On 16 October 2019, the University of Pretoria, in collaboration with Gerotek, Applus IDIADA and the CSIR hosted the 3^rd Technology and Innovation Conference around the theme: “Automotive Development for Africa: Local Challenges and Technology solutions”.

The motor industry in South Africa is key industry that contributes about 7% of GDP. Yet, sustainability of this industry is continuously challenged. The industry gets its resilience through localisation and deepening of the supply chain, but this requires adaptation of vehicle technology to specific South African and African conditions. Achieving localisation and growth of the motor industry across all sectors (road vehicles, light and heavy, mining, agriculture and military) requires industry, legislators, academia and test houses to work closely together.

The conference included two keynote addresses. In the first, “Create a Dream”, Carel Snyman described his journey of developing battery electric vehicles in South Africa for South Africa. He highlighted the benefits in vehicle operating costs that can be achieved by using this technology.

The second keynote address, “Public Transport Strategic Plan”, by MEC Jacob Mamabolo emphasised the cost of road accidents to society and the economy. He encouraged the industry, and academia in particular, to help the government solve this problem that affects all of us. The solution encompasses everything from basic driver training up to the highest technological advances.

MEC  Jacob Mamabolo sharing his vision for better transport in the region	Delegates admire the Baja SAE cars, designed and developed by students, the VDG laboratory

Other presentations focused on battery technology, local and international testing and homologation, as well as the role of research and training in the value chain. The conference included a visit to the laboratories of the Centre for Asset Integrity Management (C-AIM) as well as the Vehicle Dynamics Group (VDG) in the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering at UP.

The conference succeeded is giving participants a vision of the potential of the vehicle industry and what could be achieved if industry, legislators, academia and test houses were working closely together.