Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille has confirmed that Tesla Motors will open its first African office in Cape Town.

In December, news broke that Tesla Motors was planning to open an office in South Africa in early 2016 – aimed at providing its energy storage solutions to local consumers and businesses.

The local Tesla Motors office will be run by Evan Rice – the former CEO of GreenCape and a board member of the International Cleantech Network.

Speaking to Kieno Kammies, de Lille said they “are very proud that Tesla is setting up an office in Cape Town”.

“Some of their products will be in the country in the next month or two, which will add to the energy solutions we are looking for,” said de Lille.

She said Tesla is moving fast with its local plans, and that Rice has been to Tesla’s US office for induction.

De Lille said that Rice, who is now the Business Development Manager at Tesla Energy, will make an announcement on their plans in South Africa soon.

Tesla hiring staff for Cape Town office

Tesla’s intention to grow its local presence is confirmed by the company’s recruitment drive in South Africa.

Tesla is advertising the following South African positions on its careers website:

Applications Engineer

Sales Manager Powerpack

Powerpack Analyst

Sales Manager Powerwall

Training Specialist

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Tesla Powerwall in SA — how much it costs and when you can buy it

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