Wekaba, a leading manufacturer of medium to high-volume CNC-machined automation components, has officially inaugurated its new R25-million automotive manufacturing plant, which the company says is a groundbreaking facility that will extend its capability to produce internationally designed components at world-class standards with zero defect.
Wekaba was established in 1981 and is a National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) member. As a Tier 1 and Tier 2 manufacturer, the company specialises in CNC-turned and milled machined components for industries such as automotive, mining, rail and construction. It is a key supplier to leading companies in the pre-stressed cable industry and is known for its innovative design capabilities, focused on precision-engineered products.
The event celebrated partnerships, notably with Toyota SA, which played a crucial role in the plant’s development. “With an eye to future export opportunities across Africa and beyond, the company is set to become a key player in the global automotive market,” says Wekaba Managing Director, Gunter Haacke.
“The opening, attended by key partners and stakeholders, marks a significant milestone in Wekaba’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Located in the Alrode industrial zone in Johannesburg, the plant is equipped with cutting-edge technology and a stringent quality control centre, poised to deliver safety-critical production parts that meet the highest industry standards,” he adds.
“Engineers collaborate to create parts that ensure exceptional fitment while promoting sustainable practices. The opening of the plant has also resulted in the creation of 22 new jobs, offering fresh opportunities in a challenging economic landscape,” Gunter says.
He adds that Wekaba's expert team excels in product development management, collaborating closely with customers to deliver tailored solutions that drive efficiency and innovation in manufacturing.
“As production ramps up, the facility will not only be a site for manufacturing, but will be a vibrant hub of innovation, where employees are encouraged to share ideas and collaborate on projects that push the boundaries of automotive technology.”
“With ISO 9001:2015 certification and ongoing efforts toward IATF 16949 certification, Wekaba ensures the highest quality standards in its operations. The company is B-BBEE Level 3 certified and 80% black-owned, reflecting its commitment to empowerment and inclusivity,” Gunter noted.
NAACAM commends Wekaba on their significant investment into a new manufacturing facility. The R25 million investment made by an 80% Black-owned company into a world-class manufacturing facility speaks directly to the vison of establishing a globally competitive, sustainable and transformed industry as envisioned in the South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM 2035).
The SAAM 2035 objective of 60% local content is one of the key pillars of the Masterplan this new investment and partnership with Toyota will see Wekaba positively contributing to new local content.
The compact SUV market in South Africa has gained a new contender with the arrival of the GAC Emzoom Nova. It joins the existing Emzoom Executive and Emzoom R‑Style models, broadening the range offered by Salvador Caetano South Africa, the official distributor of GAC Motor.
Chinese vehicle brand Changan has strengthened its South African retail presence with the opening of a new flagship dealership in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, as the company pushes ahead with plans to establish about 45 dealerships nationally during 2026.
A South African dealership has been instructed to remove or amend an advertisement for a new Jetour T2 after the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) ruled that the listing created the impression that a specific vehicle was immediately available for purchase when it was not.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
Unknown
A South African dealership has been instructed to remove or amend an advertisement for a new Jetour T2 after the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) ruled that the listing created the impression that a specific vehicle was immediately available for purchase when it was not.
If you were hoping to experience the roaring streets of the Isle of Man TT in 2026, you are already too late. This event, with practice sessions starting on 25 May 2026 and racing commencing on the 30th, requires at least six to twelve months of planning, along with a substantial budget.
Pinewood.AI has added two new embedded modules to its Business Intelligence Solution, giving dealers and OEMs greater insight into financial performance and the customer journey, it says.
