Gov reaffirms support for localisation of transport industry

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During his State of the Nation Address, President Jacob Zuma announced the continued roll out of the Industrial Policy Action Plan, in terms of which the state's purchasing power is being directed to South African producers.

Government will use the renewable energy sector, the manufacturing of buses, Transnet's R50bn locomotive contracts and PRASA's passenger rail projects, among others, to promote local content and boost growth. President Zuma announced that 75% of all state spending on goods and services will be locally sourced, which bodes well for increased local manufacturing.

The South African government's localisation drive, which includes the designation of certain products for local procurement by state-owned entities, has seen the designation of certain aspects of the bus, taxi and rail industry. But it will take a concerted effort from all industry stakeholders to deliver the desired levels of local content, including an understanding of the local manufacturing capabilities in components, goods and services to be procured by the bus, taxi and rail sectors.

Focus of conference

Against, this backdrop, Localisation for Africa's Public Transport Conference and Exhibition, which will take place from 27-29 August 2014 at the Lagoon Beach Hotel in Cape Town, will cast a direct spotlight on the bus, taxi and rail sector:

• by showcasing the innovation and manufacturing competency that is available in South Africa; and
  
• evaluating cross sector opportunities and incentives to boost competitiveness and considering all factors of industrialisation as part of a drive to stimulate the local economy through public transport spend.

"The conference programme will cover the themes of manufacturing, policy, procurement, planning and financing. This is an unrivalled opportunity to engage with key decision makers in the public transport sector," says Phillippa Dean, Localisation for Africa's event organiser.