Ramaphosa lauds Mercedes-Benz investment

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa said the decision by Mercedes-Benz to further increase its investment in South Africa was a firm statement of confidence in the country and its economy.

Mercedes-Benz said it would invest €600 million (R9.4 billion) into the expansion of its East London plant.

The upgrade will extend the production space of the existing plant by up to two-thirds to produce the next generation of the C-Class and also turn out the GLC SUVs.

Speaking at the launch, Ramaphosa said Mercedes-Benz was not only investing in its own business, but also in its many suppliers and in the development of the infrastructure that supports the production and export of its vehicles.

“This ‘multiplier effect’ is particularly strong in manufacturing, which typically requires many inputs from a wide range of suppliers from several different industries,” Ramaphosa said.

“An increase in the production of Mercedes-Benz vehicles creates greater demand in several supplier industries, stimulating new investment and job creation in many other parts of the economy.

“This investment should send a clear signal to investors around the world that South Africa is more than capable of sustaining an advanced manufacturing sector – and doing so profitably and sustainably.”

Markus Schafer, of the divisional board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said the investment was a sign of their commitment to South Africa and efforts to revive economic growth.

PICTURE: ELMOND JIYANE, GCIS ENGROSSED: President Cyril Ramaphosa during a tour of the Mercedes-Benz Learning Academy in East London. The facility is a locally based skills and artisans development centre and a public/private partnership between Mercedes-Benz, the National Treasury and the Jobs Fund.