Local small businesses rarely gain direct access to South Africa’s automotive manufacturing operations. A recent supplier development arrangement between Dunlop Tyres South Africa and Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) demonstrates one way this barrier can be overcome but also highlights the limits of such initiatives.
Eastern Cape Tyres, a business owned by tyre veteran Matthew Nondwayi, now manages in-house tyre assembly at IMSAf’s Struandale plant in Gqeberha. Launched in April 2025, the move embeds the local enterprise within an OEM production environment, with Dunlop providing technical support and quality systems.
The move into Isuzu’s production line represents a significant transition from retail tyre services into the highly regulated automotive manufacturing space, an area typically difficult for small businesses to access due to strict compliance and quality requirements.
“Starting out supplying small bakkie tyres and now supporting the assembly line for an automotive giant like IMSAf, right here in the Eastern Cape, shows what is possible when big business supports local enterprise,” said Nondwayi.
With more than 30 years of experience in the tyre industry, Nondwayi said that this partnership is the culmination of three decades of hard work and believe in quality service.
“We are bringing world-class expertise to the Struandale plant and are incredibly proud to call this assembly line the newest addition to the Eastern Cape Tyres family,” he said.
South Africa’s automotive sector has increasingly prioritised localisation, driven by industrial policy, cost pressures and the need to reduce exposure to global supply-chain disruptions. By integrating a trusted local supplier into its production process, IMSAf retains more value within the regional economy while benefiting from on-site technical capability.
IMSAf Executive Vice President for Procurement and Logistics Komane Pitso said the partnership aligns with the company’s broader transformation and inclusion strategy.
“We are committed to driving transformation and inclusivity by empowering local businesses and strengthening our local value chain and Nondwayi represents a significant step forward, together we are committed to advancing opportunity and economic inclusion across the sector,” Pisto said.
The partnership also embeds Dunlop’s technical expertise directly into Isuzu’s production process, while placing operational responsibility in the hands of a developed local enterprise.
Dunlop Tyres South Africa CEO Lubin Ozoux said the initiative reflects a shift in how large manufacturers can support enterprise development without compromising operational standards.
“This partnership shows the power of multinationals working together with a shared commitment to progress. We are proud to be part of an initiative that empowers a local entrepreneur while ensuring Isuzu Motors South Africa receives world-class technical expertise,” said Ozoux.
