meeting with leaders of the South African automotive and component parts
sector
25 February 2009
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mandisi Mpahlwa, held a meeting with
leaders of the South African automotive and component parts sector in Pretoria
on Tuesday, February 24.
The meeting was convened at the request of the two industry bodies
representing the sector, namely the National Association of Automobile
Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) and the National Association of
Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM).
The industry groups briefed the Minister on the effects that the global
down-turn has had on their operations and the potential for the crisis, should
it continue unabated, to destroy up to 34 000 jobs in this and related sectors.
The industry also put forward a set of suggested proposals to respond to the
crisis. They were keen not only to stem any further loss of jobs, but to
safeguard and ensure their continued investment in the sector.
The meeting agreed to set up a joint task team to work with other
stakeholders in deciding on an appropriate response. The Minister would like to
emphasise that such a response will be undertaken in line with the principles
and timelines agreed between the government and its social partners recently at
National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac). The Nedlac process
put in place an inclusive, multi-stakeholder and fast-paced process to decide
on the country's response to the down-turn. Nedlac decided to put together a
distressed sectors task team to focus on the worst-affected areas, such as the
automobile and components manufacturers among others.
In this regard the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) has now entered a
process of consultation with the industry, labour, and other concerned
government departments. The process that the dti has initiated will be as
inclusive possible, while at the same time remaining mindful of the urgency
that the current situation demands.
Enquiries:
Vukani Mde
Cell: 079 885 4443
E-mail: vmde@thedti.gov.za
Lillian Mofokeng
Cell: 082 888 8362
E-mail:MLmofokeng@thedti.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Trade and Industry
25 February 2009
