Recent activities
Unpacking the SA automotive sector demand outlook
22 July 2020
The Durban Automotive Cluster recently hosted a panel discussion that considered the local automotive sector demand outlook as a result of the impact of COVID-19.
Responsible and ethical employee cost optimisation during COVID-19
14 July 2020
Our recession recovery support programme continued this week with our focus on responsible and ethical employee cost optimisation during COVID-19 and the often difficult conversations and decisions around this subject.
Cost Optimisation Strategies that Work
09 July 2020
Our recession recovery support programme continued this week with our focus on discovering innovative solutions and effective cost optimisation strategies that member-firms have implemented that work!
Member-Led COVID 19 Study Tour
07 July 2020
In partnership with the South African Automotive Benchmarking Club, the DAC hosted a ‘Virtual Study Tour’ Session to review member firms’ best practice in response to COVID-19.
Employee Morale during COVID-19
02 July 2020
Employee morale expert, Sean Fjellvik (from Free to Grow), along with a panel of manufacturers from Smiths Manufacturing, TFG Manufacturing & Prestige Clothing, and Pep Clothing shared their employee morale insights and lessons.
Framing the Next 12 Months
26 June 2020
Facilitated by Prof Justin Barnes (Executive Director, Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies), we welcomed an esteemed panel of experts to discuss and debate the economic outlook of South Africa and the manufacturing sector in light of COVID-19.
Unpacking market demand in the “new normal"
24 & 25 June 2020
Our recession recovery support programme continued this week with our focus on unpacking the issues around the chemicals industry market demand challenges, and the outlook in the coming months.
DAC Newsletter 2020
2020
DAC Newsletter : COVID-19 ROAD TO RECOVERY
Quantifying and offsetting the costs associated with COVID-19
10 & 11 June 2020
Our recession recovery support programme continued this week with our focus on Quantifying and offsetting the costs associated with COVID-19and the innovative solutions our members have deployed to offset these costs.
A new era of Occupational Health: COVID-19 Consideration
09 June 2020
Occupational Health is the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being of workers, and the talk was given by Dr Naidu.
COST OPTIMISATION: Balancing employee productivity, morale and operating efficiency
03 & 04 June 2020
Our recession recovery support programme continued this week with our focus on COST OPTIMISATION and IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY – i.e. helping our firms do more with less in an environment of reduced demand and negative economic growth.
PHASE 2: COVID-19 Compliance Officers and key considerations from the President’s speech
27 & 28 May 2020
Compliance officers have undertaken the mammoth task of overseeing the implementation of the Workplace Plan and adherence to the standards of hygiene and health protocols relating to COVID-19 at the workplace. We looked at their responsibilities and how they can ensure that regulations are adhered to and monitored effectively.
PHASE 2: Recession Recovery Support Programme - Responsible restructuring and managing cost reduction
20 & 21 May 2020
As firms are faced with the economic impacts of the recession, it becomes necessary to focus on cost reduction to survive these difficult times. We took a deep dive into manufacturing costs and unpack the merits of various cost reduction strategies to safeguard your business.
PHASE 2: Recession Recovery Support Programme - Equipping firms with the tools to respond to the COVID-19 Recession
May 2020
Our phase 2 programme focuses on readying firms for the recession that’s coming, and we looked at ways to reduce costs and methods to mitigate the impacts of the recession on cashflow and finances.
Working Group Session: Business un-usual - Upstream and Downstream Supply-chain Management: Demand Forecasting & Inventory Management
13 & 14 May 2020
As we settle into operating in the new level 4 lockdown environment, it is vital to shift our attention to understanding the upstream and downstream supply-chains and in particular, demand forecasting and inventory management.
Working Group Session: Business un-usual - Unpacking the latest regulations and scaling up operations in level 4
06 & 07 May 2020
We have officially moved to level 4 lockdown regulations. As such, our video conference working group sessions continued this week with our focus on unpacking these latest regulations and on scaling up operations in level 4.
