AIDC-EC and RMI Partner to Fortify the Eastern Cape Automotive Aftermarket Ecosystem

The province of the Eastern Cape is South Africa’s automotive powerhouse, but the future of the economy does not live solely on the assembly line, it lives in the local workshops and small businesses that keep the Eastern Cape moving.

As a strategic industry move last week, the AIDC-EC and the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) came together to solidify a strategic partnership aimed at transforming the Eastern Cape local Aftermarket sector. As the largest employer in the automotive value chain, the Aftermarket is the key to resilient job creation and sustainable economic growth.

Key Focus Areas of the Collaboration were discussed and the focus was on:

• Ensuring compliance with industry automotive industry standards and OHS compliance, as per the OHS Act 85 of 1993

• Discussions around launching a unified Skills Programme, Apprenticeship Programme, and ARPL (Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning) to certify and upskill local mechanics.

• Implementing an e-mobility skills model that features both online and technical face-to-face training to prepare the automotive sector for the shift towards electric vehicles.

• Partnering to provide training, mentorship, and operational capacitation for SMMEs, specifically targeting the support of 300 Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs) SMMEs in the province over the next three years.

• Aligning with the South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM) 2035, to include supporting SMMEs in the aftermarket industry.

• Assisting informal businesses in registering with CIPC, SARS, and MIBCO to bridge the gap toward becoming accredited RMI members.

• Ensuring ongoing incubation of new RMI members to ensure compliance and maintenance of standards in vehicle repair and maintenance.

"The challenges facing the Eastern Cape automotive landscape are unique, and they demand a tailored approach that addresses their specific provincial needs while driving national transformation goals," noted the AIDC-EC CEO, Mr Thabo Shenxane.

The synergy between industrial development and the retail sector is non-negotiable. By aligning AIDC-EC and RMI objectives, we ensure the entire automotive lifecycle, from the factory floor to the local workshop, is robust, innovative, and inclusive.

The next phase of this strategic partnership involves a high-level consultative workshop hosted at the RMI offices. This session is dedicated to finalising a sustainable funding model and a comprehensive implementation plan designed to advance our shared vision for the sector.

By formalising these collaborative frameworks, the AIDC-EC and RMI are ensuring that the Eastern Cape’s automotive ecosystem remains a robust, inclusive driver of regional economic growth.