Chery to build car plant in SA

by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – CHINESE Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng has applauded Chery Automobile for its plans to establish a local manufacturing plant in South Africa, a move expected to generate significant economic and employment benefits.

Sharing the news on X, Ambassador Wu Peng stated: “Chinese automaker Chery has confirmed it will establish a local manufacturing plant in SA, which is expected to create nearly 3,000 jobs across upstream & downstream sectors. A powerful testament to how Chinese enterprises drive SA’s economic growth & achieve win-win results.”

The announcement has been warmly welcomed across South Africa, especially among unemployed youths who view the plant as a rare opportunity for stable jobs and potential access to affordable vehicles.

Aya Muzi commented: “We are looking forward to this positive change for job seekers and the long-term investment from our Chinese partners.”

Tau Tshehadi added: “This is a much welcome investment. A BRICS partner bringing value to the partnership. Thank you China.”

Local manufacturing plants, unlike simply importing vehicles, offer substantial advantages.

Establishing a car plant stimulates employment not only in assembly lines but also across upstream industries such as parts supply, logistics, and materials production.

It strengthens the local supply chain, builds technical and engineering skills, and ensures technology transfer—key factors in long-term economic development.

Miss Thebe highlighted this point, saying: “3000 jobs are great. Now can we ensure the skills, the technology and the supply chain also stay in SA? Investment without transfer is just a longer form of extraction.”

The positive impact of such investment goes beyond jobs.

Local assembly allows South Africa to retain more value domestically, reducing reliance on imported vehicles and creating opportunities for innovation in design, engineering, and maintenance.

Moreover, Chinese automobiles like Chery are increasingly recognised for their affordability, fuel efficiency, and reliability, providing strong competition to expensive Western-made cars.

Sbuda Mabrigado observed: “Chinese cars are slowly replacing the high expensive German brands.”

Chery’s success story, founded in Wuhu, serves as inspiration for local industry.

Lile Mo remarked: “Chery was founded in a city called Wuhu. Its story is very interesting and very insightful especially for those who are always overlooked, think they are replaceable and can easily be forgotten. Exactly where and how Chery begun.”

Prof Moya emphasized the broader significance of the investment, stating: “Thank you China, working together we can do more. SA relationship with China is rock solid.”

By establishing a plant rather than merely supplying imported vehicles, Chery ensures that South Africa gains both economically and technologically.

Local production creates skilled employment, encourages industrial innovation, and strengthens the economy, while giving South Africans access to high-quality, competitively priced vehicles.

As Chinese investments continue to expand across Africa, partnerships like Chery’s demonstrate the tangible benefits of collaboration, economic sovereignty, and sustainable growth, contrasting sharply with countries that focus solely on exports or extractive practices.

For South Africa, this represents a meaningful step toward industrial self-reliance and a stronger presence in the global automotive market.

– CAJ News