Working Group Session: Business un-usual - Effective scenario-planning and effective cash flow management
29 & 30 April 2020
In this week’s discussion, we focused on the vital subject of scenario-planning and cash flow management within the new operational environment.
Working Group Session: Business un-usual - Creating safe working environments when operations resume
22 & 23 April 2020
In this week’s session, our working group continued their discussion on what the new post-lockdown business environment will look like with a particular focus on the health and safety requirements for firms intending to resume operations in this unusual climate.
Working Group Session: Business un-usual - Resuming operations in a new business environment
15 & 16 April 2020
In this week’s session, our working group looked at what the new post-lockdown business environment looks like and how companies intend to resume operations in this unusual climate.
Working Group Session: Understanding market dynamics and the impact of COVID-19 on localisation and the economy
09 April 2020
In this session, our working group unpacked the impact of COVID-19 on localisation and the economy. The cluster will also be presenting our RISK MITIGATION TOOL to assist businesses to manage their financial, operational, supply chain and HR risks in light of COVID-19.
DAC Skills Ladder: 2020 Training Calendar
23 Jan 2020
The DAC’s portfolio of skills programmes offers training solutions for different levels of an organisation and helps develop as an employee development trajectory from new entrant to executive level.
Localisation and Growth TSC and Workshop: Understanding OEM strategies
10 Dec 2019
The DAC hosted a workshop aimed at gaining an understanding of localisation and transformation opportunities to support industrial growth and, in turn, affect strategic decision-making at your firm.
Level Four Accelerator: Skills Development
03 Dec 2019
To support the transformation and growth of the local automotive industry, the DAC has, over the last two quarters, delivered a series of workshops (as part of our Level Four Accelerator) aimed at supporting the attainment of improved B-BBEE scores amongst members and their continued access to
Level Four Accelerator Working Group
Oct – Dec 2019
The Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC) aims to support the competitiveness, growth and sustainability of our members. As such, given the requirement by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) that incentives will be available only to firms with a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) score of minimum Level Four from 1 January 2021, the DAC is delivering a ‘Level Four Accelerator’ Working Group.
Team Leader Training: Upskilling for Operators’ Productivity
01 Oct – 26 Nov 2019
Empowered and motivated teams increase manufacturing productivity. Operators skilled in understanding the importance of problem-solving and implementing continuous improvement projects are able to evoke positive change in their work environments. The Durban Automotive Cluster’s (DAC) Team Leader Training Programme aims to empower team leaders and supervisors on the shop floor to understand the critical role they play in the organisation and equip them with the knowledge and practical experience to drive continuous improvement in their workspace.
Executive Development 2019
19 – 20 Nov 2019
The DAC invites senior industry representatives to an Executive Development seminar led by one of South Africa’s leading automotive experts, Professor Justin Barnes. This 1,5 day seminar focuses on the key technologies shaping the automotive sector specifically and the strategic tools that can support strategy development in the face of uncertainty.
DAC Management Development Programme Graduation
12 Nov 2019
The Durban Automotive Cluster Management Development Programme (MDP) is the cluster’s flagship learning intervention that aims to equip current and future managers with the skills necessary to become leaders in the automotive industry.
Accredited Black Belt Six Sigma Training
19 Aug – 18 Oct 2019
Maximise the return on investment and receive Black Belt certification through participating in the DAC’s new Six Sigma training programme.
Participants in the DAC programme learnt to isolate the root cause of their processes’ most intractable problems through the process and data analysis and to lead effective change by understanding the complex dynamics of the people side of business challenges.
DAC RFQ & Costing Training: Costing for Competitiveness
The Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC), in operationalising its new strategy for Localisation & Growth, aims to support our Tier 2/3 suppliers in understanding how to develop an accurate costing base and how to more effectively respond to Request for Quotations (RFQs).
Quality Circle 2019
After delivering a successful and impactful Quality Circle (QC) in Q2 2019, the Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC) invited employees from member firms to participate in the second QC of the year. The Quality Circle is a lean manufacturing tool that seeks to promote shared learning amongst industry peers.
