Programme Director,

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and distinguished guests.

It is a privilege to join you today for the Official Launch of the SANY Southern Africa Headquarters and Manufacturing Facility in Boksburg. This moment represents far more than the opening of a new industrial site—it signals a renewed commitment to advancing South Africa's industrialisation agenda, accelerating economic growth, and positioning our country as a competitive manufacturing hub on the African continent. It is a tangible step forward in our collective mission to expand productive capacity, stimulate job creation, and build resilient, empowered communities.

Allow me to begin by acknowledging the distinguished guests who have graced us with their presence today. I would like to extend a warm welcome to Mr. Edwa L., Chairman of SANY Southern Africa, whose leadership and strategic foresight have made this investment a reality. I also wish to recognise the presence of key government officials, industry leaders, and private sector partners who have joined us.

Your collaboration is essential as we work together to realise the ambitions of the MTDP 2024–2029, which places industrial expansion, localisation, and employment creation at the centre of South Africa's development priorities.

Today's celebration is not simply about inaugurating a facility. It is about embracing the promise of expanded industrial capability and future economic transformation. This state-of-the-art headquarters and manufacturing plant, demonstrates SANY's confidence in our economy and long-term commitment to the region. With the capacity to employ over 150 staff and produce up to 1,000 units annually, this investment directly supports South Africa's goal of strengthening the manufacturing sector, recovering lost industrial output, and increasing participation in global value chains.

More importantly, this facility arrives at a time when South Africa is intentionally repositioning manufacturing as a driver of growth. The MTDP 2024–2029 calls for revitalising industrial zones, enhancing logistics and energy security, supporting export-driven growth, and attracting quality investment into high-value sectors. SANY's investment aligns seamlessly with these priorities and demonstrates the catalytic role that foreign direct investment can play—boosting competitiveness, expanding industrial capacity, and stimulating broad-based economic activity.

One of the most compelling aspects of this project is SANY's dedication to skills development and technology transfer. By investing in training and upskilling our workforce, SANY is helping to build a new generation of South African technicians, engineers, and industrial specialists. These are the skills that will power our factories, shape our infrastructure, and secure our place in the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions. This commitment echoes the MTDP's focus on creating a capable, future-ready labour force that can drive innovation and productivity.

Ladies and gentlemen, the success of South Africa's industrialisation agenda depends on robust partnerships between government and industry. Only through collaboration can we unlock new opportunities, remove structural barriers to growth, and ensure that investment translates into real jobs and improved livelihoods for our people. Facilities like this one remind us that South Africa can and will remain a competitive destination for advanced manufacturing—when government, investors, and communities work together.

On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, I extend my deepest gratitude to SANY Southern Africa for this bold and strategic investment. We are confident that this facility will serve as a catalyst for economic development, skills advancement, and technological progress—not only in Boksburg, but across our nation and the broader SADC region.

Congratulations on this remarkable achievement and thank you for choosing South Africa as a partner in growth, innovation, and shared prosperity.

I thank you.

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