Dozens of highly spirited learners and tertiary students descended to Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) Rossyln, Tshwane to attend Youth Stakeholder Engagement arranged by the Gauteng Department of Economic Development in collaboration with the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC.
This is the same department tasked with the mandate to facilitate, promote and develop economic growth in the Gauteng City Region.
This is done with a targeted commitment to focus on enhancing inclusivity in the economy, whilst not neglecting to improve its competitiveness.
The Department has two main areas of responsibility; it is tasked with ensuring that the right environmental framework and initiatives are put in place to foster economic growth and job creation in the province.
Secondly, it is responsible for ensuring that sound financial management policies and structures are in place. These responsibilities are grouped within the following functions: • Administration • Business Regulation and Governance • Economic Planning.
THE DEPARTMENT’S VISION AMONG OTHER THINGS IS TO PUSH.
A radically transformed, modernised and re-industrialised economy, manifesting decent work, economic inclusion and equity in the region.
The Department’s Head Honcho, Lebogang Maile delivered a keynote address before embarking on an inspection in loco.
“The automotive industry is one of South Africa’s industrial policy success stories and it is central to our reindustrialisation strategy,” said MEC Maile. “We must ensure young people are not left behind, but rather positioned at the forefront of this sector’s ongoing transformation.”
The MEC also highlighted the strategic importance of the Tshwane Automotive City (TAC), spearheaded by the AIDC, as a game-changing project that integrates logistics, production, and skills development into a cohesive and competitive ecosystem. This model, he explained, creates jobs while also enhancing South Africa’s export performance and regional trade.
“Young people must not see this industry as closed off. We need their energy, creativity, and skills to help us transition into green automotive technologies and digital innovation. The future of this sector depends on how well we equip and include them,” said Maile
Speaking at the engagement, AIDC CEO Mr Andile Africa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to youth empowerment. “The AIDC believes that investing in the youth is investing in the sustainability of the sector. Our training facilities and enterprise development programmes are designed to provide young people with the tools they need to succeed, not just as employees, but also as entrepreneurs and industry leaders.”
INFO SUPPLIED.
.
