THE City of Johannesburg, through its Department of Economic Development, is strengthening the township economy with the launch of the Alexandra Automotive Hub in Region A.
Officially opened by Executive Mayor Dada Morero on Thursday, the facility aims to formalise and grow automotive businesses in Alexandra and surrounding areas by providing dedicated workshops, wash bays, offices and shared support facilities.
Developed by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), the hub is anchored by the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), which will provide technical training, accreditation, business support and links to industry opportunities.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor Morero said the township economy must be recognised as a central driver of South Africa’s economic growth and contribute meaningfully to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
“The township economy is where most of our people work, buy and sell. When we strengthen it, we strengthen Johannesburg.
Our task is to formalise, equip and connect township businesses so that they can grow, create jobs and participate meaningfully in the mainstream economy,” he said, reiterating that the Alexandra Automotive Hub translates the City’s Growth and Development Strategy 2040 into practical action by investing in infrastructure that supports an inclusive, competitive and job-intensive economy.
“Township entrepreneurs must not be excluded from the mainstream economy.
This hub provides a platform for local automotive businesses to access appropriate premises, acquire skills, build credibility and connect with markets.
We want to see businesses progress from informal operations to registered, compliant and certified enterprises that can compete for contracts and service larger clients,” he said.
Morero acknowledged that the project had taken longer than anticipated to complete, but said the City was committed to delivering infrastructure that produces tangible benefits for residents.
He also called on vehicle manufacturers, dealerships, insurers, fleet owners, parts suppliers, banks and development finance institutions to partner with the City by supporting businesses operating at the hub.
“The township economy must be at the centre of our economic development efforts. Johannesburg is open for business and Alexandra is open for business.
We invite the private sector to invest in these businesses, develop local talent and help create sustainable employment opportunities,” Morero added.
Gauteng MEC for Economic Development and Agriculture Vuyiswa Ramokgopa welcomed the facility, describing it as an important step in expanding the province’s automotive industry and creating opportunities for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
“The automotive sector plays a significant role in the provincial economy, with the potential to attract investment, strengthen local supply chains and create employment,” she said.
COJ MMC for Economic Development Nomoya Mnisi said the hub represents an opportunity to turn public investment into practical support for local entrepreneurs, artisans and young people seeking opportunities in the automotive industry.
She said the facility would help local businesses operate in a more structured and sustainable environment while creating opportunities for skills development, workplace exposure and stronger connections with industry partners.
“The automotive sector offers diverse career pathways beyond vehicle repairs, including auto-electrical work, diagnostics, specialised technical services and business ownership.
She said partnerships with training institutions and employers would be important in helping young people translate their skills into sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
AIDC CEO Andile Africa outlined the hub’s business-support model, which prioritises small and emerging automotive enterprises and seeks to connect them with technical expertise, operational support and market opportunities.
“The model is intended to help participating businesses improve their operations, strengthen their business management capabilities and access opportunities within the wider automotive value chain,” said Africa.
The hub will also promote the participation of women, young people and persons with disabilities, supporting the City’s commitment to inclusive economic development.
Located within the Alexandra, Marlboro and Wynberg economic corridor, the facility has the potential to strengthen links between township enterprises and established commercial and industrial centres, including Sandton.
The launch forms part of the City’s broader efforts to advance township economic development, support local enterprise and create an environment in which businesses can grow and contribute to Johannesburg’s economy.
Image supplied (CoJ Mayor Dada Morero and Vuyiswa Ramokgopa GP MEC for Economic Development, recorded unveiling the Alexandra Automotive Hub, on Thursday, in Alex.)
