AIDC Eastern Cape Strengthens Governance and Strategic Leadership with an Expanded Board Expertise
Monday, 26 October 2026
GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA — As the Eastern Cape positions itself as a key enabler for the local automotive sector to compete globally, the Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC) announces key additions to its Board of Directors, which is tasked with advancing strong governance, institutional integrity, and sustainable industrial growth.
The AIDC-EC welcomes two distinguished industry leaders to its Board: Mr Mikel Mabasa and Mr David Coffey. Their appointments bring proven strategic foresight, deep auto-sector expertise, and international trade capabilities to support the AIDC-EC’s mandate for localised value chain integration, MSME expansion, and supplier development across the Eastern Cape province.
The appointments of Mr Mikel Mabasa and Mr David Coffey complement the AIDC-EC Board's collective expertise, chaired by Mr Pepi Silinga, a seasoned Executive with over 30 years of leadership in infrastructure and economic development, alongside fellow Directors Mr M Tyamzashe, Reverend N Madyibi, and Ms NP Ngonyama.
Together, the six-member Board brings diverse experience across industrial development, corporate governance, financial oversight, strategic leadership, and institutional transformation. This collective leadership capacity positions AIDC-EC to strengthen accountability, restore stakeholder confidence, and advance its mandate of building a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable automotive industry in the Eastern Cape.
Mr Mikel Mabasa is an accomplished automotive industry leader with over 30 years of experience in industrial policy, international trade, investment promotion, and corporate governance. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of naamsa | The Automotive Business Council, playing a leading role in advancing South Africa’s automotive industrialisation agenda, including the South African Automotive Masterplan 2035.
Internationally, he served as a Permanent Council Member of the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA). Currently CEO and Lead Partner of Materi Investment Group, Mr Mabasa chairs AIDC-EC’s Finance, Investment and Projects Committee and serves on its Human Resources, Social and Ethics Committee.
Mr David Coffey brings over 35 years of executive leadership across manufacturing, automotive, and industrial development in South Africa and on the African continent. Having served as CEO of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) from 2020 to 2025 and previously serving as CEO and in leadership roles at major industrial entities including PG Group/Shatterprufe, Bel-Essex Engineering, and Dorbyl Automotive Technologies, Mr Coffey brings tested operational expertise and strategic continental insight. He contributes to AIDC-EC’s governance structures through the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) and the Finance, Investment, and Projects Committee (FIPC).
By combining deep macroeconomic insight, global trade experience, and rigorous financial oversight, the AIDC-EC Board remains focused on providing clear strategic direction and operational integrity. The reinforced leadership structure underscores AIDC-EC’s commitment to transparent public administration, fiscal responsibility, and driving long-term economic inclusion in the Eastern Cape while enabling the Eastern Cape Automotive Sector to become Globally Competitive.
Issued by: Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC)
For media enquiries, please contact: Naziphi Mpokela.
Email: nmpokela@aidcec.co.za
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