The Gauteng Provincial Government has launched a new Manufacturing Centre of Excellence aimed at strengthening the sector by equipping workers and supporting supplier development for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The facility was officially launched by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi on 16 July at the Automotive Supplier Park in Rosslyn, is the upgraded Gauteng Automotive Learning Centre (GALC). It has been expanded to serve the broader manufacturing industry, with a focus on advanced production technologies and preparing businesses for the future of industrial manufacturing.
The centre will provide training in automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, mechatronics, digital manufacturing and New Energy Vehicle (NEV) technologies to artisans, technicians, unemployed youth and industry professionals.
For SMEs, the centre is expected to improve access to skilled labour while supporting supplier development and localisation, enabling more local manufacturers to participate in automotive and industrial value chains.
AIDC Gauteng Chief Executive Officer Andile Africa said the upgraded facility would help prepare manufacturing workforce for a changing global industry.
“The Centre of Excellence ensures that Gauteng’s automotive workforce becomes highly competitive, agile, and explicitly prepared for the future of global production,” said Africa.
Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development Vuyiswa Ramokgopa said the investment comes at a time when the province is attracting new automotive investments that require highly skilled workers.
“Recent developments in Rosslyn, particularly Chery’s entry into the market, reinforce the province’s position as a key automotive manufacturing hub and highlight the growing need for a workforce equipped with future-focused technical skills,” she said.
According to the provincial government, the former Gauteng Automotive Learning Centre has trained more than 24,631 learners since opening in 2013. The expanded centre will now support manufacturing beyond the automotive sector by providing practical, industry-aligned training in advanced production technologies.
The centre also aims to strengthen supplier development and localisation by exposing learners and manufacturers to globally recognised manufacturing systems through partnerships with industry and technology organisations.
“This Manufacturing Centre of Excellence represents a profound step forward in cementing Gauteng’s status as Africa’s premier industrial and economic hub,” Ramokgopa said.
As part of the relaunch, electric mobility company Volt-Hi donated an electric vehicle charging station to the facility to support practical training in New Energy Vehicle technologies, highlighting the growing importance of green mobility in South Africa’s manufacturing sector.
The AIDC said the centre forms part of Gauteng’s broader strategy to develop a skilled workforce, attract investment and improve the competitiveness of local manufacturers, particularly SMEs seeking opportunities in regional and global supply chains.
