MIWA

HOW LONG WILL YOUR VEHICLE LAST? | Did you know that small, everyday driving habits could be shortening your vehicle’s lifespan—without you even realising it? Preventative maintenance isn’t just about routine servicing—it’s also about how you drive and care for your vehicle daily. Even experienced drivers unknowingly make common mistakes that increase wear and tear, reduce performance, and lead to costly repairs down the line. Skipping services, riding the brakes, ignoring tyre maintenance—these small habits add up over time. But by making a few simple changes, you can extend your car’s lifespan, improve fuel efficiency, and avoid expensive breakdowns. Swipe through the slide carousel for 9 everyday habits that could be damaging your vehicle—and learn how to stop them! Regular check-ups at a MIWA-accredited workshop can prevent small issues from turning into expensive problems. Knowing what to avoid—and what to do instead—can keep your car running smoothly for years to come. 💬 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝘃𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘆? 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗶𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲, 𝗵𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁, 𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁? 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀—𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿! #MIWA #rmiMIWA #RMI #CarCare #VehicleMaintenance #SafeDriving #DriveSmart #CarLife

APPRENTICESHIPS: INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS | The automotive skills gap isn’t a future concern—it’s a challenge workshops are facing now. Small businesses like MJ Mechanical Repairs are stepping up to address it. Owned by Johan Nel, MJ Mechanical Repairs is a MIWA- and RMI-accredited workshop dedicated to training the next generation of mechanics. Their first apprentice, Tristan Souris, began by shadowing the team during school holidays. After matriculating in 2024, he was eager to qualify. When the workshop’s workload increased in 2025, Johan saw an opportunity to bring him on board. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗠𝗘𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 ✅ 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗴𝗮𝗽: Apprenticeships prepare young technicians to meet growing industry demands. ✅ 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀: Many workshop owners began as apprentices. Structured training builds capable professionals. ✅ 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: Skilled teams improve efficiency, customer satisfaction, and sustainability. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨? “Training has been instrumental to our growth. With years of petrol and diesel experience among our team, Tristan is learning from the best. By teaching correct techniques early, he’s delivering high-quality work that drives our success.” — Johan Nel, Owner, MJ Mechanical Repairs and MIWA Exco member (Western Cape) 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜? “Running a small business while mentoring requires planning and clear communication. Everyone must understand their role. While mentoring takes time, it’s an investment. Tristan learns from our full team, gaining experience across many vehicles and tasks.” 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 MJ Mechanical Repairs is family-run. Johan’s daughter, Bianca Deacon, manages admin, marketing, and customer service. Her husband, Mike Deacon, a qualified diesel mechanic, adds valuable expertise. Together with Johan’s decades of experience, they form a strong partnership focused on growth. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤 𝙬𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚? “A strong willingness to learn and a passion for the trade. Look for candidates who show enthusiasm, initiative, and a strong work ethic—even without experience.” 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁? MJ Mechanical Repairs is committed to developing young mechanics through hands-on training and mentorship. 💬 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸 1. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗠𝗘𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁? 2. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨—𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺? 📸 Group photo: (From left) Mike Deacon, Johan Nel, Bianca Deacon, Tristan Souris, Normen Mpambo. #MIWA #rmiMIWA #RMI #MJMechanicalRepairs #Apprenticeships #SkillsDevelopment

CAREER OPPORTUNITY | Mazal Motors in Wynberg, Cape Town are looking for a qualified or semi-qualified mechanic with a minimum of 5 years experience. The ideal candidate must be able to work alone and be productive. 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Qualified / Semi-Qualified Mechanic 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱: Minimum of 5 years 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆: Negotiable and dependent on skills and experience 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: As soon as possible 𝗧𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆: If you think this is the job for you, please email your CV and salary expectations to mazalmotors@lantic.net – please also direct any queries about the position to this email directly (not to MIWA). #MIWA #rmiMIWA #JobAlert #CareerOpportunity #QualifiedMechanic #MazalMotors

DRIVING BUSINESS GROWTH | Last week, MIWA members in Cape Town (18 March) and Johannesburg (19 March) gained valuable insights into using data to drive growth and sustainability in their workshops. Hosted by Gunther Schmitz—Chairman of Right to Repair South Africa and SA Representative for Garage Hive South Africa—and joined online by Alex Lindley FIMI from Garage Hive, the sessions provided practical, real-world examples of how data-driven decision-making can streamline workshop operations. From workshop planning and stock management to customer online authorisation, automated surveys, and Autodata integration, attendees saw firsthand how leveraging the right tools can improve efficiency. Lindley, who owns a chain of 11 workshops in the UK, demonstrated how data can create ‘VHC’—Very Happy Customers—who, in turn, drive workshop profitability. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀: 📊 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮-𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀: Comparing performance metrics over time
 🎯 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁-𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵: Setting achievable gross profit goals
 🔍 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀: Tracking processes like the VHC model Both events were well attended, with members praising the insights and practical applications. The demand for more knowledge-sharing sessions is clear! A huge thank you to everyone who joined us. 𝗪𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂—𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆! 𝗚𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱? 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄! 👇 #MIWA #rmiMIWA #RMI #GarageHive #WorkshopManagement #RightToRepair #AddingValue

