Technology and AI take centre stage in a facility designed to help shape the future of the automotive industry.
By Motlabana Monnakgotla
The Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) in Rosslyn, Pretoria, has officially relaunched the Gauteng Automotive Learning Centre as the Manufacturing Centre of Excellence. Equipped with new technology and upgraded facilities, the centre aims to train the next generation of automotive professionals.
The event began in a boardroom filled with media, students, graduates, stakeholders and industry professionals, all eagerly awaiting the arrival of Gauteng dignitaries.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi opened his keynote address with the quote: “The Stone Age didn’t end because that generation ran out of ideas. The Stone Age ended because new ideas were planted.” He emphasised that the country cannot develop without innovation, adding that without skills development, there can be no meaningful growth in South Africa’s economy.
“I fear to lead an institution that does not appreciate technology. I fear to lead a province that does not embrace artificial intelligence. If we can’t move with time, time will move ahead of us,” he said, noting that July 16 marks National Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day.
Following the formal proceedings, AIDC Board Chairperson Meloney van Eck spoke to Kasi Business News Network (KBNN) about the significance of the new learning centre.
The previous learning centre had supported artisan development, technical upskilling and other skills programmes since opening in 2013, training more than 20,000 learners.
“What we’ve done is built in new technologies. We have been able to say that we want to service all of the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), we want to service the community and the surrounding areas as well. So we’ve introduced new technology, robotics, artificial intelligence and mechatronics,” said Van Eck.
She added that the goal of the centre is to develop future-ready skills that will enable graduates to be absorbed into the workforce both locally and internationally.
Guests were then invited to the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and a tour of the facility, where Cathy Shilubana, CEO of Volt-Hi Technology Solutions — a company specialising in EV infrastructure and solar energy storage — unveiled a new charging unit capable of charging two electric vehicles simultaneously.
The charger is a proudly South African innovation.
AIDC has supported Volt-Hi throughout its business journey and remains a strategic partner in the company’s efforts to help build South Africa’s electric vehicle ecosystem.
“On behalf of Volt-Hi Technology Solutions, I would like to commend the AIDC for its visionary leadership and for creating platforms that bring together government, industry and young people to shape the future of manufacturing in our country,” said Shilubana.
The relaunch brought together stakeholders from across the automotive sector, all highlighting the importance of upskilling and embracing AI and emerging technologies as key drivers of economic growth, echoing the Premier’s call for innovation-led development.
