The Eastern Cape's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited at the Automotive Aftermarket Franchise Development Expo & B2B Indaba 2024, held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in East London on 3rd October. Hosted by the Automotive Industry Development Centre Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC), this flagship event brought together trailblazers and thought leaders to explore innovative solutions and catalyse growth in the automotive sector.
A Call to Action from the Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane in his powerful keynote address emphasised the province's commitment to revitalising and growing the automotive sector. "This year we celebrate 100 years of automotive engineering, 100 years of building and exporting vehicles, with established global linkages and thousands of people employed by the automotive sector”.
The Premier highlighted the significance of platforms like the Automotive Aftermarket Franchise Development Expo & B2B Indaba in equipping stakeholders for the future. "We must support SMMEs, the backbone of the aftermarket industry, providing essential services, generating employment, and driving innovation".
The address paved the way for meaningful conversations and connections among attendees. As the curtains closed one thing was clear: meaningful relations were established from networking sessions, sitting through presentations and panel discussions. From Panel to Partnership: The event fuelled seamless connections as it saw two businessmen who were panelists now establishing a partnership.
Khaya Madiba, Director at Gehring Engineering with valuable expertise in production industries including the automotive sector, both manufacturing and aftermarket, as well as Titus Cetywayo, with specialty expertise in auto repair and towing services synergised in entrepreneurial spirit like a house engulfed on fire forming a business alliance.
“By virtue of us meeting here today it became imminent that we must have a chat. We are deliberately trying to do more black-on-black business, and the services that our business offer respectively, we wish to bring them out of East London. Ghering Engineering wants to ensure that it services the Komani area, while Komani Automotive gets to service the East London area. This collaboration aligns with our business expansion plans”.
Cetywayo emphasised his desire to keep Eastern Cape money circulating within the province.
‘’We want to trade amongst Eastern Cape businesses so we can alleviate these staggering levels of poverty in our communities. Through this collaboration we will make use of resources at our disposal to benefit others as well’’.
This year’s Expo & B2B Indaba was Powered by ABSA with a financial contribution and business development support to 3 lucky SMMEs who were in attendance. Winners came from three major SMME categories that were pre-evaluated and assessed through a Gap Analysis Process by the AIDC-EC Aftermarket Support Programme.
A rural based business, youth owned business and a women-owned business. MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs & Tourism, Ms Nonkqubela Pieters did the honours and presented the prize for a women-owned and further closed the Expo & B2B Indaba 2024 on a very high note.
The Automotive Aftermarket Franchise Development Expo & B2B Indaba 2024 demonstrated AIDC-EC's dedication to:
· Fostering innovation and adaptation in the automotive sector
· Supporting SMME growth and development
· Promoting economic transformation and inclusivity
Stay updated on AIDC-EC's initiatives and events aimed at driving growth and development in the Eastern Cape's automotive sector – follow us on our platforms.
LinkedIn: @AIDC Eastern Cape and on our website at: Www.aidcec.co.za
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