21 August 2023
The Automotive Industry Transformation Fund (AITF) in partnership with the Women Economic
Assembly (WECONA), will convene the 2nd Women in Auto-Sector Roundtable scheduled for 31
August 2023 at the Sun Bet Area, Times Square, Pretoria.
Building on the success of the inaugural Women in Auto-sector Roundtable in 2022, the 2023
gathering aims to amplify efforts towards gender empowerment and local innovation within the
automotive industry. The gathering forms part of the nation’s annual Women’s Month program
spotlighting challenges faced by women while celebrating their achievements across various
sectors.
This collaborative program facilitated with the active support of the National Association of
Automotive Component and Allied Manufactures (NAACAM), taking place during the NAACAM twoday Show, will bring together key stakeholders, including prominent industry players. Noteworthy
collaborators invited to engage in pivotal discussions include the National Association of
Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), the Automotive Industry Development
Centre (AIDC), the Automotive Business Council and the Original Equipment Manufacturers
(OEMs).
Established as an equity program by seven leading auto original equipment manufacturers in South
Africa, the Automotive Industry Transformation Fund seeks to drive sustainable transformation and
growth of the automotive sector. WECONA, a multi-stakeholder initiative championed by The
Presidency, focuses on economic empowerment and inclusion for women.
Central to the discussions are the significant commitments made by stakeholders in 2022, which
include creating opportunities for women-owned enterprises and allocating a minimum of 30% of
the AITF funding to majority women-owned businesses.
During the Roundtable, participants will deliberate on collaborative actions to enhance women’s
meaningful participation across the value chain.
Mr Jabulani Selumane, CEO of the AITF expressed his satisfaction with the Fund’s achievements
in the past year, aligned with WECONA’s mission.
“To date, 15 out of 25 beneficiaries that have been approved, consist of women ownership with
most of these exceeding 30%. These including entities like panel beaters, component
manufacturers, car dealerships and raw materials producers” noted Mr Selumane.
He highlighted the steady progress achieved in expanding female access to the industry,
particularly through the development of business-to-business solutions connecting women-owned
businesses with sector-specific opportunities.
Ms Namhla Mniki, Co-Chairperson of WECONA and Deputy Director-General in the Presidency,
emphasized the symbiotic partnership with the AITF, reflecting the country’s broader national
development agenda with a strong focus on gender transformation.
“As WECONA we anticipate that this 2nd Women in Auto-sector Roundtable will once again zero
in on actionable measures addressing the core demands required by women-owned organizations
within the automotive industry,” Ms. Mniki asserted.
Key focal points include augmenting female ownership throughout the value chain, ensuring
sustained procurement opportunities and advancing skills development through targeted skills
training.
The Roundtable will be held as follows
Date: 31 August 2023
Time: 13:00 -16:00
Venue: The Maslow Hotel Menlyn Time Square, Pretoria
