As South Africa navigates a shifting global automotive landscape, rising vehicle imports and softer export momentum, there is increasing pressure on the local manufacturing industry – particularly for the local automotive component manufacturing sector.
As NAACAM continues to advance its agenda to strengthen localisation and SA’s industrial competitiveness, Beth Dealtry, Head of Policy and Regulation, and Nduduzo Chala, COO, are part of a broad-based South African delegation undertaking a working visit to China from 23 April to 1 May 2026.
The visit will include the 2026 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition with the theme: “Future of Intelligence” and the 2026 Chery Global Partners Business Summit, where NAACAM will be in discussions with Chery following the latter’s acquisition of Nissan’s manufacturing assets in Rosslyn, Tshwane and synergies with local component manufacturers.
NAACAM’s participation is focused on proactively advocating for a deeper, more resilient local manufacturing value chain – ensuring that South Africa captures greater industrial value from both existing and new automotive OEM investments.
This includes:
• Advancing localisation through increased local content in vehicle production
• Facilitating early integration of NAACAM members into OEM sourcing strategies
• Promoting supplier development pathways that enable Tier 2, Tier 3 and Tier 4 participation
• Facilitating and aiding skills and technology transfer
As global supply chains evolve and new entrants establish a presence in South Africa, structured engagement is critical to ensure that these shifts reinforce the country’s industrial manufacturing base.
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