The Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS) was established in 2018 with a single vision: an industrialised Africa built on world-class manufacturing capabilities.

TWIMS is honoured to announce that it is now able to offer individuals the opportunity to apply for the TWIMS Manufacturing Ambassador Scholarship. As a result of a generous endowment from the Toyota South Africa Educational Trust, TWIMS will be able to fund up to ten Manufacturing Ambassador scholarships annually from 2020.

The scholarships will cover up to 90% of student tuition and global module expenses, and all residency costs at TWIMS during block-release and exam periods. Residency benefits are, however, only for those scholarship recipients who live outside of Durban. The total value of the scholarship is substantial: Up to R450,000 over the two-year MBA period. This means that scholarship recipients will need to fund up to R50,000 of their own studies (10% of total costs). The 10% may be paid by the scholarship recipients directly or the companies the individuals work for.

The application process requires the submission of the following documents:

• A curriculum vitae, including details of outreach and volunteer work (maximum of two pages)
• A motivational letter, indicating why the scholarship has been applied for (500 words)
• An industrialisation essay, explaining the importance of industrial development to Sub-Saharan Africa, and the role of management in leading industrialisation (1,000 words)

Please note that TWIMS will not accept emailed or physical scholarship applications. Any applications delivered outside of the online scholarship portal will be discarded immediately. Only South African citizens may apply for the scholarship and the scholarships will be awarded per the demographic profile of the Republic of South Africa.

Applications for the GIBS MBA (manufacturing focus) close on the 26th of November 2019.

Click here to visit the website and download the brochure below for more detail pertaining to the scholarship.

The annual Manufacturing Indaba Eastern Cape Exhibition Show brings together provincial manufacturers and businesses to explore growth opportunities, find out about the latest manufacturing incentives and trends, and provide a platform for networking and collaboration.

The details of the Indaba are as follows:

• Date: 3-4 October 2019
• Time: 08:00
• Venue: The Boardwalk Conference Centre (ICC)

The Export Helpdesk is looking to fund three (3) companies, from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, to exhibit at the Indaba. The targeted sectors are as follows:

• Energy Sector
• Automotive manufacturers – including parts and components
• Chemical manufacturers
• Pharmaceutical manufacturer
• Agro processing

The nominated company should meet the following requirements:

• Must be manufacturing and operating within the above mentioned sectors/industries (company profile and registration needed)
• Must have actual products to exhibit ( images of product/s needed)
• Operating for more than 1 (one) year
• Must be within the Nelson Mandela Bay

Send through your applications to Ms. Siphokazi Ngombane to sngombane@mandelametro.gov.za or call 041 503 7533 by no later than 19 September 2019 @ 12h00.

Click here to visit the Manufacturing Indaba website for more information. 

Reflecting on the new vehicle sales statistics for the month of August 2019, NAAMSA confirmed that aggregate domestic sales at 45 537 units reflected a decline of 2 440 units or 5,1% from the 47 977 vehicles sold in August last year. Monthly export sales had registered further strong gains in line with industry expectations. 

The August 2019 export sales number represented a new monthly record with export sales at 44 566 vehicles reflecting a further significant increase of 12 225 vehicles, or 37,8%, compared to the 32 341 vehicles exported in the same month last year. Vehicle exports for the year to date are now 48 753 vehicles or 22,9% higher than the corresponding period last year and on track to achieve another record in 2019.

Consumers and businesses remain under financial pressure and the new vehicle market is feeling the pressure of the reduced spending power with regards to vehicle purchases. On the positive side, industry vehicle production levels would continue to benefit from strong vehicle export sales.

Download the full NAAMSA press release below as well as the August 2019 Industry New Vehicle Sales.