We believe our community to be one of MIWA’s greatest strengths – and, of course, that community relies on connection. That’s why we’ve so enjoyed our recent series of roadshows. It’s been truly wonderful to meet up with you all again; to share ideas, discuss challenges and think about the year ahead.
Western Cape roadshow
Our roadshows kicked off in Cape Town on 30 October. MIWA, with the support of the RMI, took a stand at the renowned Killarney Motor Show. This offered us an ideal platform for networking and raising awareness amongst the 12 000 visitors to the show. It also provided the perfect opportunity to invite members for some refreshments in the boma for some further interaction and socialising.
Eastern Cape roadshow
Next it was the turn of Gqeberha and East London. This was a highly anticipated event, as the region last gathered in 2019. In East London, RMI held meetings with all the various associations, and then our MIWA team used the facility at the East London Golf Club for our regional meeting which was well represented. There was a great sense of excitement and members really enjoyed connecting with colleagues.
The Gqeberha meeting was equally successful and took place at B & E Premium conference facility and the format was also a combined RMI meeting with all associations. MIWA members have always supported the event very well and attended in good numbers.
Central Region roadshow
We moved on to Gauteng on 24 November, hosting the Central Region roadshow at Chillifunk in Modderfontein. We were pleased to see another impressive turnout.
Highlights included a panel discussion about the impact of electric cars on the aftermarket, with insight given by Christian Bust, managing director of Movery, whose work in markets as varied as Germany, Ireland, Spain, the US, and Chile has helped him develop a deep understanding of the industry. Christian was joined by Hiten Parmar, director of the uYilo eMobility Programme, which was formed to facilitate the uptake of electric mobility across the public and private sectors. The third panelist was Dereck Knight, Territory Sales Manager & Technical Support Service Director – Bosch, where Smart Mobility and Sustainability of the Automotive Aftermarket in South Africa was discussed.
The event also featured a mini expo showcasing products from seven industry suppliers, with many other suppliers stepping up to offer prizes for each delegate to participate in a Spin and Win competition.
The event was a huge success, and we look forward to doing this again soon.
KwaZulu-Natal roadshow
We then travelled to KZN and another successful meeting, was held at the Kingsmead Cricket Club on 29 November. As always the meeting was very well attended and it was great to see some familiar and new faces and to experience the great hospitality of our KZN members. Bosch SA and Moto Health Care were in attendance with a nice display of their service offerings which was supported by other suppliers and individual members giving prizes for the ‘Win & Spin’ competition.
Bloemfontein roadshow
We ended a very successful roadshow in Bloemfontein on 6 December at the Oud Studente Club where members gathered in true Free State tradition around a braai after the MIWA National Chairman, Dewald Ranft, the MIWA National Director, Pieter Niemand, and Reemo Swartz, RMI Regional Manager addressed the meeting.