All eyes were on the South Africa Auto Week tackling the future of the automotive industry with partners and stakeholders from across the country and beyond. The Auto Week is primarily a business-to-business event attended by automotive industry leaders with interest in the development and growth of the sector.
As part of October Transport Month activities, the Gauteng Provincial Government co[1]sponsored the event through the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) hosted by National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) - the Automotive Business Council - and other headline partners at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand on 09-13 October 2023. This year's Auto Week took place under the theme "Reimagining The Future Together - Driving an industry of the future, today". 
The AIDC is a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), an agency of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED). It was established as a support centre to strengthen global competitiveness in the local automotive industry and to bolster the position of the province as an automotive industry destination of choice. 
A credible thought leader and respected partner for and on behalf of the industry, Naamsa also serves as the voice and a trusted ambassador for local automotive sector. 
In his address, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi highlighted the profound impact of the automotive sector A on the provincial economy as well as the need for collaboration and partnerships. He further urged industry stakeholders to join forces with the Provincial Government in addressing the scourge of crime and lawlessness involving motor vehicles. 
In this respect, the Premier indicated there are plans, at an advanced stage, to overhaul the vehicle registration system by year-end. This, he added, that will include the introduction of a new secure, tamper-proof registration plates. He underscored the role of motor vehicles in violent crime, either as stolen as well as getaway cars, whilst emphasising the need for legislative improvements in vehicle registration. 
"The province must focus on safeguarding our vehicles against crime, as 80% of criminal activities involve using vehicles," Premier Lesufi urged industry leaders. In his remarks, Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa elaborated on the significance of SA Auto Week. He indicated the event unites all industry stakeholders to reflect on achievements, contemplate the future, showcase cutting-edge technologies, and discuss current policy considerations.
 "It also creates a platform to discuss and manage the challenges presented by the global and local economy together to ensure that the right decisions are made to support South Africa's growth ambitions" he added. The event provided a conferencing experience with panel discussions, networking sessions, and an industry trade fair for potential industry beneficiaries to meet component suppliers and local original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). 
This large gathering also deals with entrepreneurs, different brand representatives, and executives with business-oriented goals. 
Meanwhile, addressing the conference on its last day, Deputy President Paul Mashatile underlined the Government's active participation on the automotive calendar as sending a clear message to potential investors that South Africa is open for business. He added this demonstrates Government's unwavering support for the automotive industry, demonstrating its commitment to fostering sustainable growth in the manufacturing sector and creating jobs. The country's automotive industry is recognised as the largest manufacturing sector, contributing approximately 4.9% to the annual GDP in the previous year. Panel discussions included topics ranging from South Africa's transition to new energy vehicles to intermodal connectivity; innovation inclusivity and transport policy, amongst others.