Gauteng: Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, is set to launch the Merchant Development Programme, which aims to address barriers of entry into the automotive industry. This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to become sustainable suppliers of fleet maintenance services.
According to South African Government News Agency, the programme is being championed by g-FleeT Management, a trading entity of the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, in partnership with WesBank and the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC). The programme specifically targets merchants in townships, informal settlements, and hostels (TISH) areas. By providing onboarding, training, and accreditation, the programme seeks to integrate these merchants into the government supply chain.
The official launch of the Merchant Development Programme is scheduled to take place at the Chamdor Automotive Hub, located at 1 Jacobs Street, Krugersdorp. The event will be attended by key stakeholders, including members of the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Logistics, the Mayoral Committees on Transport, and Chief Executive Officers from AIDC, WesBank, and g-FleeT Management.