Gauteng sharpens its manufacturing skills drive with new Centre of Excellence

Gauteng has taken a significant step towards strengthening its industrial skills base with the relaunch of the Gauteng Automotive Learning Centre as the Manufacturing Centre of Excellence.

The facility, based at the Automotive Supplier Park in Rosslyn, was officially relaunched on 16 July 2026 by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. The move forms part of the province’s broader effort to prepare workers, artisans, technicians, unemployed young people and industry professionals for the changing demands of modern manufacturing.

The centre’s expanded focus reflects the rapid transformation taking place across the automotive and manufacturing sectors. Training will now include advanced technical fields such as automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, mechatronics, digital manufacturing and New Energy Vehicle technologies.

According to the Gauteng Provincial Government and the Automotive Industry Development Centre, the upgraded centre is intended to support the province’s ambition to become Africa’s leading hub for advanced manufacturing, industrial innovation and future mobility.

The relaunch also broadens the original mandate of the Gauteng Automotive Learning Centre, which has trained more than 24,631 learners since it opened. While the centre has historically supported the automotive sector, its new role extends across the wider manufacturing industry, with an emphasis on practical, industry-aligned training.

Government leaders at the launch said the centre would play an important role in developing a workforce that can keep pace with global production trends. They also highlighted the importance of building skills that support investment, competitiveness, localisation, supplier development and job creation.

The Manufacturing Centre of Excellence is expected to work closely with industry, technology partners and academic institutions to ensure its programmes remain relevant to the needs of employers. These partnerships are aimed at exposing learners to recognised manufacturing systems and emerging technologies.

A key feature of the relaunch was the donation of an electric vehicle charging station by Volt-Hi. The equipment will support hands-on training in New Energy Vehicle technologies and help prepare learners for the shift towards cleaner mobility.

Volt-Hi chief executive Cathy Shilubana said collaboration between the public and private sectors was essential to advancing South Africa’s industrialisation goals and equipping people with the skills needed for future economic growth.

The relaunched centre is positioned as a long-term investment in Gauteng’s manufacturing future, with a focus on building the technical capabilities required to support industrial expansion and create more sustainable economic opportunities.