Remarks by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the launch of the Isuzu D-Max, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Eastern Cape

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Ebrahim Patel,
Premier of the Eastern Cape, Mr Oscar Mabuyane,
President and CEO of Isuzu Motors South Africa, Mr Billy Tom,
President of Isuzu Motors Limited, Mr Masanori Katayama,
His Excellency Ambassador Maruyama, Ambassador of Japan to South Africa,
Representatives of business and labour,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
I wish to congratulate Isuzu Motors South Africa on achieving this milestone: the first 7th generation Isuzu D-Max bakkie to be produced locally.
 
The Isuzu bakkie is an iconic vehicle in South Africa and the Isuzu brand has long been associated with quality and reliability.
The fact that this bakkie is being manufactured in South Africa is more than a matter of pride.
 
It is a welcome contribution to our effort to significantly expand local production as we work to rebuild our economy and create jobs.
The automotive industry is one of our economy’s most important sectors.
 
It is a signficant source of employment and small business development in the Eastern Cape, particularly in Gqeberha.
 
I want to thank Isuzu Motors for supporting the localisation objectives contained in our Automotive Production Development Programme.
 
It is anticipated that a local content value of approximately R2.8 billion will be generated through the lifecycle of this programme.
 
Isuzu’s manufacturing plant here in Gqeberha, while best known for producing world-class vehicles, also creates jobs and opportunities for many South Africans, and enables local businesses across the value chain to realise their potential.
 
This investment, together with the approximately R332 billion in investment pledges made at the 4th South Africa Investment Conference held last month, will do much to support South Africa’s economic recovery.
 
Of the pledges received at the Investment Conference, seven were from the automotive sector, signalling that the industry has renewed confidence in our country’s growth prospects.
 
For our part, we will continue to drive the critical structural reforms that are necessary to improve the business and investment climate in South Africa.
 
We will continue to support companies, like Isuzu, that are investing in the country’s manufacturing capabilities.
 
We will continue to be with you, for the long run.
Once again I congratulate Isuzu Motors South Africa on this achievement.
 
I wish you well as you continue to play your part in supporting local business, growing our economy and uplifting our communities.
 
I thank you.