Madam Deputy Speaker, the ANC welcomes the announcement by BMW SA that it will invest an additional R2,2 billion in its Rosslyn plant, outside the City of Tshwane. The investment will enable maximum plant capacity to increase from 60 000 to 87 000 units, while securing production in South Africa for the future.
The ANC views this initiative as creating an environment for more labour- intensive production methods that support local job creation and build public-private partnerships. The investment shows confidence by big business in the future of South Africa's economy and will not only guarantee jobs, but also develop skills in the Gauteng province, which will serve as a major boost for the South African economy.
This initiative will enable us to defend our economy in the present global and domestic economic climate and help advance our own developmental agenda. I thank you, Deputy Speaker. [Applause.]