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2025 | Today South Africa commemorates 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆, a moment to reflect on our nation’s journey towards democracy and the fundamental rights that protect every citizen. This year’s theme, ‘𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀,’ reminds us that respect, equality, and dignity must be at the heart of everything we do. As part of 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, MIWA reaffirms its commitment to fair and ethical business practices, ensuring a workplace that upholds human rights and promotes inclusivity in the automotive industry. Let’s stand together to build a future where every South African's rights are valued and protected. #HumanRightsDay #SocialJustice #MIWA #rmiMIWA #RMI #BetterTogether

📣 🔴 ‼️ Who draws the short stick when it comes to pension fund admin requirements? It could be you. A stern warning to comply On 01 August 2024 the Motor Industry Bargaining Council sent a memorandum to all employer participants in the motor industry, informing them of important information and a call for compliance with the provisions of the Pension Funds Act (“PFA”). MIBCO did so in its capacity as the administrator of the Motor Industry Retirement Fund (“MIRF”). Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dwmBAFDJ NADA - South Africa The South African Motor Body Repairers' Association (SAMBRA) MIWA SAPRA Office

🔴 ⚪ 🔵 The RMI appreciates feedback such as this one - we are delighted to hear that we could provide the service and peace of mind you deserve. Meeting the needs of our members and the motoring public is always our top priority. We would love to hear more about your experience on #HelloPeter! The South African Motor Body Repairers' Association (SAMBRA) SAPRA Office MIWA NADA - South Africa Ipeleng Mabusela Jan Schoeman

🔵 ⚪ 🔴 The RMI appreciates feedback such as this one - we are delighted to hear that we could provide the service and peace of mind you deserve. Meeting the needs of our members and the motoring public is always our top priority. We would love to hear more about your experience on #HelloPeter! 😄 🚗 #training #youth #motorindustry #technology The South African Motor Body Repairers' Association (SAMBRA) MIWA SAPRA Office

📣 👉 RMI online seminar invite – SETA Grant Funding Application Process We are pleased to announce that RMI will be hosting an online seminar on SETA Grant Funding Application Process Date: Tuesday, 11 March 2025 Time:  10h00 – 12h00 Cost:  Free Topics for Discussion: – Introduction – Understanding SETA Training Grants  Overview of different types of SETA grants – Requirements for Securing a SETA Grant  Criteria for applying for SETA grants – Purpose of SETA Training Grants – Training Programmes Funded by SETA Grants  List of full qualifications and skills programmes  Guidelines on implementing the programmes – Application Timeline for SETA Grants – Available Support from RMI Don't miss out, register here: https://lnkd.in/d4wrdANn MIWA The South African Motor Body Repairers' Association (SAMBRA) NADA - South Africa

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY | On International Women’s Day, we recognise the skill, dedication, and contributions of women in the automotive sector. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action”, is a reminder that progress towards gender equality requires ongoing commitment—and MIWA is dedicated to being part of that change. 𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄? Women make up less than a quarter of the automotive workforce globally, yet workshops and businesses that embrace diversity see higher productivity, innovation, and customer satisfaction. It’s time to change that. Yet, as Marta García, Executive President of Women's Worldwide Car Of The Year (WWCOTY), highlights, the industry must do more to ensure women are fully included in the automotive sector: “We need to create reference models featuring women and give them a voice. This is more important than it seems if we want to increase women’s participation in the automotive industry. There is room for women. The sector will be losing half of the available talent if it does not open its doors to them and promote their inclusion.” (Source: https://vist.ly/3mwri7q ) She also highlights that while women occupy only 25–30% of jobs in the sector worldwide, the opportunities extend far beyond engineering. From communications and logistics to sales, marketing, HR, and business management, there is room for women to excel. 𝗔𝘁 𝗠𝗜𝗪𝗔, 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼: ✅ 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲: From apprentices to workshop owners, we recognise the expertise and hard work of women across the industry. ✅ 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀: Through skills development, mentorship, and equal opportunities, we help more women enter and advance in technical and leadership roles. ✅ 𝗙𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆: We promote fair pay, equal opportunities, and supportive workplaces where skill, dedication, and expertise are valued, regardless of gender. MIWA also encourages ongoing training and mentorship to help women thrive in automotive careers. This International Women’s Day, let’s not just recognise the progress—we must push for more! 💬 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆? 𝗧𝗮𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁? #MIWA #rmiMIWA #RMI #InternationalWomensDay #AccelerateAction #WomenInAutomotive #GenderEquality #WWCOTY