South Africa is witnessing a surge in delivery motorcycles on its streets, a trend that gained momentum during the Covid-19 pandemic, when lockdowns led to an increased demand for delivery services. Today, around 50,000 delivery motorcycles operate across the country, and this number is expected to double within the next three years as businesses continue to expand their delivery services.
However, Craig Langton, founder of the Fire It Up Group, believes that South Africa’s delivery motorcycle industry has untapped potential that goes beyond serving consumers. He envisions the country becoming a hub for the local manufacturing of these motorcycles, a move that could benefit the economy and create job opportunities.
Opportunities for Local Production
At present, all delivery motorcycles in South Africa are imported, often at high costs due to production standards and specifications that may not align with local regulations. Langton argues that manufacturing these bikes domestically could help reduce costs, meet local standards more effectively, and provide employment. “We’ve created a sustainable model for imported motorcycles, but building them locally could be a game-changer,” Langton shared in an interview with 702.
Although South Africa has laws regulating the standards motorbikes must meet to operate within the country, the absence of local testing facilities means authorities cannot always confirm whether imported motorcycles comply with these regulations. Langton believes that a local manufacturing facility could address these challenges by producing bikes that fully comply with South African standards, removing the uncertainty tied to imports.
Economic and Employment Gains
The establishment of a local delivery motorcycle production plant would generate substantial employment opportunities, not just in manufacturing but also in related sectors that support the industry. Local manufacturers could leverage existing trade agreements to export motorcycles across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), comprising 16 neighboring countries that currently depend on imports from nations like India and China.
Langton has already initiated talks with South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition to assess the feasibility of this initiative. While progress has been slow, Langton remains hopeful that with strong industry backing, South Africa could soon produce high-quality delivery motorcycles that meet both local and regional demand.
Looking Ahead
Developing a domestic delivery motorcycle industry could bring significant long-term benefits to South Africa. It would help meet the growing demand within the country, reduce reliance on costly imports, create jobs, and potentially increase GDP through exports. With government support and collaboration within the industry, South Africa could become a key player in motorcycle manufacturing, contributing positively to the national economy.
