The Eastern Cape reaffirmed its position as South Africa s automotive heartland as it hosted the 2025 National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) Show from 13 14 August. The event, held in partnership with the Automotive Industry Development Corporation Eastern Cape (AIDC-EC), brought together industry leaders, manufacturers, policymakers, and stakeholders to drive collaboration and innovation in the sector. Government leadership was also present, including Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane and Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism MEC Nonkqubela Pieterse.
With vibrant exhibitions, strategic discussions, and strengthened partnerships, the 2025 NAACAM Show positioned the Eastern Cape firmly at the centre of South Africa s drive for a competitive and transformed automotive industry.
Welcoming delegates Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, highlighted the province s proud automotive history; from Ford s first local assembly plant in 1924 to today s four major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and a dense network of component suppliers, 42% of which are based in the Eastern Cape. He underscored the sector s importance in sustaining more than 35,000 provincial jobs.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile urged greater collaboration between government and the private sector to safeguard jobs, boost localisation, and position South Africa s automotive industry for global competitiveness. He emphasised the sector s critical role in the economy, contributing over 5% to GDP and employing more than 115,000 people, while warning that rising tariffs, infrastructure challenges, and the transition to electric vehicles require urgent and coordinated action.
The Eastern Cape s automotive sector remains a vital pillar of the province s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and driving strong export growth. Events like the NAACAM Show further strengthen the region s industrial presence, while also boosting tourism, energising local businesses, and attracting new investment opportunities.
