Johannesburg - The new auto hub for Alexandra is due to be up and running by the end of this year.
The Alexandra Automotive Hub, which is being established close to Wynberg, has the potential to create sustainable jobs while boosting the automotive sector which is a key contributor to the city's and the province's economies. It is being developed by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) and was recently visited by the City of Joburg’s mayor Parks Tau.
The R34 million industrial cluster project, the brainchild of the city's department of economic development and the National Treasury, is scheduled for completion in December 2016.
JDA development manager Akhona Mnukwa told the mayor that, once complete, the automotive hub would comprise 17 workshops as well as wash bays, offices and other facilities.
“Already, 48 jobs have been created since the project started in July 2015,” Mnukwa said. “Three SMMEs are on site, and by the time we complete the project, a total of 12 SMMEs will have been appointed to provide a variety of services.
“Four co-operatives and township businesses have already been awarded Jozi@Work packages to undertake projects such as paving, tiling, carpentry, joinery and landscaping at the Automotive Hub,” she added.
The hub will pull together motor dealerships, fitment centres, spares shops, glass-fitment centres, panelbeating shops, automotive electrical workshops, licensing and licence plate establishments, upholsterers, a petrol station and a fuel depot.
It is geared at drawing private sector investment into Alexandra, while fostering the growth of local businesses capable of increasing employment and the development of infrastructure in the township. – Johannesburg Development Agency.