Another happy day in the Eastern Cape, as the East

London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) announced the launch of two new

investors; Ebor Automotive Systems worth R150 million and Auria Automotive

Systems worth R172 million and one TI Automotive Fuel Systems expansion

worth R118.44 million recently.

The automotive industry in the region is one of the sectors seen as having major

potential towards contributing in the economic recovery of the province.

The three investments are all within the Automotive Sector and are part of the 16

new investments that translate into R3, 327 billion worth of private sector

investment, with a job creation potential of 2078 new direct jobs in the Zone since

2018.

During his keynote address, Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane committed that the Provincial Government will skill young people for the automotive industry - given that it is the largest contributor to the Province's GDP.

Premier said, The announcement that has been made of two new investors and one expansion worth R3.3 billion, which will add a potential 2078 new direct jobs into the Provincial economy, is a good omen for our Provincial Economic Recovery. As we look back on the past three waves of the COVID-19 crisis, it is clear to all that there has been a devastating effect on our economy”.

The emergence of the Omicron variant is of great concern and is raising a significant threat to the resurgence of the fourth wave. Unfortunately, it is still too early to know what the impact of the new variant in our strategy will be, to contain and mitigate the impact of the fourth wave. We are maintaining the state of alert at risk adjusted level 1. We are also imposing stringent measures and mandates for the workplace, public services, schools, and government workers to vaccinate and be subjected to regular tests of Covid-19 as part of the return-to-work strategy” Premier added.