A high-level delegation from Zimbabwe’s Motor Industry Association (MIAZ), accompanied by representatives from government, labour, and business, recently visited BAIC South Africa’s manufacturing plant in Gqeberha.
The engagement was designed to strengthen regional cooperation and provide deeper insight into modern vehicle production within Southern Africa.
The delegation represented a broad cross-section of Zimbabwe’s automotive value chain, including the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Automotive & Allied Workers Union, the National Employment Council for the Motor Industry, technical committees, and independent business stakeholders. Their presence underscored the importance of aligning policy, labour, and industry development in shaping the future of the sector.
BAIC South Africa hosted the visitors with a detailed tour of its production facility, showcasing assembly workshops, operational processes, and quality standards. This gave delegates a first-hand view of the company’s manufacturing capabilities and its contribution to the local market.
Discussions extended beyond the factory floor, focusing on skills development, industrial partnerships, and the broader role of automotive manufacturing in building competitive regional economies. Both sides expressed interest in expanding knowledge exchange and exploring collaborative opportunities across Southern African markets.
The visit concluded with an exclusive test drive session, allowing delegates to experience BAIC vehicles directly. For BAIC, the engagement reinforced its positioning not only as a manufacturer but as an active participant in regional automotive development. For Zimbabwe’s industry leaders, it marked a step towards closer cross-border collaboration and the strengthening of automotive ecosystems across the region.
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the collision repair industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the African automotive sector forward.
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