The National Association of Automotive Components and Related Industries (NAACAM) insists that the government must compel international automakers to increase the share of local content in vehicles assembled in South Africa to 60%.
The National Association of Automotive Components and Related Industries (NAACAM) insists that the government must compel international automakers to increase the share of local content in vehicles assembled in South Africa to 60%.
The South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM) 2035 is currently under review because, at current rates, it is highly unlikely to achieve its goal of increasing local production content to 60%, which was intended to create 224,000 jobs.
NAACAM CEO, Renay Mutilial, told a representative from the MISA union, Fakimile Khlubi-Majole, that localization is the most effective lever for stimulating the domestic economy, creating employment, and developing local skills, as component manufacturing provides the highest employment in the automotive value chain.
Mutilial cited Brazil, Thailand, and Turkey as examples where governments impose mandatory conditions on Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). In these regions, compliance with state-set localization requirements is not an option but a condition for selling vehicles.
He emphasized: 'We should not apologize for this. Localization effectively guarantees that you receive significant added value from OEMs. The global standard for localization is 60%. In South Africa, we are stuck at 40%, and we deserve more. OEMs in South Africa receive a lot of support from the state and the working class. We feel we must be decisive. 60% is the target in the Masterplan.'
According to Mutilial, this target exists only on paper and lacks the political will to ensure its achievement.
MISA, the main union in the retail automotive industry representing 79,000 members, supports NAACAM's view. The union noted that creating sustainable decent jobs is central to the Masterplan.
MISA's Chief Operating Officer, Martle Kater, stated in a declaration that 'it is not unreasonable to demand that OEMs who manufacture locally and receive substantial government incentives commit to creating real manufacturing jobs.'
Marin Firi, Director of Oxyon People Solutions, noted earlier this year that Chinese automotive brands lead globally in electric vehicles (EVs) and intend to remain in South Africa. However, in her opinion, the opportunity lies in encouraging these brands to utilize existing enterprises, skilled local workers, and local suppliers.
This would allow a shift from importing cars to local production, aligning with green industry growth goals. Firi added that South Africa's location provides access to African Continental Free Trade Area markets duty-free, and trade agreements open doors to Europe and beyond. With a reliable supply chain, the country could become an EV production base if policy supports it.
Nevertheless, Firi pointed out that production costs in South Africa are higher than in China. While recent tax incentives for hydrogen fuel and EV vehicle investments are a good start, more is needed. 'We need discounts for companies that hire locals and comply with content rules. Furthermore, there needs to be funding for factory modernization and assisting suppliers in transitioning to EV parts. Without a cost reduction plan, investments will go to other countries,' Firi stated in her declaration.
ConectCar has introduced ConectCar Free Flow Moto, which is the first solution in the Brazilian market dedicated to automating the payment of motorcycle tolls on highways operating under the Free Flow system.
This technology, which is initially being tested with a specific group of clients, eliminates the need for manual payment after passing through the toll booths and reduces the risk of motorcyclists receiving fines for non-payment.
Currently, those traveling by motorcycle on Free Flow highways without a tag must identify the concessionaire responsible for the stretch, access the payment channels, and settle the toll within a maximum period of 30 days. If this period is exceeded, the situation is classified as toll evasion, according to Article 209-A of the Brazilian Traffic Code. This serious infraction results in a fine of R$ 195.23 and the addition of five points to the driver's license.
The complexity of this procedure has caused difficulties, leading the federal government to suspend over 3 million such fines at the beginning of 2026, highlighting the need that the new tool aims to solve.
With ConectCar Free Flow Moto, the user only needs to register their motorcycle's license plate on the company's platform. Based on this registration, the system automatically identifies passage through the Free Flow stretches and charges the toll using the balance available in the ConectCar account, dispensing with any action from the driver during or after the trip.
The service will be made available in MVP (Minimum Viable Product) format, a phase focused on validation and continuous improvement of the technology. Initially, the functionality will be limited to a selected group of clients who will receive an invitation to participate.
The solution is compatible with highways that already charge tolls for motorcycles in Free Flow, covering stretches managed by concessionaires such as CCR RioSP, Caminhos da Serra Gaúcha, and EPR Sul Minas, among others. It is important to note that it does not operate at traditional toll plazas with physical barriers, nor in parking lots.
This launch accompanies the expansion of the free flow model in the country, which currently covers more than 19 highways and has increased the demand for simpler payment methods due to the absence of booths and barriers.
ConectCar reports having a presence on 100% of tolled highways and in over 1,300 parking lots nationwide. Furthermore, the company is responsible for the tag technology used by institutions such as Itaú and Porto. With this innovation, the company expands its scope beyond tag-based solutions, strengthening its position as a technology provider for urban mobility.
Thousands of Nubank users reported difficulties with the platform during the night of this Wednesday, the 15th. The greatest customer dissatisfaction is related to the functioning of Pix, which was experiencing failures.
The Downdetector website, which monitors the real-time status of various services and platforms, registered almost three thousand complaints from Nubank users regarding these issues.
Social media also recorded several complaints about the Pix issue.
Olhar Digital contacted both the Central Bank (BC) to verify if Pix was facing problems on other platforms, and Nubank itself. The bank informed that it is aware of a temporary instability and is actively working to restore services as quickly as possible. An official statement from the Central Bank is still awaited.
Xiaomi has strengthened its presence in the Brazilian market by offering devices that combine contemporary design, good performance, and ample storage capacity. For those looking for a new phone, three options from the brand have been selected, currently available on Amazon, all equipped with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal memory.
The Redmi Note 15 was launched to reinforce Xiaomi's mid-range category, maintaining the configuration of 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. This setup ensures smooth navigation between applications, in addition to offering plenty of space for photos and games. Its black version gives it a sober yet stylish appearance.
The Redmi 15C model in Midnight Black offers an affordable alternative without compromising the robust specifications of 8GB of RAM and 256GB of ROM, making it suitable for daily use. It is recommended for those who wish to start with the Redmi line with good performance and a discreet look.
Additionally, there is the Redmi 15C in Moonlight Blue, ideal for those who prefer a touch of color. Maintaining the same RAM and storage specifications as the other models in the line, this bluish version stands out for its vibrant finish.
It is important to note that stock in promotions like these tends to sell out quickly on Amazon. Therefore, if any of these devices spark interest, it is recommended to check availability immediately. The article also informs that it contains links generated by an affiliate program, but emphasizes that this does not change the value for the consumer.