DAC Study Tour TQM
The DAC, through its Manufacturing Excellence Programme, hosts study tours as an effective means of peer-learning. The tours promote information sharing to improve manufacturers’ understanding and implementation of world-class manufacturing principles and best practices. The DAC hosted a study tour focusing on Total Quality Management (TQM). The study tour highlighted the principles and the implementation of a TQM system.
Management Development Programme 2019
Carbon Tax Seminar
The Carbon Tax Act (Act No. 15 of 2019) was promulgated on 1 June 2019. Entities that engage in activities that produce direct GHG emissions will be liable. In Phase 1 (2019 – 2022), entities with total installed thermal capacity that is equal to or above 10MW shall report their emissions and will be subject to the tax.
Skills Development TSC & Workshop
A high level of constant and consistent engagement between employers and employees can reduce the frequency and intensity of industrial action as clear communication facilitates the troubleshooting of problems in their early stages. To enable members to understand how to reduce the frequency and impact of industrial action in their firms, the DAC hosted a workshop focusing on industrial relations, and driving staff commitment and engagement levels.
DAC Safety Study Tour
The Durban Automotive Cluster, through its Manufacturing Excellence Programme, aims to support member firms to drive firm-level improvements in manufacturing processes. There is considerable pressure being placed on manufacturers in general, and automotive manufacturers specifically, to adopt safety-based certifications such as ISO 45001. However, safety is something that transcends a piece of paper and should form part of organisational culture.
DAC Localisation & Growth TSC
In a rapidly evolving environment, investing in capital infrastructure, maintenance and upgrading is essential to ensure that your firm is able to continue to meet existing customer requirements, while also being in a position to capitalise on future growth opportunities. In support of this objective, there is an incentive framework comprising a range of mechanisms put in place through a variety of government organisations and entities.
DAC Quality Circle Convention
The Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC) held it’s first 2019 Quality Circle, which aims to encourage shared learning amongst industry peers.
Manufacturing in a New World: Implications for South Africa
The Durban Automotive Cluster, in collaboration with the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS) held a strategic breakfast seminar hosted by Dr Johan Van Zyl, CEO of Toyota Europe.
DAC AGM 2019
Strengthen your executive-level decision making for the period ahead through an understanding of global and local industry performance data and the supporting programmes offered by the DAC.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Durban Automotive Cluster year ending 2018 took place on the 24th April 2019.
DAC Labour Relations
Strikes in South Africa are all too common, affecting relationships between employers and employees and the competitiveness of firms. It is imperative for employers to understand the rights of their employees, their own rights and to keep up to date with any changes to labour law.
The DAC wants to assist its members to remain compliant, productive and competitive and so hosted a workshop focusing on the 2018 Labour Relations Act Amendments.
Naacam Show 2019
The National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) is delighted to announce that the NAACAM Show 2019 was hosted by eThekwini Municipality, and took place at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) on 12 – 14 March 2019.
SAAM Briefing & Implications
With the recent announcement by cabinet of the South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM) it is vital that automotive manufacturing firms have a clear understanding of the SAAM’s policy and incentive implications as implementation from January 1 2021 approaches.
DAC Emerging Black-owned Supplier Matchmaking Forum
The Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC) is committed to the development of Black-owned suppliers, the transformation of the automotive value chain and the deepening of local content levels. As part of the Localisation and Growth Programme and to support these goals, the DAC is hosting its inaugural Emerging Black-owned Supplier Matchmaking Forum on 03 December 2018 at the Riverside Hotel.
Through this Forum, the DAC aims to tackle the following issues:
- Localisation
- Transformation
- Supplier Readiness
The DAC additionally aims to shortlist Black-owned firms to support to attend the NAACAM Show 2019, delivered in partnership with the DAC. If you are an emerging Black-owned, or established firm, interested in participating, please confirm your participation and the participants details by 23 November.
Fill out an application below by 23 November 2018 to participate
Launching the 2019 DAC Graduate & Management Development Programmes
The DAC invited member firms to a briefing on the various skills programmes running through the 2019 calendar year, including both the Management Development Programme, to be hosted at the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies, as well as the DAC’s Graduate Development Programme.
