Naamsa CEO Mikel Mabasa to Step Down

Why It Matters

Mabasa’s exit creates uncertainty around South Africa’s NEV advocacy, a critical factor for preserving the automotive industry’s export revenues and jobs.

Key Takeaways

• Mikel Mabasa leaves Naamsa after 6.5 years.
• He championed South Africa's NEV policy amid global shift.
• Automotive sector accounts for 4.3% GDP, 17.3% manufacturing.
• EU bans ICE sales by 2030s pressure South Africa.
• Successor must continue aggressive NEV advocacy.

Pulse Analysis

The leadership change at Naamsa arrives at a pivotal moment for South Africa’s automotive sector, which underpins 4.3% of the nation’s GDP and a sizable share of its manufacturing output. Mabasa’s tenure coincided with a global pivot toward electric mobility, and his departure raises questions about continuity in industry representation. Stakeholders will be watching closely how the new CEO balances advocacy with the council’s broader mandate to support manufacturers, suppliers, and exporters navigating a rapidly evolving market.

South Africa’s NEV policy landscape remains fragmented, lagging behind regional competitors such as Morocco, which targets one million electric vehicles annually. The European Union and United Kingdom have set definitive bans on internal‑combustion engine sales for the 2030s, compressing the window for South African manufacturers to retool. Mabasa’s 2023 thought‑leadership paper urged fiscal incentives, supply‑chain development, and a dedicated governmental unit to accelerate NEV production, arguing that without decisive action the sector risks deindustrialisation.

The board’s upcoming appointment will shape the country’s ability to attract investment and retain skilled talent in the automotive arena. A successor who can sustain pressure on the Department of Trade, Industry & Competition for a robust NEV framework will be essential to safeguard export markets and prevent job losses. As global OEMs recalibrate their supply chains, South Africa’s policy response will determine whether it remains a competitive hub or falls behind emerging electric‑vehicle manufacturing centers.