Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Development, Lawrence Khoza has welcomed the approval to revitalise the Alexandra Marlboro Automotive Hub, which he said would transform development in Johannesburg.
On 24 March, members of the council approved the Alexandra Automotive Hub operationalisation report and its request for funding to operationalise the Alexandra Marlboro Automotive Hub to boost local SMMEs from the Alexandra-Marlboro areas.
The hub is one of the City’s key legacy projects that is implemented by the Department of Economic Development to stimulate the township’s economy.
It was established with the aim to upscale individual mechanics, and provide a productive and diversified automotive park that would further operate as a centre of excellence for skills development in Region E.
Khoza said the hub would play a meaningful role in facilitating and transforming the economic activity within the automotive sector.
“The City of Johannesburg is committed to inclusive growth that benefits all communities. Alexandra is the embodiment of poverty and economic marginalisation. We will not rest until the social and economic conditions of the people of Alexandra are fundamentally transformed. “The Alex Automotive Hub is an innovative initiative whose primary objective is to create opportunities for entrepreneurs in the automotive value chain. We are committed to ensuring the success of this project so that people of Alex can begin to see economic opportunities in their own backyard. “We are pleased that the council has approved the Alex Automotive hub operationalisation report. The hub will attract private sector investment to the areas and thus creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs and the community,” Khoza added.
The hub consists of two automotive electrical workshops, three tyre fitment and wheel alignment workshops, four service and maintenance workshops, a spare shop, seven panel beating workshops, a car wash bay, boardroom, and training facilities.
The workshops of the hub will be leased via Joburg Property Company (JPC) to established automotive SMMEs that operate in the area. Established SMMEs will be paired with emerging automotive operators.
The recommendations brought forward that were approved by council stated that the City Manager would appoint an interim steering committee that will ensure the sustainability of the Alex Marlboro Automotive hub, as well as the authorisation of JPC to place the facility out on open tender for a long-term lease with the following requirements.
The recommendations include:
– That the leaseholder be responsible for maintenance, insurance, and security of the facility
– That the leaseholder undertakes to run a training and skills development programme for the automotive sector at this facility
– That this programme includes stakeholders already involved in training and skills development in the automotive sector
– That this programme includes women, youth, and people with disabilities
– That this programme includes local SMMEs, particularly those owned by or employing women, youth, or people with disabilities.
As part of promoting the ease of doing business in Johannesburg, transparency and good governance, the City in collaboration with its partners will select the SMMEs and incubates that will occupy the 17 workshops.
In terms of selecting the beneficiaries, the City will hold a public call where all interested SMMEs in the automotive sector will be invited to attend and submit their documents for shortlisting.
