The Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC) has made significant strides in uplifting Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the automotive aftermarket. With a target to empower 300 SMMEs by 2027, this initiative aligns with the provincial government's mandate delivered in the 2023/24 SOPA address.
In bridging the gap, the AIDC-EC's GAP Analysis process identified key challenges hindering SMME growth. To address these, the organisation has:
- Conducted GAP Assessments across 7 districts in the Eastern Cape province
- Provided Occupational Health and Safety Assessments
- Offered technical skills training to 300 automotive SMMEs, and
- Collaborated with Local Economic Development units for municipal by-law compliance
During the 4th Gap Analysis exercise conducted in June this year, following the 4th Call for Expression of Interest, the AIDC-EC visited Siyaphumelela Business Consultancy situated in Engcobo under Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality, owned by a young, dynamic entrepreneur, Mr Zolani Faleni, who primarily renders services to local community members and fixes broken-down vehicles between Umtata, Cofimvaba and Elliot.
This relentless pursuit for economic participation is dealt with by a myriad of challenges that hinder competitiveness, growth, a trust barrier between citizenry and government, and network connectivity constraints. Notwithstanding structural challenges, many lack a basic functional workshop space. Lack of information about existing and relevant automotive support programmes was also cited as the challenge by some SMMEs during the 4th Gap Analysis roadshow.
To address these challenges, the AIDC-EC is:
- Partnering with automotive sector and related industry partners to provide tools and strategies
- Building Automotive Hubs for multiple businesses for multiple businesses that will contribute towards sector transformation
- The 5th Gap Analysis is currently underway in these locations;
• Blue Crane Local Municipality
• Dr Beyers Local Municipality
• Kouga Local Municipality
• Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
- Hosting the 3rd Automotive Aftermarket Franchise Expo and B2B Indaba 2024
In addressing pressing industry issues such as technological disruption, sustainability, brand or reputation building, and skills development for SMMEs, the AIDC-EC will be hosting a 3rd edition of the Automotive Aftermarket Franchise Expo and B2B Indaba 2024 to be held in East London on the 3rd of October 2024.
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