Executive Development Programme 2018
28 November 2018
Led by one of South Africa’s leading automotive experts, Dr. Justin Barnes, the Durban Automotive Cluster invited senior automotive executives to attend the DAC’s Executive Development Programme, a full day seminar focusing on the critical technological disruptors likely to shape the future of the South African automotive industry.
IATF-Focused Peer Learning Session & Plant Tour
The Durban Automotive Cluster Manufacturing Excellence Programme aims to enable improved operational competitiveness of member firms. Having facilitated IATF training for members earlier in 2018 the DAC has arranged a peer learning session to further support member firms in transitioning from the TS16949 standard to the IATF16949 standard.
Industry 4.0 Future Disrupters Explored
The DACs manufacturing excellence programme includes a peer review mechanism, known as Study Tours. These study tours are an outcomes-based format for participants to uncover both the relatively simpler applications that can quickly boost competitiveness and highlight the more foundational challenges and opportunities of Industry 4.0.
ISO 45001 Training: Getting Up To Standard with Health and Safety
The Durban Automotive Cluster aims to promote operational excellence in health and safety to ensure working environments are compliant and provide safe spaces for employees to operate effectively.
Say" YES" for youth employment!
The Durban Automotive Cluster aims to promote industry transformation and youth development through our Skills Development Programme.
Management Development Programme 2018
The comprehensive Management Development Programme (MDP) aims to equip managers with a broader understanding of leadership and management specifically for the automotive industry. It is a learning intervention that strives to bring real business benefits to participants and their organisations. The final presentations of syndicate group work conducted as part of the MDP, took place on the 16 August 2018.
Quality Circle Training Programme
The DAC’s Quality Circle training programme began on the18 July 2018.
The aim of the programme was to facilitate and encourage an improved focus on QCs as a robust mechanism that supports continuous improvement and enhanced competitiveness at firms while encouraging a focus on improved processes, quality awareness, and communication.
Leveraging Localisation Opportunities for Growth
The recent Localisation and Growth workshop, hosted by The Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC) looked at the recently developed ASCCI Localisation Tool and also included a presentation by and tour of L&J Tools, highlighting their work on internal Localisation and Growth initiatives.
DAC Quality Circle Programme
The DAC’s first Quality Circle training programme for 2018 began on the 9th of May 2018.
The aim of the programme was to facilitate and encourage an improved focus on QCs as a robust mechanism that supports continuous improvement and enhanced competitiveness at firms, while encouraging a focus on improved processes, quality awareness, and communication.
DAC Annual General Meeting: Black Supplier Developement Day
This event highlighted both the current and future state of the automotive industry, both locally and internationally, and focused on the imperative of Black supplier development.
DAC Localisation And Growth Technical Steering Committee Meeting And Workshop
The DAC hosted a workshop on the following critical industry topics:
• Exploring support offered by the German and Dutch governments for developing world-class local industrial knowledge and skills, through the secondment of retired technical experts.
• Presentation on the Durban Automotive Cluster’s Black Supplier Development Initiative
Youth Work Readiness Initiative
Supporting DAC members accessed highly suitable, trained and
work-ready candidates at low cost and no risk & Supporting unemployed youth gain skills and experience.
Study Tour Programme: A look at successful World Class Manufacturing interventions
The Durban Automotive Cluster hosted a study tour at Hesto Harnesses to view the process and outcomes of their successful ASCCI supported World Class Manufacturing intervention.
DAC Skills Development Technical Steering Committee Meeting
Now, more than ever, it is imperative that firms maximise their BBBEE-related spend whilst still achieving firm-level benefits. A lack of knowledge or experience in this realm can lead to firms not effectively utilising BBBEE spend. A number of DAC member firms who have experience in this regard will share their knowledge and experience on the topic with the DAC.
Negotiating Trade: Practical insight for South African manufacturers
Understanding the macro-economic and political environments within which firms operate is essential for negotiating and implementing effective export and growth strategies. The DAC hosted a workshop that provides high-level insight into national trade negotiations that directly impact the investment opportunities for South African Manufacturers.
