The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competitiveness concluded its inspection visit to the Eastern Cape Province's industrial sectors, which contribute to industrial growth and job creation.
On Thursday, 19 and Friday, 20 March 2026, the Committee visited the East London Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) as well as the Mercedes-Benz South Africa plant in East London.
The visit is part of Parliament's broader focus on strengthening South Africa's manufacturing sector to ensure that industrial growth spreads beyond the major economic centres.
The Committee welcomed the progress made in the IDZ, particularly the work of its Science and Technology Park in fostering innovation, promoting entrepreneurs, particularly small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), and developing the skills needed in the digital economy and renewable energy sector in the Eastern Cape. The Committee noted IDZ's efforts in youth training, entrepreneurship and creating employment opportunities.
The Eastern Cape remains an important hub for South Africa's automotive industry. As part of its two-day visit to East London, the committee engaged stakeholders in the automotive industry such as Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Ebor and Voestalpine. Collectively, the industry has made significant contributions to component localisation, skill development, employment generation and community development.
The industry raised concerns about the provision of reliable and affordable power and water, the efficiency and reliability of transportation logistics, and the need for policy reforms to secure favorable tariffs with the United States and ensure consistency in incentives under the Automotive Production and Development Program. These factors will help the industry remain sustainable and benefit the wider community.
Stakeholders also need immediate policy certainty on electric vehicles. Without clear direction, he warned that manufacturers could delay or forego critical investments in new technologies, putting local production, jobs and export markets at risk.
“The committee will engage relevant stakeholders to address some of the key challenges facing the automotive industry and other businesses in the Eastern Cape,” said Mr Mzwandile Masina, chair of the committee.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the Republic of South Africa: Parliament.