Every now and then, there’s something to hope about in SA
The ongoing rows over land expropriation – and angry public race spats– can blind South Africans to the positive developments in this country.
Employees work on the BMW assembly line in Rosslyn, north of Pretoria. Picture: Desiree Swart
One of those is the newly announced R50 billion Rosslyn Hub in Tshwane, which is being touted as an “Auto City” project and a possible blueprint for future manufacturing, trade and distribution nodes throughout Africa.
There are plans for 1 200 houses and 250 rental apartments, as well as a university and schools, alongside a hotel and conference venue, vehicle distribution centre and even a hospital.
The project would underline the fact that South Africa’s local motor manufacturing and assembly sector is world class and well worth the billions invested in it in recent years.
Car makers Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ford, Nissan and others produce vehicles in this country that are the equal of any produced elsewhere in their global networks.
South Africa has access to top-class transportation infrastructure, as well as a skilled workforce … so it is an inviting option for foreign investors.
The country needs to ensure that it maintains the kind of social and financial stability that attracts investment and keeps it here. This country has the potential.
This must be recognised to make South Africa a force to be reckoned with.
