By Jimmy Zwane
17 October 2025
Pretoria — The Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) is set to open a state-of-the-art training hub in Rosslyn, Pretoria, aimed at equipping South African automotive workers and students with cutting-edge skills in electric and new energy vehicles (NEVs).
The facility, named the Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, is scheduled to launch on 31 October and will be the first of its kind in South Africa, forming part of a major public-private partnership with vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
The initiative is designed to prepare South Africa’s automotive sector for the shift toward electrification, automation, and digitalisation—a move seen as essential for the country to remain competitive in the global automotive market.
“We are setting up the first technology centre focused on new energy vehicles. It’s a major step forward for the local industry,” said Asanda Mzinyati, AIDC’s Head of Business Development, during a CNBC Africa webinar on Transport Infrastructure Development in Gauteng.
A Centre Built for the Future of Work
Previously, AIDC’s learning programmes focused primarily on traditional automotive trades, including motor and diesel mechanics, panel beating, spray painting, and auto-electrical training. But with the global pivot toward electric vehicles (EVs), the new centre will shift its focus to training in EV systems, battery technology, charging infrastructure, and mechatronics.
“This centre is our response to evolving technologies. OEMs will be embedded in our facility, running skills transfer workshops and training sessions. They are the experts in this space, and we’re bringing that expertise directly into our ecosystem,” Mzinyati added.
Backed by Local and International Partners
The AIDC, a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), is spearheading this project as part of its mandate to drive growth, investment, and skills development in the province’s automotive sector.
It has partnered with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to incorporate Japanese best practices in vehicle productivity and manufacturing efficiency into the programme.
“We’ve teamed up with JICA to benefit from Japan’s global leadership in EV production and efficiency. These are the kinds of partnerships that will bring us in line with international standards,” said Mzinyati.
Bridging South Africa’s Automotive Skills Gap
The announcement comes amid growing concern over the skills deficit in South Africa’s automotive industry. A recent study by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) identified the lack of qualified workers in fields such as mechatronics, battery systems, and EV infrastructure as a major barrier to NEV adoption and local manufacturing.
Mzinyati stressed that without urgent upskilling, South Africa risks falling behind as the global industry transitions toward green, smart mobility.
“We’re heading into a future dominated by NEVs, but we don’t yet have the skills base to maintain, assemble, or manufacture these vehicles at scale,” he said. “This centre is designed to close that gap.”
Government Response and National Integration
To complement industry efforts, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is working with TVET colleges across the country to integrate electric vehicle and clean energy training into their curriculums, ensuring alignment between post-school education and industry needs.
The new Rosslyn facility is expected to serve as a national benchmark for other automotive training programmes, supporting South Africa’s broader goals of industrial modernisation, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
Jimmy Zwane reports on education, innovation, and the future of work in South Africa.