IATF16949:2016 – Achieving The Standard
Executive Training Session - South Africa in 2030: The Latest Scenarios
Dr Frans Cronje delved into an analysis of the current growth, investment, employment, education and policy trends, to name a few, focused specifically on the implications for manufacturers. He unfolded four possible scenarios for South Africa’s next decade which will prove particularly valuable for manufacturing firms with long investment horizons. The session concluded with a discussion regarding markers that indicate which scenario is unfolding and the major social, economic, and political trends that evolve under the scenarios.
Skills Development TSC
The DAC hosted their final quarterly TSC meeting and workshop for 2017. The main focus of the workshop was to explore a novel approach to addressing employee health needs, with a view to improve employee and company productivity.
Demand Driven Planning Workshop
The DAC hosted a workshop focussing on an innovative formal planning methodology which aligns resources, working capital, and supply chain planning and execution, to actual demand.
DAC Quality Circle Programme
The aim of the programme is to facilitate and encourage an improved focus on QCs as a robust mechanism that supports continuous improvement and enhanced competitiveness at firms, while encouraging a focus on improved processes, quality awareness, and communication.
DAC Study Tour
The Study tour looked at the principles and good practices of quality, and how it relates to the development of World Class Manufacturing (WCM) competencies and the pursuit of in-firm competitiveness.
DAC Study Tour
The recent DAC Study Tour took place on 12 October 2017, the tour focused on the principles and best practices of Flow and how it relates to the development of World Class Manufacturing (WCM) competencies and the pursuit of in-firm competitiveness.
Quality Circle Programme August 2017
The first session of the third DAC Quality Circle Programme for 2017 explored the theory around problem solving and quality circles, and offered delegates a broader and deeper understanding of the various tools and methods available to them.
DAC Localisation and Growth TSC
On 17 August 2017 we visited Takata to observe their localisation strategy and the successes they have achieved in localising previously imported components.
Skills Development TSC and workshop
This workshop was graciously hosted by G.U.D Filters. Together, G.U.D and PMI gave a presentation on working with individuals living with disabilities and their experience thereof. This session offered DAC members a glimpse at the value which can be derived from working with individuals living with disabilities, while looking frankly at the challenges. It was an incredibly valuable session for those DAC members in attendance.
Manufacturing Excellence Quality Circles Programme May 2017
The second installment of the DAC Quality Circles programme brought together delegates from Duys Engineering Group, Hesto Harnesses, Braceable Manufacturing, Lumen Special Cables and Thekwini Wire and Fasteners.
Management Development Programme 2017: study block 2
The second study block for the DAC Management Development Programme (MDP) began on Monday, 15 May. The MDP runs for a year and is open to all DAC member firms. The MDP is delivered by the University of Stellenbosch Business School and DAC member firms gain immense benefit from their participation in the programme each year.
Management Development Programme 2017: review day
The DAC recently hosted the Management Development Programme (MDP) review day, where syndicate groups participating in the MDP present their findings and group project status to an adjudication panel, which included representatives from University of Stellenbosch Business School, the Durban Automotive Cluster Executive and representatives from the Durban Automotive Cluster member firms.
Manufacturing Excellence Quality Circles Programme April 2017
The second Quality Circle Programme for 2017 began on the 19 April. The session included delegates from Duys Engineering Group, Hesto Harnesses, Bracable Manufacturing, Lumen Special Cables and Thekwini Wire and Fasteners.
NAACAM Show and National Localisation Indaba 2017
The inaugural NAACAM Show took place at the Durban ICC on the 5th, 6th and 7th April, the show ran concurrently and in partnership with the Durban Automotive Cluster’s National Localisation Indaba.
Durban Automotive Cluster Annual General Meeting
This event was utilised to reflect on key current issues that would have a major bearing on the industry.
