KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli welcomed a convoy of new-energy vehicles at the Moses Mabhida Stadium precinct in Durban on Sunday, signalling a growing focus on electric mobility ahead of South African Auto Week 2026.
The event preceded the official Auto Week, scheduled from 13 to 16 October 2026 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban. It will assemble industry leaders, government officials, investors, and other stakeholders to discuss trends in automotive manufacturing, policy frameworks, and the future of new-energy vehicles (NEVs).
The convoy formed part of the ‘Escaping the Noise 3.0 NEV Road Trip,’ which reportedly included participants from Gqeberha, KuGompo, and Cape Town, though this detail comes from a single source and remains unverified independently.
Speaking at the event, Premier Ntuli emphasised the importance of electric vehicles as a cleaner alternative to traditional petrol and diesel cars. “Electric vehicles offer an alternative mobility option, while contributing towards efforts to reduce harmful tailpipe emissions and promoting a cleaner environment,” he said.
He also highlighted the automotive sector’s critical role in driving economic growth. “The automotive sector remains an important contributor to economic activity, manufacturing and employment, and the growth of new-energy technologies presents further opportunities for innovation and investment,” Ntuli added.
The 2026 Auto Week will be themed “Transforming Tomorrow Today. Resetting Policy. Advancing the Energy Transition. Driving Investment & Inclusive Growth.” This theme reflects South Africa’s broader policy shift towards climate-resilient, low-carbon economies, with Durban positioning itself as a hub for automotive innovation and green investment.
The eThekwini Municipality endorsed this transition, emphasising its vision of “building a climate-resilient, low-carbon economy” in line with national and global sustainability commitments.
SA Auto Week 2026 aims to advance discussions on electric vehicle technology, manufacturing capabilities, sector trends, and economic growth opportunities within the automotive industry. The event embodies South Africa’s strategic push to boost investment, local manufacturing, and participation in the global green economy.
While the convoy’s immediate economic impacts remain unquantified and details such as the exact route and full list of participants are limited to a single primary source, the event strengthens KwaZulu-Natal’s role in the country’s transition toward cleaner mobility and industrial growth.
Further updates on the programme and the outcomes of SA Auto Week 2026 will follow as the event approaches.