Former Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa joins AIDC Eastern Cape board

Mikel Mabasa | image supplied

The appointments come as South Africa's automotive sector faces pressure to strengthen local supply chains, expand manufacturing capacity and remain competitive in international markets.

Mabasa and Coffey join a six-member board chaired by Pepi Silinga, which oversees the AIDC-EC's strategic direction and governance. The organisation supports automotive industry development in the Eastern Cape, including supplier development, localisation and the growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

Automotive and manufacturing experience

Mabasa brings more than 30 years of experience in automotive industrial policy, international trade, investment promotion and corporate governance. He previously led Naamsa | The Automotive Business Council, where he was involved in advancing South Africa's automotive industrialisation agenda, including the South African Automotive Masterplan 2035.

He is now CEO and lead partner of Materi Investment Group. At AIDC-EC, he chairs the Finance, Investment and Projects Committee and serves on the Human Resources, Social and Ethics Committee.

Coffey brings more than 35 years of executive experience in manufacturing, automotive and industrial development in South Africa and across Africa.

He served as CEO of the AAAM from 2020 to 2025 and previously held leadership roles at industrial businesses including PG Group/Shatterprufe, Bel-Essex Engineering and Dorbyl Automotive Technologies.

At AIDC-EC, Coffey serves on the Audit and Risk Committee and the Finance, Investment and Projects Committee.

Focus on automotive industry development

AIDC-EC said the appointments strengthen the board's expertise in industrial development, financial oversight, international trade and corporate governance.