Deputy Minister highlights automotive aftermarket’s role in South Africa’s economic growth
The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) has welcomed the recognition of South Africa’s automotive aftermarket as a significant contributor to the economy, following the opening address by Deputy Minister of Trade Industry and Competition, John Steenhuisen, at the CEO Breakfast at Automechanika Johannesburg 2026 at Gallagher Convention Centre today.
Addressing industry leaders, exhibitors and business representatives, Steenhuisen highlighted the aftermarket’s substantial economic contribution, noting that the retail and aftermarket economy traded approximately R933 billion in 2025, contributed R202.6 billion to GDP and supported more than 310,000 jobs – around 70% of total automotive employment.
The sector encompasses more than 23,000 businesses, the overwhelming majority of which are small and medium-sized enterprises that service, repair, test, maintain and supply parts for the country’s vehicle fleet.
If manufacturing is the birth of the vehicle, the aftermarket is the life of the vehicle.
Steenhuisen said, underscoring the essential role played by the sector in the broader automotive value chain.
Henk Ferreira, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the RMI, welcomed the recognition of the sector’s contribution to South Africa’s broader automotive value chain. He noted that the aftermarket supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and thousands of businesses, many of them small.
“The export opportunity is therefore no longer confined to complete vehicles and original equipment components. It also includes replacement parts, remanufactured products, vehicle maintenance expertise and specialised services,” he said. “By strengthening our aftermarket capabilities and supporting localisation, we can position South Africa not only as a manufacturing hub, but also as the leading automotive services and aftermarket hub in Africa.”
The opportunity is to build on the capabilities already within our sector, creating the conditions for businesses to grow, innovate and compete while delivering benefits for motorists, workers and the broader economy.