In this Smart Money with Alishia Seckam interview, Renai Moothilal discusses the planned exit of South Africa’s only long steel supplier, ArcelorMittal. Moothilal is the Executive Director of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM). He is recognised as a leading South African expert in the automotive components sector, and in his current role, he drives engagements with the government and other industry stakeholders. In this interview, Moothilal discusses NAACAM’s role in the automotive component industry and unpacks the significance of ArcelorMittal’s planned closure of its operations. He explains the steps NAACAM has proposed – alongside the efforts being made by the government – to keep the company in South Africa. Moothilal then discusses the structural changes needed to inspire fresh investment in the sector, and the cost to the economy if a long-term solution to the ArcelorMittal situation is not tabled. He concludes by outlining other potential threats and economic factors that are relevant to the South African automotive components sector.