South Africa’s automotive industry marks a proud milestone this week as Toyota South Africa Motors begins local production of the latest-generation Hilux at its Prospecton plant in Durban, backed by a R10.4 billion investment in the facility.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the Hilux Line-Off Ceremony on Thursday, touring the plant and meeting business leaders as the first of the new bakkies rolls off the line. The Presidency said the investment is expected to strengthen South Africa’s manufacturing capacity, improve export competitiveness and support job creation, while reinforcing the country’s position as a leading automotive manufacturing hub and demonstrating continued investor confidence in the industrial sector.
Special economic zones deliver jobs by the thousands
The good news does not stop at the factory gate. On Thursday evening the President delivers the keynote address at the Special Economic Zones Achievement Awards Gala Dinner at the Durban International Convention Centre, celebrating the contribution of South Africa’s 12 designated Special Economic Zones to industrialisation and growth.
According to the Presidency, the SEZ programme has already attracted more than R31 billion in investment from 224 companies, creating more than 28 000 direct jobs. The awards recognise excellence in leadership, governance, investment promotion, innovation, local procurement, export growth, small-business integration and sustainable industrial development.
Growing together with Namibia
On Friday, President Ramaphosa co-chairs the fourth South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission in Pretoria alongside Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the highest structured platform for cooperation between the two neighbours. The countries have concluded 75 bilateral agreements spanning trade, science and technology, environmental management and social development.
The partnership is already paying dividends: more than 50 South African companies invested approximately US$1.2 billion in Namibia between 2023 and 2025, creating around 4 900 jobs in mining, banking, insurance, renewable energy and property. A South Africa–Namibia Business Forum runs alongside the commission under the theme of driving regional industrialisation, investment and sustainable growth.
Mandela Day brings water to unserved communities
The week culminates on Saturday, Nelson Mandela International Day, when the President officiates the launch of the Unserved Communities Access Acceleration Programme in the Eastern Cape and in Hammanskraal, Gauteng. The programme expands access to water infrastructure in historically underserved communities through sustainable, decentralised groundwater treatment solutions for rural and peri-urban areas.
The Presidency said the initiative forms part of government’s broader work to restore dignity and combat poverty – a fitting way to honour Madiba’s legacy in a week that showcases South Africa building, investing and growing.
Details of the programme were announced by the Presidency, as reported by SAnews.gov.za.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
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