We love celebrating special occasions and milestones with you. These are the events and accomplishments that got our attention during November:
Five-Star Grading
Congratulations to Stargen Auto Electrical, SVDS Motors, and Riet River Bosch Motors, that all received five-star grading in November.
Right on Brand!
Mech Fleet is the latest workshop to sport our fabulous new branding.
ACD Franchise of the Year
A very big congratulations to All Car Care Centre in Gqeberha, which was recently named ACD Franchise of the Year – Congratulations to Heinrich de Vos and the whole All Car Care Centre team.
On his way to becoming a champion
Automotive Mechanical Services’ Lance Kettles’ son Aiden might be only seven, but he’s already on his way to becoming a champion, having recently won a gold medal in Kumite and a bronze medal in Kata karate in his local club competition. His new orange belt is certainly well-deserved!
Killarney Motor Show in Cape Town
This year’s Killarney Motor Show, sponsored by the City of Cape Town and Smile 90.4FM, was nothing short of electric. RMI and MIWA represented our industry, with a stand alongside Goch & Cooper Auto Services, ensuring a high profile for our organisations at the biggest motor show in the Western Cape.
Visitors were highly impressed by the displays of magnificent vintage and classic cars, as well as race cars and steampunk vehicles – an exhibition likened to the AfrikaBurn of the motoring world. That was just one of the highlights – showgoers queued for rides in the Motul branded pedal cars, as well as off-roading, drifting, Rally X, and public karting, while live music and funfair rides ensured there was something for the whole family.
St Francis Hospice Breakfast
Finn Auto Repairs showed its heart when it supported the St Francis Hospice Breakfast, hosting a table and donating three prizes along with a floral centrepiece — a special salute to those who have lost the fight against cancer.
NEC wrap-up for the year
MIWA’s NEC wrapped up the year with a meeting to discuss training initiatives, MIWA accreditation, potential changes to grading criteria, and possible additions to enhance MIWA’s value proposition. It was an excellent opportunity to investigate issues that are likely to affect the industry going forward, and by clarifying MIWA’s stance early on, we are able to ensure we remain relevant and up-to-date with the latest developments.
This was also an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made during the past year; for example, the introduction of ATE and TotalEnergies’ training initiatives (which are available to all MIWA members) is proof of the impact the MIWA Training Committee has achieved in its first year of existence.
NEC members also took advantage of the timing of the Killarney Motor Show, which was hosted on the same weekend, to nurture relationships and network with MIWA members and staff.
Dewald Ranft on modified vehicles
MIWA Chairman Dewald Ranft recently responded to an article on modified vehicles appearing in Rapport newspaper, noting that there is a significant difference between modifications that enhance the safety and speed of a vehicle and modifications made for the purpose of racing. Although there are grey areas in the legislation governing modifications, MIWA is currently engaging with international authorities to gain a better understanding of how this issue is handled around the world.
In the meantime, vehicle owners whose cars have been modified are urged to have their vehicle tested at a roadworthy testing certificate to ensure that it is street legal. It’s a particularly good time to do this, as the Vehicle Testing Association offers the service free of charge ahead of the Christmas season, and again just before Easter.
Job readiness issues addressed
It’s encouraging to note that industry training doesn’t only focus on technical skills; issues like job readiness are being addressed, too. MIWA representative Brione Schoeman and Abie Dunne, technical training manager at Supergroup Dealerships, recently attended a workshop hosted by Northlink College for N3, CBMT l4, and NCV l4 automotive (diesel and motor) and boilermaking learners, where attendees gained vital insight into the world of work.
Topics covered included interview skills, entrepreneurship, job hunting skills, CV development, and professionalism, while Abie provided information about workplace behaviours and how to take advantage of apprenticeship opportunities and access RMI members.
The students left with bolstered confidence and a sense of how to improve their employability. It was also exciting to learn of the Employment Services System of South Africa (ESSA), a new initiative from the Department of Employment & Labour, which aims to match job seekers with organisations that have job vacancies. Once an organisation has listed its opportunity, the Department will refer candidates to RMI for further screening and interviews — a win/win for both sides.
Showing martial arts prowess
Brione Schoeman’s sons Grant (17) and Renier (13) are showing their martial arts prowess, having recently earned their next belts at Paul Caves Urban Martial Arts.
Best Auto Repairs in South Coast Readers’ Choice Awards
Congratulations to Ravin’s Auto Centre, which celebrates its ranking as Best Auto Repairs in the Best Of the South Coast Readers’ Choice Awards.
Auto Complete celebrates 19 years with a brand-new partnership
Auto Complete celebrates 19 years of service with an exciting development: a brand new partnership with Castrol – testimony to the workshop’s hard work and dedication.