The City of Johannesburg has officially launched the Alexandra Automotive Hub, a catalytic infrastructure initiative designed to drive local economic growth by helping township enterprises expand, creating sustainable employment opportunities, strengthening local supply chains and connecting Alexandra's automotive expertise to the formal industry. Developed by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) on behalf of the City's Department of Economic Development, the facility is designed to convert Alexandra's established automotive skills into growing formal businesses, increased local spending, stronger township supply chains and broader participation in the automotive industry.

A key milestone that enabled the facility to move towards operationalisation was the facilitation by City of Johannesburg City Manager, Dr Floyd Brink, of the signing of an operator agreement with the state-owned Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC).

The agreement positions the AIDC to support the hub's operations and skills development, while a seed investment of more than R10 million for equipment will help establish the resources required to begin opening the facility to local mechanics. Under the agreement, the AIDC will support the hub's operations and skills-development programmes. A seed investment of more than R10 million in equipment will provide the resources required to begin opening the facility to local mechanics and automotive entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the launch on 22 October 2026, Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Cllr Dada Morero said the township economy must be recognised as a central driver of South Africa's economic growth and contribute meaningfully to the country's gross domestic product.​

“The township economy is where most of our people work, buy and sell. When we strengthen it, we strengthen Johannesburg. Our task is to formalise, equip and connect township businesses so that they can grow, create jobs and participate meaningfully in the mainstream economy," said Morero.

He said the Alexandra Automotive Hub translates the City's Growth and Development Strategy 2040 into practical action by investing in infrastructure that supports an inclusive, competitive and job-intensive economy.

The hub follows an industrial cluster model and comprises 17 workshop units, each with a mezzanine storage floor, alongside shared services, specialised automotive facilities, ablutions, lockers and administrative spaces.

The specialised facilities include a spray booth, preparation deck and wash bay, providing an enabling environment for businesses operating across different segments of the automotive value chain.

Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development Vuyiswa Ramokgopa described the facility as an important step in expanding the province's automotive industry and creating opportunities for small, medium and micro enterprises.

“The automotive sector plays a significant role in the provincial economy, with the potential to attract investment, strengthen local supply chains and create employment," she said.

MMC for Economic Development Cllr Nomoya Mnisi said the hub represents an opportunity to turn public investment into practical support for local entrepreneurs, artisans and young people seeking opportunities in the automotive industry.

“The automotive sector offers diverse career pathways beyond vehicle repairs, including auto-electrical work, diagnostics, specialised technical services and business ownership," she said.

AIDC CEO Andile Africa outlined the hub's business-support model, which prioritises small and emerging automotive enterprises and seeks to connect them with technical expertise, operational support and market opportunities.

“The model is intended to help participating businesses improve their operations, strengthen their business management capabilities and access opportunities within the wider automotive value chain," said Africa.​

Located within the Alexandra, Marlboro and Wynberg economic corridor, the facility has the potential to strengthen links between township enterprises and established commercial and industrial centres, including Sandton.

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