johannesburg trade fair. Sponsored by Nedbank and hosted by Messe Frankfurt South Africa, the gathering examined how the automotive aftermarket can strengthen industrial competitiveness, widen economic participation and sustain affordable, safe mobility.
Township mechanics and parts imports
Programme director Victor Radebe spoke for small businesses and township mechanics, calling for skills development so they can service newer vehicles. “It’s about the 13 million cars that are on the road,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition John Steenhuisen described the aftermarket as central to localisation, regional exports, road safety and circularity. Citing R107.5 billion in replacement parts imports during 2025, he said: “Localisation must extend beyond the factory gate.”
Investment and inclusion in the aftermarket
Sthembiso Dlamini, CEO of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, highlighted the Alexandra Automotive Hub and invited businesses to bring forward expansion plans. Sentle Mokalanyane of the Automotive Industry Transformation Fund called for stronger pathways for Black-owned enterprises, linking finance with skills, equipment, certification and contracts.
Research presented by Siyabonga Mthembu, a partner at BDO, covered shifting global production, growing Chinese brands and the country’s ageing vehicle fleet. Nedbank’s Takatso Sello urged faster implementation and coordinated financing to protect manufacturing competitiveness.
Technology, safety and African trade links
Greg Cress of Accenture South Africa outlined opportunities in electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and battery assembly, along with “AI-enabled artisans” working under human oversight. Duncan Mutengwe of the NRCS explained vehicle approvals and market surveillance, stressing consistent standards for imported and local products, while Automobile Association South Africa CEO Bobby Ramagwede raised concerns about recall transparency and vehicle safety.
Closing proceedings, Messe Frankfurt South Africa managing director Michael Dehn announced plans for an Automotive Incubator Highway connecting African markets and supply chains, inviting governments, associations and companies to take part.
Automechanika Johannesburg dates and registration
Automechanika Johannesburg runs until 29 October at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. Trade visitor passes are free, with registration at app.messereg.com/events/visitor/automechanika-johan2026 and further details at www.automechanikasa.co.za.
Supplied by QuickPic (Automechanika JHB)
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