IFoW And SA Automotive Industry Partnership Seeks To Drive Innovation in The Future. South Africa automotive sector is poised for a significant transformation one that promises to reshape not just the country’s mobility infrastructure, but also the careers of thousands of aspiring graduates. Spearheading this evolution is the groundbreaking partnership between the Institute for the Future of Work (IFoW) at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and the South African automotive industry.
Their recent seminar, themed around the shift from the Fourth to the Fifth Industrial Revolution, is more than a symbolic collaboration; it is a robust strategy to integrate skills, foster innovation, and enhance quality within one of the nation most vital economic pillars.
The Backbone of the Economy
The automotive industry in South Africa remains one of the most significant contributors to the country’s economic health. It represents approximately 6–7% of the national GDP and serves as a critical engine for employment, innovation, and export growth. From the production of vehicles to the export of components, the industry’s footprint spans across multiple sectors, making it a linchpin in the country industrial ecosystem.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Share of National GDP | 6–7% |
| Employment Contribution | Over 110,000 direct jobs |
| Export Value (Annually) | R150 Billion+ |
| Vehicles Produced Annually | 500,000+ |
| Major Export Markets | Europe, Asia, Africa |
This stable foundation, however, is being shaken in a good way by the rapidly evolving demands of technology, sustainability, and mobility. The time to adapt is now, and institutions like TUT are stepping up to shape the future workforce.
A Vision Beyond Engineering
The IFoW seminar hosted at TUT brought together an esteemed lineup of academic minds and industry stakeholders to address one fundamental question: How can academia and the automotive industry collaborate to meet the demands of the future?
Moderated by Tseliso Mohlomi, Senior Director of the IFoW, the discussions went beyond theory. They explored the practical skills, mindsets, and innovations needed to navigate the Fifth Industrial Revolution, where automation, artificial intelligence, and clean energy are set to redefine job roles and manufacturing paradigms.
“Yes, we are capable, but we are not yet at the stage where we can call ourselves world beaters. There are opportunities for the industry, government, and academia — and most importantly, we need each other,” said Tseliso Mohlomi.
This sentiment captured the essence of the seminar: collaborative transformation.
Innovation in Action
One of the most compelling elements of the event was the spotlight on youth empowerment and skill development. TUT is not merely theorizing change — it is actively preparing job-ready graduates equipped with the technical expertise and critical thinking required by today’s automotive employers.
Mrs Rouxzeta van der Merwe, a lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at TUT, shared compelling examples of student projects that showcased practical innovation. These included:
- Electric car models crafted from cardboard
- Sensor driven smart vehicles
- Clean energy concept vehicles
These projects are not simply educational exercises; they are prototypes of possibility. They highlight how theoretical knowledge can be applied to real-world engineering challenges, thereby nurturing a generation of students who can contribute immediately to the workplace.
| Skillset | Real-World Application |
|---|---|
| Electric Vehicle Design | Transition to sustainable transportation |
| Sensor Integration | Autonomous driving and smart vehicle systems |
| CAD and 3D Modeling | Vehicle prototyping and simulation |
| Renewable Energy Applications | Green manufacturing processes |
| Project-Based Learning | Cross-disciplinary innovation and leadership |
Electric Vehicles and the Green Economy
The move towards electric vehicles (EVs) is not optional — it is inevitable. As climate change, carbon emissions, and energy sustainability dominate global agendas, automotive manufacturers are rethinking their entire value chains. South Africa is no exception.
Mkululi Mlota, Chief Director at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), emphasized the critical importance of this shift. Referencing the popular quote, “The winner is a dreamer who never gives up,” he framed the EV transition as both an industrial challenge and a national opportunity.
“There is an urgent need for stability through clean energy and reduced carbon emissions,” added Mrs van der Merwe, linking industry goals with broader environmental imperatives.
This aligns with South Africa broader National Development Plan (NDP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to reduce emissions and build a resilient, low-carbon economy.
Collaborative Ecosystems
One of the seminar major takeaways was the need for robust collaboration among government, academia, and industry leaders. The era of siloed operations is over; the future belongs to those who build ecosystems of innovation.
The panel discussions covered:
- Talent shortages in emerging automotive technologies
- The growing role of data analytics and AI
- Government policies and incentives for clean tech
- Industry-academic partnerships for R&D
By aligning these elements, South Africa can develop an ecosystem where young professionals, innovative startups, and seasoned manufacturers collaborate to drive meaningful change.
Why the Partnership Matters
This initiative between the Institute for the Future of Work (IFoW) and the South African automotive industry is not an isolated event. It is a part of a larger strategy to:
- Enhance the global competitiveness of the South African automotive sector
- Create employment opportunities aligned with Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolution technologies
- Promote environmental sustainability through cleaner, smarter vehicles
- Equip graduates with future-fit skills relevant to evolving job markets
| Objective | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|
| Industry-Aligned Curriculum | Better employment rates among graduates |
| Focus on Electric Vehicles | Position South Africa as a green manufacturing hub |
| Skills Development & Training | Reduced skills gap and increased innovation |
| Policy and Research Synergy | Accelerated adoption of clean tech |
Conclusion
The collaboration between TUT IFoW and the South African automotive industry is a clear blueprint for what future ready education and industry partnership should look like. By integrating cutting-edge skills, green innovation, and industry feedback, this partnership stands to create a new generation of engineers, thinkers, and leaders ready to drive South Africa into the next era of industrial transformation.
