Lerato Mailoane 
Chamdor Automotive Hub is now open to the public, providing services using state-of-the-art equipment while revitalising township economies, and forging sustainable partnerships for employment creation.
Tucked away right at the entrance of the Chamdor Industrial Hub; managers at the hub are encouraging the public to bring all their motoring challenges, where skilled artisans and mechanics can assist them.
The hub, which was officially opened on 28 October 2022, is a partnership between the Gauteng Provincial Government, Mogale City Local Municipality and the Reggio Emelia Region in Italy.
Spearheaded by the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, the hub seeks to address barriers to entry into the automotive aftermarket sector for SMMEs.
In line with the Growing Gauteng Together 2030 strategy, the Chamdor Automotive Hub will develop SMMEs to commercial sustainability and enable them to be recognised as suppliers of competitive automotive aftermarket services in terms of cost, quality and delivery.
One such entrepreneur is Agnes Molapo (48), the owner of the SPM fitment centre. 
Molapo started her tyre business with her late husband in 2015.
"I was initially involved only in the administrative work of the business we have in Randfontein, but I had to learn fast after my husband's passing," said Molapo.
She applied to attend the AIDC's workshops which started in 2019, but the opening of the hub was delayed due to the pandemic. 
Molapo's fitment centre services include new valve installation, wheel balancing, and wheel alignment, all powered by equipment donated by the Reggio Emelia Region government in Italy.
"In future, I would love to offer my customers an option to have their tyres fitted conveniently at a location of their choice. In the future, I would like to buy a truck for roadside assistance," she said.
In attendance for the opening were the MEC for Economic Development, Tasneem Motara, City of Reggio Emilia Mayor, Luca Vecchi, Executive Mayor of Mogale City, Tyrone Gray.
Motara, said the hub will develop and position SMMEs in the Westrand and provide and foster sustainable township entrepreneurs in the automotive sector.
She called on the hub to train, equip and upskill automotive artisans, create jobs for the local community and contribute to local economic development in the Mogale City Local Municipality.
Motara said her department is working with partners to ensure they survive the start-up period and financing.