Deputy President Paul Mashatile presided over a ceremony in Rosslyn, Tshwane, on 3 July 2026, to formally hand over a vehicle manufacturing facility to Chery International. The plant, which originated as a Nissan production site in 1966, has undergone a significant ownership transition that the South African government aims to leverage for domestic industrial growth.
The acquisition was recently approved by the Competition Tribunal, marking a major shift in the local automotive manufacturing landscape. Government officials have highlighted the deal as a strategic move to boost local production capacity and employment, confirming that the change in ownership successfully retained approximately 900 jobs at the site.
Industrial Growth And Labour Impact
Speaking at the event, Deputy President Mashatile emphasised the broader socio-economic significance of the investment for the South African manufacturing sector. He suggested that the entry of international brands into local facilities is integral to the country’s ongoing efforts to stimulate economic development.
Today, as Chery joins this proud lineage by establishing its first vehicle assembly plant in South Africa, we recognise that this milestone is not only about vehicles on our roads.
The labour union perspective has also been largely positive, focusing on the preservation of the existing workforce. Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, spokesperson for the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (MISA), stated that the handover serves as a template for future industrial transitions.
We view the takeover, which retained about 900 employees, as a blueprint for how a potential restructuring process that could lead to retrenchments can be avoided and turned into a win-win situation for all involved.
Contextualising The Automotive Shift
The handover follows extensive government engagement with Chinese partners to deepen economic ties, including high-level discussions held during the Deputy President’s working visit to China late last month. By securing the continuity of the Rosslyn site, the state aims to mitigate the risks associated with global market shifts that have historically threatened domestic automotive jobs.
As Chery International begins operations at the facility, observers will be watching to see how the plant adjusts to local assembly requirements and whether it aligns with broader national industrialisation targets. The facility is expected to ramp up production over the coming months as integration plans are finalised.