Ronnie Xaba|Published
The City of Johannesburg has officially launched the long-awaited Alexandra Automotive Hub in Region A, a purpose-built facility designed to formalise informal automotive businesses, equip local entrepreneurs, and link them to the mainstream economy.
Opened on Thursday by Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero, the hub, developed by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) and anchored by the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), provides dedicated workshops, wash bays, offices and shared support facilities for operators in Alexandra and surrounding areas.
Mayor’s call for formalisation and partnerships
Morero said the township economy must be recognised as a central driver of South Africa’s growth. “The township economy is where most of our people work, buy and sell. When we strengthen it, we strengthen Johannesburg. Our task is to formalise, equip and connect township businesses so that they can grow, create jobs and participate meaningfully in the mainstream economy,” he said.
He linked the project to the City’s Growth and Development Strategy 2040, describing it as practical infrastructure for an inclusive, competitive and job-intensive economy.
“Township entrepreneurs must not be excluded from the mainstream economy. This hub provides a platform for local automotive businesses to access appropriate premises, acquire skills, build credibility and connect with markets. We want to see businesses progress from informal operations to registered, compliant and certified enterprises that can compete for contracts and service larger clients.”
The mayor acknowledged delays in completion but reaffirmed the City’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits. He invited vehicle manufacturers, dealerships, insurers, fleet owners, parts suppliers, banks and development finance institutions to partner with businesses at the hub.
Provincial push for economic development
Gauteng MEC for Economic Development and Agriculture Vuyiswa Ramokgopa welcomed the facility as an important step in expanding the provincial automotive industry and creating opportunities for SMMEs.
The sector contributes about 2.1% of national GDP, employs around 300,000 people, and supports some 22,000 businesses, 80% of which are SMMEs. She said Gauteng has identified 30 nodes across the province where automotive hubs will be established to help tackle unemployment, which stands at almost 2.9 million in the province.
The Alexandra Automotive Hub is one of these nodes, adding to other existing township/automotive hubs linked to AIDC and provincial efforts, including:
- Chamdor Automotive Hub (Kagiso/Mogale City, West Rand)
- Winterveldt Enterprise Hub (Tshwane)
- Munsieville Automotive Hub (Mogale City)
- Swaneville Industrial Hub (under development, Mogale City)
Support for skills, youth and inclusive growth
COJ MMC for Economic Development Nomoya Mnisi said the hub turns public investment into practical support for local entrepreneurs, artisans and young people. It will help businesses operate in a more structured environment while opening pathways in auto-electrical work, diagnostics, specialised technical services and business ownership.
AIDC CEO Andile Africa said the business-support model prioritises small and emerging enterprises by connecting them with technical expertise, operational support, and market opportunities across the wider value chain. The hub will also promote participation by women, young people and persons with disabilities.
Located in the Alexandra, Marlboro and Wynberg economic corridor, the facility is expected to strengthen links between township enterprises and established centres such as Sandton. It offers 17 workshop rentals for mechanical, tyre fitment, painting and related services.
Broader City efforts in Alexandra
The launch forms part of broader City efforts to advance township economic development.
These include the long-running Alexandra Renewal Project, a multi-sphere initiative that has invested in physical, social and economic upgrades, housing and precinct development, and more recent digital formalisation drives such as the UNDP-backed DIME programme, which partners with the City to modernise independent township enterprises through digital tools, safer trading and financial inclusion.
The City says the hub is one step in building an environment where township businesses can grow and contribute to Johannesburg’s economy.
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