South African information and communications technology and skills company Intellehub and the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) have formed a partnership to collaborate on skills development initiatives aimed at strengthening Tshwane’s automotive industry.

The formal framework for cooperation between the two organisations focuses on workforce development, capacity building and expanding economic participation across the automotive value chain.

The agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership that will explore and develop training initiatives aligned with national development priorities and industry skills needs, supporting both the formal and informal automotive sectors, the TASEZ says.

TASEZ CEO Dr Bheka Zulu says the agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing human capital development within South Africa’s automotive industry.

“The TASEZ was established to act as a catalyst for employment creation, economic growth and socioeconomic development. This agreement with Intellehub formalises a partnership framework that enables us to extend that mandate into human capital development through structured collaboration,” he says.

The partnership will create a platform for future programmes aimed at strengthening the automotive value chain and supporting inclusive economic growth.

“By building this relationship strategically, we are laying the groundwork for programmes that can support skills development and long-term industry sustainability,” he adds.

The organisations will jointly explore, design and implement skills development programmes as the partnership evolves.

“There is significant potential within the system to strengthen access to structured training and formal recognition of skills.

“This agreement establishes the foundation for a collaborative relationship that allows us to align institutional capabilities, governance systems and technical expertise in a way that can deliver sustainable impact over time,” says Intellehub MD Thandisizwe Kopolo.

Future initiatives under the partnership may include accredited training programmes and structured skills development pathways, subject to funding availability and implementation readiness, he says.

TASEZ is a key industrial hub within South Africa’s automotive manufacturing sector and hosts major industry players within its more than 200 ha footprint.

Original-equipment manufacturer anchor tenants operate within the zone and create opportunities for supplier development, industrial expansion and workforce training.

The agreement with Intellehub represents an early step in building collaborative programmes that could support skills development across the broader automotive ecosystem, with further initiatives expected to be announced as implementation phases and funding frameworks are finalised, says Zulu.