This month, we’re learning more about the members of MIWA’s KZN regional committee.
The committee is chaired by Dhaya Naidoo, director of French Tech Auto. Dhaya joined the industry in 1983, working at a number of workshops until he qualified as a workshop manager. He opened French Tech Auto in 2003. Dhaya has been an enthusiastic supporter of RMI since 2004, because of the high standards it upholds, the training it offers and the support it provides in terms of labour and consumer affairs. He’s excited about playing a role in MIWA’s growth, especially since he would like to see more quality accredited workshops joining the association and subscribing to the values and codes of conduct put forward by MIWA and RMI.
Sonlall (Suren) Sewcharren, owner of Hino Tech Motors, first worked as a diesel technician before joining the motor industry in 1996. He opened his own workshop in 2008, relishing the opportunity to flex his skills with new challenges every day. Suren believes that the industry is at a crucial point, with difficulties around high customer pricing (especially during a tumultuous economic period) posing the greatest challenge, while many workshops also still struggle to access information from OEMs. That said, there are many opportunities, especially around growing SMMEs and encouraging cooperation between companies. He hopes to see more workshops signing up for RMI accreditation during the year.
Babu Salik, director of B&R Auto, has been in the industry for 40 years and has been a member of MIWA for 30 of these. When he’s not at work, Babu enjoys travelling and nature walks and participates in local community programmes.
Feroz Sayed has 25 years in the industry under his belt and is now the owner of Super Auto Center. He joined MIWA seven years ago, and his hobbies include motorsport and technology while anything related to science, medicine, geography and travel is certain to grab his interest.
With more than 30 years in the motor industry, Jessan Vather joined MIWA when he established E Auto Bosch Car Service (where he is currently director) two years ago – although all the workshops where he has previously worked were MIWA accredited. Jessan is a keen reader and fitness enthusiast.
Strinivasan (Raven) Naidoo, CEO of Powertrans, has an industry track record stretching back 43 years and has been a MIWA member for five years. He enjoys fishing, restoring vehicles and reading.
Neren Hansraj first joined the industry in 2007 and since then has gone on to establish a number of companies, namely Riet River Bosch Car Service, DNA Bosch Car Service, Clare and Hofer Diesel Electro Center, Express Car Service and Durban Car Service. He joined MIWA as soon as he opened his first store, and is now the association’s training representative in KZN. Neren’s hobbies include running, lecturing, family time and watersports.
Ravi Komal, director of Evergreen Motors, has been a member of KZN’s EXCO since 2010, having first joined the association when he opened his own workshop in 2002. This year marks his 41st anniversary in the industry. Ravi is an avid gardener and enjoys sports.
Shalden Auto’s Shalden Pillay has been a proud MIWA member for 16 years and has worked in the automotive industry for 30 years. He enjoys racing cars and fishing.