Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivers the keynote address during Chery International's Rosslyn production facility launch in Tshwane on 3rd July, 2026. Photo Credit: NNA News

NNA News – Chinese automotive manufacturer Chery officially launched operations at the Rosslyn production facility in Tshwane on Friday, with South African and Chinese officials describing the investment as an opportunity to expand manufacturing, strengthen industrial cooperation and increase localisation in the country's automotive sector. The event marked the official launch of Chery's operations at one of South Africa's longest-standing vehicle manufacturing facilities.

The Presidency said the investment supports government's efforts to attract investment, promote industrialisation, create jobs and reinforce South Africa's position within the African automotive market. Delivering the keynote address, Deputy President Paul Mashatile linked the investment to engagements held during his November 2023 working visit to China, where discussions with Chery International focused on expanding the company's presence in South Africa. "I express appreciation to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition for expediting the facilitation of this process, which has reached fruition less than three years after our November 2023 Working Visit to China," Mashatile said. "During that visit, we engaged with the leadership of Chery International, focusing on promoting South Africa as a prime investment hub and enhancing local automotive manufacturing and supply chains."

Mashatile said the government wants investment in the automotive industry to extend beyond vehicle assembly by increasing local production of components and developing domestic supply chains. "It is important to separate basic assembly from the more advanced localisation of components and supply chains. Assembly by itself may provide only shallow employment, but prospects are better with localisation because it creates significant job multipliers, broadens industrial ripple effects, and promotes skill development across generations," he said. He also encouraged closer collaboration between Chery and local businesses. "Government calls upon Chery to work hand in hand with us in identifying and promoting local suppliers, especially those led by our youth," Mashatile said.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile tours the Chery production facility during the official launch in Rosslyn, Tshwane on 3rd July 2026. Photo Credit: NNA News

Addressing the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng described the Rosslyn launch as an example of expanding industrial cooperation between China and South Africa. "Rosslyn Plant has operated in South Africa for nearly 70 years. It has witnessed the entire development of South Africa's automotive industry from its infancy into a thriving sector," Wu said. He added: "Today, these two remarkable journeys converge: a historic factory that embodies the legacy of South Africa's automotive industry and a dynamic Chinese automaker joining hands to move forward together." According to Wu, the investment reflects the broader economic relationship between the two countries. "This partnership not only stands as a vivid testament to the deepening cooperation between China and South Africa, but will also inject fresh momentum into our bilateral cooperation in the auto sector and open up broader prospects for future development," he said.

Wu also referred to China's zero-tariff policy for African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing, saying it could create additional opportunities for South African automotive exports. "Starting May 1 this year, China officially put in place zero-tariff treatment for all African countries with diplomatic ties with China. This arrangement brings new growth opportunities for African nations including South Africa," he said. "For South Africa's automotive industry, the policy is expected to facilitate the exports of South African vehicles and auto parts to China."

The Chery Himla pickup truck is showcased during the Rosslyn production facility launch in Tshwane on Friday, 3rd July 2026. Photo Credit: NNA News

Looking ahead, Wu said Chinese companies operating in South Africa should continue investing in local communities and skills development. "I sincerely hope all Chinese enterprises in South Africa will continue to establish deep roots in the local market, actively integrate into local communities, nurture local talent, drive local industrial upgrading and local job creation, help improve people's well-being, and contribute more to South Africa's economic and social development," he said.

The Rosslyn facility has been part of South Africa's automotive industry for nearly seven decades. Friday's launch forms part of ongoing industrial cooperation between South Africa and China as both countries seek to expand manufacturing, investment and trade within the automotive sector.