Steenhuisen Urges Expansion of Auto Aftermarket Strategy
The Deputy Minister is calling for a stronger focus on local repair services and parts production to bolster the automotive economy.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Auto Parts
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Should South Africa prioritize local production of car parts to help lower vehicle repair costs?
Deputy Minister John Steenhuisen is urging a strategic shift to expand the South African automotive aftermarket to include more repair and maintenance services. This initiative aims to address high import reliance and support the nation's 13 million vehicle fleet.
Why it matters
A revitalised strategy could capitalise on the 76% of local vehicles currently outside their warranty period. It also addresses the critical shortage of technical skills needed to maintain increasingly complex electric and hybrid models.
The automotive aftermarket sector comprises over 23,000 businesses supporting 310,000 jobs. However, the nation faces a 31% decline in qualified automotive artisans since 2009.
The players
John Steenhuisen
He is the Deputy Minister advocating for an expanded automotive aftermarket strategy in South Africa.
The details
The sector's retail and aftermarket economy generated R933 billion in trade during 2025. Officials believe that localising the production of replacement parts can significantly reduce the current reliance on international imports.
Timeline
2009 served as the baseline for comparing the current number of qualified automotive artisans.
2025 provided the data reporting period for all automotive sector economic figures.
27 October 2026 was the date Deputy Minister Steenhuisen spoke at Automechanika Johannesburg.
Roadmap
This proposal reflects a structural shift toward localising the automotive value chain under the Automotive Production and Development Programme. By focusing on aftermarket services, South Africa aims to move beyond vehicle manufacturing to capture value within its existing 13 million vehicle fleet.
Localisation efforts could eventually lead to more affordable and accessible maintenance options for the millions of drivers with out-of-warranty vehicles. This shift may also create new training opportunities for those looking to enter the professional automotive artisan trade.
The takeaway
Expanding the aftermarket sector is crucial to sustaining the country's aging vehicle fleet. Developing local technical expertise will be the primary driver for success in this evolving repair landscape.
Further reading
For more context on current industry trends, see our Auto Parts section.
Live Poll
Should South Africa prioritize local production of car parts to help lower vehicle repair costs?
