The Automotive Business Council (Naamsa) has appointed Dr Mncane Mthunzi as its new Chief Executive Officer at a defining moment for South Africa’s automotive industry.
The new CEO takes over from Interim Chief Executive Officer Shinny Gobiyeza, who returns to her role as Chief Operations Officer of Naamsa.
According to the association, the global automotive sector is undergoing an unprecedented change, especially amid the transition towards new energy vehicles.
Advances in technology, evolving global trade relationships, intensifying competition for investment and the transformation of automotive supply chains are fundamentally reshaping the industry.
It is at this critical juncture that Mthunzi assumes leadership at Naamsa to represent stakeholders across the entire South African automotive value chain.
Naamsa President Peter van Binsbergen explained that Mthunzi’s appointment is important for the council, its members, and the South African automotive industry.
“We are entering a period that will fundamentally determine the future structure and competitiveness of our sector, and we require strong, decisive and strategic leadership to navigate it,” he said.
“Dr Mthunzi understands the strategic importance of the automotive industry to South Africa. This industry contributes significantly to manufacturing, exports, investment, employment, skills development and economic growth.”
Van Binsbergen explained that Mthunzi’s mandate is bigger than leading an industry association.
“It is about serving our members while helping shape the conditions under which one of South Africa’s most important industrial sectors can compete, transform and grow globally,” he said.
Under its new CEO, Naamsa hopes to strengthen engagement with its members alongside the South African government and industry stakeholders across the automotive value chain.
“The automotive industry cannot navigate this transformation in isolation. We need a shared national ambition and much stronger alignment between industrial policy, investment, infrastructure, skills, energy, trade and market development,” said Van Binsbergen.
“Naamsa will continue to play its part. Our responsibility is to our members and to the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the automotive industry. We are an organisation that not only responds to change but helps lead it.”
Taking on a long list of responsibilities
Following his appointment to the post, Mthunzi said that he is honoured to assume the leadership of Naamsa at such a pivotal moment for our industry.
“South Africa has built an automotive manufacturing sector of genuine global significance. We have world-class manufacturers, an established supplier and dealership base, highly capable people and a proven export platform,” he said.
However, Mthunzi noted that the association cannot assume that past successes will automatically secure South Africa’s automotive future.
“The global automotive industry is changing rapidly, and South Africa must compete decisively for the investment, technology, skills, markets and opportunities that will define the next generation of mobility,” he added.
“My priority will be to ensure that Naamsa remains a strong, influential and unified voice for its members and the industry, one that engages constructively with Government, challenges where necessary, and advances practical solutions that support investment, growth, transformation and competitiveness.”
Under Mthunzi’s leadership, which took effect yesterday, 7 September 2026, Naamsa has outlined a list of priorities, including:
- strengthening South Africa’s global automotive competitiveness and manufacturing footprint;
- securing new investment and protecting existing investment in vehicle and component manufacturing;
- accelerating localisation and the development of a globally competitive automotive supply chain;
- supporting the transition towards new energy vehicles and the technologies of the future;
- expanding export opportunities and strengthening South Africa’s position in global automotive value chains;
- developing the skills and capabilities required for the future automotive economy;
- promoting transformation, inclusion and meaningful participation across the automotive value chain; and
- strengthening collaboration between industry, Government, organised labour and other strategic partners to deliver sustainable long-term growth.
Naamsa added that the CEO will also be responsible for ensuring the association continues to provide credible, evidence-based and authoritative leadership on policy and strategic issues affecting the automotive sector.
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