CHINESE AUTOMAKERS ANSWER MISA’S CALL JETOUR TO PRODUCE SUVs IN SOUTH AFRICA

By Sonja Carstens
Manager of MISA’s Media & Communication Department

MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, celebrates Jetour’s announcement that it will begin manufacturing vehicles in South Africa, by leveraging from Chery’s recent acquisition of Nissan’s Rosslyn assembly plant in Gauteng.

This development is a significant boost for the automotive sector, and it is a clear validation of MISA’s consistent call for Chinese automakers to invest in local production.

Earlier this year, MISA, as the largest trade union in the Motor sector, raised this issue sharply in its engagement with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), urging government and industry stakeholders to ensure that foreign investment translates into sustainable jobs and skills development.

Jetour’s commitment, underpinned by Chery’s transition from importer to local manufacturer, demonstrates that the unions advocacy is delivering tangible results.

“This announcement is another MISA victory.

We have consistently pushed for Chinese automakers to manufacture locally, and today we see that vision becoming reality. Jetour’s decision means jobs, skills, and opportunities for our members and their families.

We look forward to deeper collaboration with Chinese automakers.” said Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations.

By mid-2027, Chery aims to produce 50,000 units annually and create over 3,000 jobs across manufacturing and supply chain sectors.

This is a major step forward for workers, families, and communities who depend on the motor retail and manufacturing industries.

It also positions South Africa as a key player in the global ambitions of Chinese automakers, who are increasingly integrating into local economies worldwide.

MISA believes that this investment is also an opportunity for skills transfer and collaboration. Chinese automakers bring advanced expertise in electrification, hybridisation, and intelligent mobility systems.

South African workers stand to gain immensely from exposure to these technologies, ensuring that the auto industry remains competitive in a rapidly changing global market.

MISA remains committed to ensuring that workers are at the heart of this transformation.

We will continue to engage with government, industry, and international partners to secure a future where innovation and investment translate into empowerment and prosperity for all.