​Gauteng news 
Despite the massive challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is great progress in the construction of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ).
On Tuesday, Economic Development MEC Parks Tau and the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Fikile Majola visited the project to assess progress. 
"We had a discussion and we are quite encouraged by the commitment to project manage the initiative and the appetite to meet deadlines...the bulk of the vehicles here are intended for the European market.
"Transnet our counterparts, national government and the Eastern Cape government have been working very closely together to ensure that we address the railway capacity and make sure that we export the vehicles that we were introduced to here," said Tau.
The TASEZ project was launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019. The zone is currently under construction and will house a number of component manufacturers and logistics providers that will supply parts and services to Ford Motors Company Southern Africa (FMCSA). 
Government says the TASEZ presents the country with comparative and competitive advantages to accelerate industrialisation.
These advantages include a well-developed automotive industry, with advanced manufacturing capabilities, an appropriately skilled workforce and access to growing markets.
This will help to expand and transform the country's manufacturing base, improve its export capacity, create employment and develop skills.
The TASEZ fulfils the District Development Model objective of coordinated development and economic opportunities in local areas. It also focuses on attracting foreign direct investment and grow exports of value-added commodities.
The automotive hub is an expansion of the OR Tambo International Airport Special Economic Zone. 
Special Economic Zones offer various incentives such as reduced corporate tax rates, VAT and customs relief, building allowances and an employment tax incentive.
Overall, TASEZ project is expected to lead to the creation of more than 2088 jobs.
As a direct result of the President's investment drive, TASEZ has unlocked a R15.8 billion investment injection into South Africa from Ford Motor Company, with a further R4.3 billion investment from automotive components suppliers located in the SEZ.