Johannesburg – On Friday, 08 June 2018, the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) will officially hand over automotive equipment to 30 SMMEs who were incubated at the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) in Pretoria /Tshwane.   Informal Body repairers (famously known as Backyard Mechanics in the Townships) and Mechanical repairers (SMMEs) possess inadequate or outdated technical knowledge and skills which are not relevant to the current methodologies implemented in the automotive sector. This poses a risk to the success of their businesses and limits opportunities for them to participate in the automotive market space. It is in this spirit that GEP selected 75 SMMEs and incubated them for a period of 1 year starting 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018. The incubation program provided the SMME’s with the necessary support that enabled the entrepreneurs to manage their businesses more efficiently and professionally. 20 SMMEs did pre-trade test assessment utilising National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) tool kits, 25 business owners were capacitated with the right skills through technical training of their staff and lastly 30 SMMEs will be given necessary equipment support that will enable them to run profitable and vibrant business. The SMMEs were also afforded an opportunity to register with the South African Motor Body Repairer Association (SAMBRA).   Of the 75 SMMEs, GEP will be handing over equipment to 30 SMMEs as part of GEP non-financial support programme. The SMMEs selected were within the Panel beating, Spray painting and Automotive repairs space. The equipment to be handed out will be diagnostic machines, mechanical tools, spray painting kits, jet trolley compressors and lifting hosts (Engine lifters).  It is projected that these 30 SMMEs will be able to employ minimum of one person, thus contributing to job creation in the province of Gauteng.   The details of the event are as follows: DATE: Friday, 08 June 2018 TIME: 07H30 for 08H00 VENUE: Gauteng Automotive Learning Centre; 99 Hendrik van Eck, Rosslyn, Tshwane   Members of the media are hereby invited to attend and report.  To RSVP kindly email: pzitha@gep.co.za   For media enquiries, contact: Thenjiwe Dube tdube@gep.co.za 0605645126   Follow us on Twitter: @GautengDED   Like our Facebook page: Gauteng Department of Economic Development            Issued by the Gauteng Department of Economic Development www.gauteng.gov.za