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20
Aug
2026
Modern dent repair technology is changing the way vehicles are repaired safely
As vehicle manufacturers continue to introduce lighter, stronger and more sophisticated materials into modern vehicle construction, the way collision damage is repaired is evolving just as rapidly. According to Juan Hanekom, National Director of the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), repairing today’s vehicles requires far more than simply pulling out a dent. It demands specialised equipment, ongoing technician training and strict adherence to manufacturer-approved repair procedures. “Modern vehicles are engineered using a combination of advanced high-strength steels, ultra-high-strength steels, aluminium and mixed-material body structures designed to improve occupant safety while reducing weight,” says Hanekom. “These materials behave very differently during a repair, which means technicians can no longer rely on traditional repair methods that were suitable for older vehicles.” Why traditional dent repair methods are changing The biggest change in recent years has been the industry’s move towards more controlled repair techniques that minimise heat, preserve factory corrosion protection and maintain the structural integrity of the vehicle. “When a vehicle has been involved in a collision, the objective is not simply to restore its appearance. The repair must also preserve the vehicle’s engineered safety performance,” he says. How Glue Pull Repair protects modern panels One of the fastest-growing […]
20
Aug
2026
Driving success: month five of the RMI branding campaign
Our July campaign continued to build awareness of the RMI and drive traffic to our member businesses through strategic exposure on BusinessTech. Results for the article, “Driving transformation and skills in the automotive sector” delivered excellent performance, significantly exceeding industry benchmarks. Results for Business Tech: July The BusinessTech campaign delivered more than 6.4 million digital views, including reach generated through the two Business Talk interviews with Michael Avery featuring Louis van Huyssteen and Noni Tshabalala. The campaign achieved more than 1.9 million article impressions and 275,645 banner impressions, with an outstanding 0.37% engagement rate – more than double the industry benchmark of 0.15%. Social Media July delivered the campaign’s strongest social media visibility to date, generating 480,450 impressions, more than double June’s total. The RMI’s combined social media community also grew to 21,410 followers by month-end, representing 48.9% growth since March and demonstrating continued momentum across the campaign’s digital platforms.
20
Aug
2026
Airbag recalls matter – modern restraint systems make life-saving decisions in milliseconds
Recent media coverage of ongoing airbag recalls has placed renewed focus on one of the most important safety systems in modern vehicles. The South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), is urging motorists not to ignore recall notices. Airbag recall repairs are carried out at no cost to the consumer, but delaying the work could have serious consequences if the vehicle is involved in a collision. “Modern airbag systems are incredibly sophisticated pieces of safety technology, but they can only protect occupants if every component is functioning exactly as designed,” says Juan Hanekom, National Director of SAMBRA. “If your manufacturer contacts you about an airbag recall, don’t delay.” “Most people think an airbag simply explodes out of the steering wheel during a crash,” says Juan Hanekom, National Director of SAMBRA. “The reality is that modern airbag systems analyse multiple pieces of information and make life-saving decisions in milliseconds. That level of sophistication also means these systems should never be ignored if a vehicle is recalled, and they should never be repaired by anyone without the correct expertise.” How modern airbags decide when to deploy Many motorists are unaware that the […]
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The South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA)
We are a national body looking after the needs of motor body repair businesses across South Africa. The variety of manufacturer approvals that many of our members earn is proof of the superior standards that we uphold in the panel beating industry and we pride ourselves in the quality workmanship offered by our members.
Find a SAMBRA Approved Repairer by Location
Simply click on your province to view a list of SAMBRA-Accredited repairers near you.
Central
View a full list of SAMBRA accredited members in the Central area.
East London
View a full list of SAMBRA accredited panel beaters in East London. Find spray painters, panel beaters, car valet services and more. East London is a city in Eastern Cape. It’s most well-known beaches are Nahoon and Cove Rock. The Buffalo Pass is a road crossing a forested valley and…
Eastern Cape
Click to view a full list of quality panel beaters in the Eastern Cape. Find spray painters, car valet services and more. Find a SAMBRA accredited business in the Eastern Cape. The Eastern Cape is a coastline province. It has a population of 6.5 million people and is the second-largest…
Free State
Click to view a full list of quality Free State panel beaters. Find a SAMBRA accredited business. Welkom, Kimberley, Botshabelo, Parys, Harrismith and more. Lying between the Vaal River in the north and the Orange River in the south, the Free State is a vast stretch of land, in the…
KwaZulu Natal
Click to view a full list of quality KwaZulu Natal panel beaters. Find a SAMBRA accredited business. A coastal province along the Indian Ocean and reaching from Port Edward in the south, northwards to the Mozambique boundary. KwaZulu Natal is the only province with a monarchy specifically provided for in…
Limpopo
Did you know that Limpopo was named after the Limpopo River? The river flows along its northern border. Certainly, this beautiful province is rich in wildlife, spectacular scenery and a wealth of historical and cultural treasures. Should you visit the province, for instance, by car, the province has 125 755…
Mpumalanga
Click to view a full list of quality Mpumalanga panel beaters, spray painters, car valet services and more. Find a SAMBRA accredited business in the Mpumalanga. Mpumalanga has an excellent network of roads and railways. It is considered a highly accessible province. Have you visited the province? The province also…
North West
Click to view a full list of quality panel beaters in the North West. Find spray painters, car valet services and more. Find a SAMBRA accredited business in the Mpumalanga. North West Province is a major tourism, farming and mining province. It is a mineral-rich province and is the country's…
Northern Cape
Click to view a full list of quality Northern Cape panel beaters, spray painters, car valet services and more. Find a SAMBRA accredited business in the Northern Cape. The Northern Cape has a growing tourism and hospitality scene. This is, in part thanks to the Square Kilometre Array radio-telescope, the…
Western Cape
Find a panel beater in Cape Town or the surrounding Western Cape, South Africa? Click now to view a full list of quality panel beaters, spray painters, car valet services and more in the Western Cape. Find a SAMBRA accredited business. The Western Cape is known for its breathtaking scenery.…
Why SAMBRA?
Authority & Trust
For over 30 years, SAMBRA has set and upheld South Africa’s motor body repair standards — giving motorists, insurers and manufacturers confidence in every accredited repair.
Industry Leadership Focus
SAMBRA represents and supports accredited motor body repairers through trusted standards, industry partnerships, and ongoing skills development.
Member & Sustainability
Through rigorous grading, strong industry collaboration and continuous training, SAMBRA helps repairers build safe, sustainable and successful businesses.
