By: Noluthando Mchunu
KwaZulu-Natal’s automotive sector has been urged to establish strong leadership pipelines to ensure the industry remains competitive, stable and sustainable in the years ahead.
This was the key focus at the Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC) Annual General Meeting, held at the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies in Durban.
Held under the theme “Engineered to Last: Succession Planning for KZN’s Automotive Future,” the event brought together leading manufacturing executives, industry stakeholders and government representatives to discuss the importance of succession planning and leadership continuity within the province’s automotive industry.
Panellists highlighted that proactive leadership transition strategies are critical to preserving KwaZulu-Natal’s manufacturing excellence, maintaining investor confidence and ensuring long-term resilience in an evolving global automotive market.
Industry leaders warned that failing to prepare future leaders could negatively affect productivity, innovation and operational stability, particularly as the sector faces rapid technological advancement, skills shortages and increasing international competition.
Speakers also stressed the need for closer collaboration between industry, government and educational institutions to develop a skilled talent pipeline capable of supporting the sector’s future growth.
Deputy Head of the Economic Development Directorate, Takalani Rathiyaya, outlined some of the priorities for the new financial year, including strengthening industrial development, supporting skills training initiatives and improving partnerships aimed at boosting economic growth in the province.
Rathiyaya said leadership development and succession planning would play a vital role in safeguarding the future of KwaZulu-Natal’s automotive manufacturing sector, which remains a significant contributor to the provincial economy and employment.
