South African President Welcomes Toyota’s R10.4 Billion Hilux Investment
Durban, The Gulf Observer: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed Toyota South Africa Motors’ R10.4 billion investment in the production of the ninth-generation Hilux, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s economy, manufacturing sector, and workforce.
Speaking at Toyota’s Prospecton manufacturing plant in Durban during the official line-off ceremony for the new Hilux, Ramaphosa said the investment demonstrates South Africa’s ability to translate investment commitments into tangible economic outcomes, including job creation, industrial growth, and increased exports.
The investment programme includes major upgrades to production facilities, advanced manufacturing equipment, and expanded local supplier capacity. Toyota has also begun pilot production of the new-generation Hilux, with full-scale production expected to strengthen South Africa’s position as a key automotive manufacturing and export hub.
Ramaphosa noted that the automotive industry remains one of the pillars of South Africa’s economy, contributing significantly to gross domestic product and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the manufacturing value chain. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between government, industry, labour, and suppliers to maintain the country’s global competitiveness as the automotive sector transitions toward cleaner and more advanced vehicle technologies.
The President also highlighted the role of localization, skills development, and technological innovation in strengthening South Africa’s industrial base. He said investments such as Toyota’s reinforce confidence in the country’s long-term economic prospects and support the government’s strategy of investment-led growth and industrialization.
Toyota’s R10.4 billion programme is expected to enhance production capacity, improve export competitiveness, and create new opportunities for local suppliers and workers, further consolidating South Africa’s status as one of Africa’s leading automotive manufacturing centers.