Skills Development: DOJO centre tour and Harambee recruitment and training model
This activity included a tour of the Smiths Manufacturing DOJO centre, followed by a presentation from Harambee. Both of these sessions offered DAC members a glimpse at the value of training and assessing potential employees and the potential ways to mitigate the costs of employing the wrong people.
Management Development Programme 2017
The MDP supports managers to develop a holistic view of the firm and strategically engage across functions. It has been specifically developed for the automotive industry, and is designed to bring real business benefits to participants and their organisations.
TRACE Team Leader Training Programme 2017
The TRACE skills programme focuses on developing a strong understanding by participants of key World Class Manufacturing (WCM) principles. In addition to the theory sessions, the training has a strong practical mentoring and coaching component to ensure implementation and drive real business benefit.
Manufacturing Excellence Study Tour 2016: a focus on the importance of manpower-best practice session
The theme of the session was MANPOWER and it commenced with an upfront theoretical presentation. The session also included the host firms, Toyota Tsusho Africa and TI Automotive, providing an overview of their approach to managing production, with this including a focus on the importance of people in supporting their operations and processes. In addition, the session entailed a plant tour of the host firms.
Skills Development: recruitment, assessment centres, and the talent pipeline
This event looked at the various skills development programmes on offer, as well as provided expert insight into best practices in recruitment, assessment and managing the talent pipeline.
Manufacturing Excellence Study Tour Programme 2016: a focus on methods-best practice session
The theme of the session was “Methods” and it commenced with an upfront theoretical presentation. The session will also included the host firms, Federal-Mogul Motorparts and MAN Truck & Bus, presenting on their particular production systems and the methods in place that support their manufacturing processes. The session included a plant tour at the host firms.
Localisation and Growth Programme: the South African investment climate & currency volatility management options
At our session on the South African investment climate & currency volatility management options, we looked at the conditions of the local environment, including:
- Assessment of the South African investment climate
- South African currency and understanding hedging
DAC Skills Programme Workshop September 2016
The DAC Skills Development Programme hosted a quarterly session on Tuesday, 6 September 2016 where our Management Development Programme delegates presented their final research projects.
Durban Automotive Cluster Annual General Meeting
The Durban Automotive Cluster’s 2016 Annual General Meeting was held on 21 July 2016 at the Dube TradePort. The event reflected on two key current issues, namely policy – with local automotive policy currently under review – we focused on other emerging markets’ policy choices and their implications and localisation, hearing from Toyota, the largest OEM in South Africa and many DAC members’ key customer, on localisation for survival.
DAC Manufacturing Excellence Quality Circles Programme
Quality Circles are an appropriate World Class Manufacturing intervention to drive improved performance and safety in the automotive industry. The aim of the programme was to facilitate and encourage an improved focus on QC as a robust mechanism that supports continuous improvement and thus enhanced competitiveness at firms. All firm participants involved in the sessions would be able to facilitate a QC Programme at their firms.
DAC Skills Development Effective Communication & Current Skills
The DAC Skills Development Programme hosted a quarterly session on Tuesday, 17 May 2016. The session included a Technical Steering Committee meeting and a look at Skills and Industrial Relations concerns facing our industry.
DAC Manufacturing Excellence Quality Circles Programme
After the success of the pilot programme in 2015, the DAC launched its Quality Circles (QC) Programme in 2016, with the first 3-day Session to commence on Wednesday, 20 April 2016. The aim of the programme was to facilitate and encourage an improved focus on QC as a robust mechanism that supports continuous improvement and thus enhanced competitiveness at firms.
Team Leader Training 2016
Following the success of the 2015 programme, the DAC hosted the Team Responsibility and Competitiveness Evaluation (TRACE) programme at reduced rate to member firms. It is run over a nine week period, one day per week, which commenced in May 2016.
A review of the SA State of the Automotive Industry
The South African automotive industry is neither bullish nor bearish with reason for both positive and negative sentiment. The Durban Automotive Cluster’s annual State of the Automotive Industry presentation was held on Thursday, 11 February 2016 where Douglas Comrie shared insights to assist firms develop the most appropriate strategies.