Congratulations to our MIWA members chalking up exciting achievements.
Celebrating 30 years in the industry
MIWA Western Cape Exco member Charles Baxter celebrates 30 highly successful years in the industry. Over the course of his career, Charles’ commitment to stellar service has seen him win a number of awards, including the SAMCOR Mechanic of the Year Western Cape (1990), SAMCOR number one Western Cape – gold and number three South Africa (1990); RMI/MIWA second Western Cape (2000), Mechanic of the Year (silver) and SAMCOR Protech/master technician programme (2019).
Charles Baxter started his apprenticeship at Ford in 1974. He started Baxter Auto Services in 1992 following in his dad’s footsteps, Titus Baxter who was also a mechanic. The business began as a humble one-man workshop in Parkersdam, in Worcester, but thanks to Charles’ dedication to customer service and his uncompromising approach to high-quality products and reliable workmanship, it quickly grew. Baxter now employs seven permanent employees and boasts a modern, well-equipped workshop situated on the corner of Breёrivier Circle and Sampson Street. The whole Baxter family are involved in the business. Charles’s wife Dorinda does the administrative work and his two sons, Charlton and Durand, are qualified mechanics. In fact, Durand now lectures at Boland College.
Servicing regular clients from as far as Cape Town, Montagu, and surrounding cities, Baxter boasts a modern, well-equipped workshop. Explains Charles Baxter, the secret to his business’ success is no mystery. “Over the years, we have developed solid relationships with our customers, offering them excellent, honest, personalized service, and reliable, precise repairs and maintenance on their vehicles. This is what people have become accustomed to from us, and the word has spread.”
Charles sends his mechanics on regular courses, ensuring they are kept up to date with the latest developments and technological advancements in the industry.
We wish you many more years of success, Charles.
Our new SA Hotrod Champion for 2023
MIWA National Chairman Dewald Ranft was recently named SA Champ in the Hotrod Class for 2023 – the third time he has taken the title. Dewald has been racing since 2002 when he first fell in love with the challenge of building and maintaining his own car. He remains an integral part of his team and loves rewarding his team members by bringing the trophy home. This year’s win took place in Dewald’s Corsa, powered by a 2.4l 16 valve engine, which the team spent 10 months refurbishing.
Fun at Festival of motoring
MIWA was thrilled to have the opportunity to take part in this year’s Festival of Motoring, which took place at the Kyalami Racetrack. Celebrating innovation in motoring the show offered hours of entertainment and pulse-racing activities for people who share a love of cars.