The Transformative Automotive Cluster South Africa (TACSA) proudly announces the launch of its pilot project dedicated to transforming informal workshops into fully functional automotive service centres in South African townships.

This landmark event aims to address the critical skills shortage in the township automotive aftermarket sector, thereby driving economic growth and improving service quality.

Opening Remarks by Mr. Vusi Thubane, CEO of TACSA

Mr. Vusi Thubane, CEO of TACSA, inaugurated the event with a compelling speech on the project’s objectives. He emphasized the need for a responsive skills initiative that advances employment, industrialisation, economic participation, and trade and investment in villages and townships. Mr. Thubane highlighted TACSA's commitment to collaborating with newly formed ministries to tackle skills shortages and other key challenges faced by small to medium businesses in the automotive aftermarket sector.

“The automotive sector is one of the country’s largest economic contributors, accounting for 43% of the GDP. However, we face a critical shortage of skilled technicians,” Mr. Thubane stated. “Today marks the beginning of a transformative journey as we lay the cornerstone for the Gauteng Automotive Township Economy (GATE).”

Addressing the Skills Shortage and Industry Challenges

Mr. Thubane highlighted the sector's need for advanced technical skills, particularly for Internal Combustion Engine and New Energy Vehicles. With 46% of mechanics working informally, there is a pressing need to formalize these roles to ensure safety, quality, and economic stability. He emphasised the chronic shortage of skilled diagnostic technicians and the lack of state-of-the-art equipment in township workshops, which limits the ability of even the most skilled mechanics to provide top-notch service.

“In many townships, residents rely heavily on their vehicles. Yet, finding skilled diagnostic and fault-finding technicians and adequately equipped repair facilities remains a significant challenge,” Mr. Thubane explained. “Our initiative aims to change that by providing advanced training programs and the necessary tools to township mechanics.”

Keynote Speech by Mr. Matale from MGT Auto Care

Mr. Matale from MGT Auto Care shared his personal journey, highlighting the difficulties he faced in securing funding when starting his workshop in 1985. Despite years of dedication and building a solid financial record, he was still declined funding even up until 2005. This experience fuelled his commitment to TACSA's mission.

“We all have a purpose in our lives,” Mr. Matale said. “I might not see the full realization of this project in my lifetime, but starting this process ensures that the next generation can achieve what we could not. That makes my life worth every second.”

Supporting Township Mechanics: A Vision for the Future

Mr. Hardwick from WorkshopPro addressed the challenges faced by township mechanics due to limited access to correct automotive repair and maintenance information. This lack of access often results in poor-quality repairs and a tarnished reputation for township mechanics.

“We support TACSA to not only upskill township mechanics but to also increase the quality of repairs on even the most advanced vehicles,” Mr. Hardwick stated. “By keeping the flow of money within the townships, we aim to create micro-economies that benefit the entire community.”

Mr. Hardwick then demonstrated an advanced but common electrical fault on the VW Golf 7, showcasing how mechanics can easily diagnose and repair it using HaynesPro WorkshopData. He announced that multiple township workshops would be provided with the HaynesPro system as part of the pilot project, with the aim of monitoring their development and replicating success across other workshops in the TACSA project.

A Day of Celebration and Collaboration

The launch event was a celebration of collaboration, with government representatives, funders, policymakers, and academia coming together to support this transformative initiative. Various guest speakers expressed their excitement and commitment to the success of the TACSA pilot project.

The TACSA pilot project marks a significant step towards elevating the township automotive sector, ensuring that skilled mechanics have the training and tools needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. As the project unfolds, it promises to bring economic growth, improved service quality, and a brighter future for South African townships.