Funky wheels: China’s big drive in South Africa
No, the Chinese are not coming to take over – they are already busy accomplishing it.
- Industry News
- 4 May 2026
Supporting the Pope on Africa soil in or on vehicles assembled on the continent, is the story of OPAIA Motors.
The company provided four electric golf cart style vehicles to assist the transportation of the technical and security teams for His Holiness Pope Leo XIV of the Roman Catholic Church during the activities carried out recently at the pilgrimage site in Muxima, Angola.
The vehicles were duly identified, inspected and validated at the factory, ensuring compliance with high standards of quality, safety and reliability needed for the Pope’s visit.
The Opaia group says it believes that this initiative is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting events of national and international importance, contributing to efficient and organised logistics.
The vehicles were assembled in Angola, by local labourers, having been adapted to the logistical and security requirements of a large-scale operation.
The participation of Opaia Motors reinforces the country’s potential in the automotive sector and highlights the importance of investment in national production, technological innovation, and workforce qualification as pillars for sustainable development, it says in a statement.
About Opaia Motors is located in the Zona Economica Especial (ZEE) and represents an investment of approximately US$150 million. Inaugurated on January 20, 2026, it currently employs around 1 500 workers, with a projected workforce of 3 500 when fully operational.
The industrial unit positions itself as one of the pillars of the Group, with an annual assembly capacity of 22 000 light vehicles and 1 000 buses, oriented towards meeting the needs of the national market and, eventually, regional exports.
No, the Chinese are not coming to take over – they are already busy accomplishing it.
Motorists and households already under pressure will have to dig deeper into their pockets yet again from Wednesday, with sharp fuel and energy price hikes taking effect across South Africa.
Marcia Mayaba, Commercial Director at Dunlop Tyres South Africa, has been recognised as the top achiever at the recently held Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) welcomes the government’s extension of short term fuel levy relief measures aimed at cushioning consumers from rising fuel prices, but cautions that these interventions do not address the underlying structural challenge facing South Africa’s transport economy.
Volvo Cars has started building the fully electric EX60 at its Torslanda factory outside Gothenburg, with first customer deliveries due in early summer.
At Auto China 2026, Nissan unveiled two new NEV SUV concept cars, in its accelerated product rollout. It also highlights China’s role as one of the company’s lead markets and a global innovation and export hub, according to Nissan.