Our latest features aim to introduce you to the members of our various regional committees. This month, we’re learning more about the incredible skills and knowledge in the Free State & Northern Cape Regional Committee.
The committee is chaired by Dewald Ranft. Dewald, who owns Dyno-Tech and who is also our National MIWA Chairman, has been interested in mechanical issues “for as long as I can remember”, and started out in the industry fixing motorbikes and working part-time at a workshop behind a service station not far from his house. Dewald believes that one of the most exciting dynamics shaping the industry at present is the accent on training and the various training initiatives that have come about as a result, which make it possible to reach young people and those who have “slipped through the cracks” in the past. “We’re hoping to enrol a number of apprentices this year,” he says.
As training representative for the Free State & Northern Cape Regional Committee, Vice Chairman Bruno Burri shares Dewald’s passion for upskilling. Bruno started in the industry 44 years ago, joining John Williams Motors as an apprentice. He started his own business, Swedo Tec Services, 25 years ago, specialising in services and general vehicle repairs with a focus on Volvos.
The team comprises committee members Francois Greeff of G&D Diesel Bosch Car Service, who has 26 years’ industry experience, and Danie Hoffman of Motor Tune-Ups, who has been a member of MIWA for 15 of the 26 years he has been part of the industry. Andre Louwrense of Bavarian Technologies, Multimech’s Duppie du Preez, and Bertie Reichert of Auto Expert also lend their expertise. They, too, have impressive industry track records, with Andre joining 20 years ago, Duppie joining 24 years ago, and Bertie joining 15 years ago.