GDED Strengthens Township Automotive Sector Through Skills and Enterprise Development

The Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED) is accelerating inclusive economic growth through its High Impact Partnership Delivery Model, a framework designed to deliver measurable outcomes in priority sectors.

Among these is the automotive industry, a cornerstone of Gauteng’s manufacturing base and a vital contributor to township economies.

Through the Automotive Skills Development Programme, GDED is formalising informal mechanics, strengthening township-based automotive enterprises and opening pathways into the broader automotive value chain. The initiative is implemented in partnership with MNPC and Qualitas Training, ensuring that both business development and accredited technical training are delivered in a structured, outcomes-driven manner.

To date, 78 mechanics have been supported, many of whom previously operated unregistered backyard workshops. Twenty-two participants have already completed MNPC’s business development programme, receiving assistance with compliance, financial management, market linkages and access to funding opportunities. This support was added to the programme despite not being part of the initial deliverables, underscoring GDED’s commitment to holistic enterprise development.

A central pillar of the programme is Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which allows experienced mechanics to convert years of informal experience into accredited qualifications such as the Red Seal. According to Saalim Adamgee, Director at Qualitas Training, certification alone is not enough; training must build understanding, problem-solving and practical competence to meet industry standards.

Beneficiaries have already begun to see tangible benefits. Tshenolo Selete of Tshekzeez Auto in Soweto described the programme as a turning point, enabling him to formalise his business, pursue insurance-related work and work towards RMI accreditation.

The programme has also confronted systemic barriers, including national backlogs in issuing trade test serial numbers. GDED worked with accreditation bodies to resolve these issues, demonstrating a proactive approach to implementation challenges.

Building on Phase One, which focused on mechanics in the southern, western and central corridors, Phase Two will expand to include automotive electricians and diesel mechanics in the northern and eastern regions. It will also support access to the G-Fleet value chain, OEM supply chains and funding mechanisms such as the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller.

Through structured partnerships, targeted skills development and enterprise support, GDED is enabling township automotive businesses to transition from informal operations to competitive, sustainable enterprises—ensuring they play a meaningful role in Gauteng’s evolving industrial landscape.