After visiting manufacturing and engineering company JA Engineering’s facilities in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, on March 13, Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile said he was upbeat about the prospects for the heavy equipment manufacturing industry in the province, even if it has not yet reached its full potential.

“The capital equipment and construction manufacturing industry is big and I am very happy about the potential of the sector. [But] I don't think it has reached its full potential. If it [is] to reach its full potential, I'm sure we can grow the economy at a faster pace,” Maile said.

JA Engineering operates an extensive global network that includes a manufacturing plant, repair and rebuild facilities, sales and services, engineering expertise and aftermarket distribution. It has a strategic footprint in Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Botswana, Australia and India.

The JA Engineering executive team took Maile on a tour of their facilities and informed him about their industry and its potential for accessing export markets and growing globally in the mining equipment space while benefiting the local mining value chain.

Maile emphasised that effective collaboration between government and industry could be achieved through several key initiatives. These included the firm-to-firm programme, which facilitated direct engagement between government and local businesses to understand their specific needs and challenges.

The MEC’s visit to JA Engineering’s facility was part of the 'firm-to-firm' programme, aimed at giving government a firsthand understanding of companies' operations.

He said that the visit served to illustrate government’s commitment to understanding the challenges faced by local manufacturers and reconnecting with the sector. The purpose of the visit was to assess the potential of the manufacturing industry and show support for black-owned industrial enterprises.

Maile said focused support from government agencies such as the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) was also crucial in providing targeted financial and strategic assistance, particularly to black-owned businesses.

Another priority was local content development, which encouraged a higher percentage of locally produced parts and components in manufacturing to boost the domestic economy.

Maile further stressed the importance of systematic problem-solving, where industry-specific challenges were addressed rather than discussing economic issues in abstract terms.

He said a mutual commitment between government and businesses was essential, ensuring both parties worked to sustain and grow economic stability.

Additionally, a long-term vision must be upheld to support entrepreneurs dedicated to building sustainable businesses rather than seeking quick profits. Maile said the key to success lay in creating a collaborative ecosystem where government provided strategic support, reduced barriers and created conducive conditions for industrial growth while businesses focused on innovation, production and creating economic value.

Maile explained that the firm-to-firm programme was a strategic initiative aimed at fostering direct, hands-on engagement between government and local businesses.

The key objectives of the firm-to-firm programme include establishing direct communication between government and the private sector, identifying potential growth opportunities, providing support and resources, and creating a collaborative environment for economic development.

Maile noted JA Engineering’s black ownership and commended the company on its focus and dedication to building the local economy, and highlighted the importance of the IDC's support in its growth.

He emphasised the need for sustained, focused entrepreneurship to ensure long-term economic impact.

The broader economic goals of the firm-to-firm programme include contributing to Gauteng’s economic growth, increasing local manufacturing content, creating employment opportunities, and supporting the reindustrialisation of the economy.

Maile said that the programme was ultimately about breaking down barriers between government and businesses to create a more integrated approach to economic development.

“It gives us lots of hope when we see government wanting to partner with the private sector in order to re-industrialise this country because we've got a huge issue of unemployment.

“As you've touched on it, it can only be done away with when we partner with government, when we partner with the sector, and when we've got companies supporting and funding those good initiatives that are going to build the country as a whole,” JA Engineering CEO Matimba Mahange said.

As a manufacturer for underground soft rock mining equipment, JA Engineering has 80% local content in its manufacturing processes. Its product suite includes continuous miners, shuttle cars, feeder breakers, battery scoops and roof bolters.

Additionally, JA Engineering provides surface mining solutions such as wheel motors, surface drills and dragline components.

In January, it was announced that JA Engineering had partnered with Czech Republic-based company Ferrit. The strategic collaboration expands JA Engineering’s expertise to include innovative solutions for the hard rock mining sector, complementing the company’s existing offerings for underground and surface operations.

Ferrit’s portfolio features battery- and diesel-powered machines for rail and suspended mining transportation, efficiently transporting heavy loads, mined materials, and personnel over distances and inclines of up to 35°.

The Ferrit product range also includes loaders, dumpers, utility vehicles and multipurpose machines equipped with versatile superstructures.

“For us as the Gauteng government, a business such as JA Engineering stands out as a beacon of hope for the province’s vision of achieving a radically transformed, modernised, and re-industrialised economy, manifesting decent work, economic inclusion and equity in the region.”

“Our engagement with JA Engineering is an apt opportunity to showcase investment opportunities in the province. It also shows how we foster collaboration and demonstrates to the world the ease of doing business in the province,” Maile said.

“We are ready to work with the provincial government in support of the re-industrialisation strategy of Gauteng,” Mahange added.