Headline News
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13
Sep
2026
EVs are changing the rules of motor body repair
As South Africa marks World EV Day on 9 September, the country’s growing adoption of electric vehicles is highlighting how dramatically vehicle technology is changing the motor body repair environment. Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have become an increasingly familiar sight on South African roads. Motorists are discovering that repairing these highly sophisticated vehicles after an accident requires a different approach from conventional vehicles. At SAMBRA we believe the country’s motor body repair industry is adapting rapidly to the new technology, but there are still practical challenges that can occasionally affect repair times. Managing high voltage systems safely The biggest difference lies in the management of the vehicle’s high-voltage (HV) electrical system. “Before certain collision repairs can begin, the high-voltage system may need to be safely isolated and, once repairs are complete, recommissioned by appropriately qualified technicians. These are essential safety procedures designed to protect both technicians and vehicle owners,” says Juan Hanekom, SAMBRA National Director. Hanekom says South Africa currently has a limited number of HV-qualified technicians, particularly outside the major metropolitan areas. “This is not unique to the collision repair industry. Electric vehicle ownership in South Africa is still relatively low compared with conventional […]
13
Sep
2026
Round-up of the RMI branding campaign
Since its launch in mid-March, the RMI branding campaign has delivered strong results across out-of-home, radio, PR, social media and digital platforms, building awareness while generating measurable engagement. The five-month campaign has delivered 18.8 million impressions through BusinessTech alone, with display advertising delivering an average click-through rate of 0.38% – more than double the industry benchmark of 0.15%. The campaign generated more than 1.35 million banner impressions and 5,196 clicks, demonstrating that the campaign is not simply creating visibility, but encouraging consumers to engage with the RMI and its accredited-member message. The campaign has also performed strongly in reaching the younger consumer audience it set out to attract. The 25–44 audience has grown by 225%, while average website engagement has increased by 50%. Content that connects The campaign’s Business Talk interviews have been particularly successful, generating more than 135,000 video views across three episodes covering road safety, the automotive skills gap and preparing technicians for hybrid and electric vehicles. The strongest-performing episode, on closing the automotive skills gap, generated almost 55,000 views, while the EV and hybrid readiness discussion attracted more than 49,000 views. These topics reflect the changing automotive landscape while positioning the RMI as a credible voice on […]
13
Sep
2026
RMI calls for skills transfer as automotive industry prepares for EV future
As South Africa marks Heritage Month in September and recognises World EV Day on 9 September, the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) is highlighting the critical role of artisan knowledge in preparing the automotive aftermarket for an increasingly electric future. The transition to hybrid and battery electric vehicles should not be viewed as a choice between traditional mechanical skills and new technology, but rather as an opportunity to build on the strong foundation of artisan knowledge while developing the skills needed for tomorrow’s vehicles. “Heritage is not only about what we preserve from the past. It is also about what we pass on to the next generation,” says Louis van Huyssteen, RMI National Training Director. “In our industry, experienced artisans carry decades of practical knowledge – from fault finding and diagnosis to understanding how systems interact and making sound judgements when something goes wrong. “These are skills we cannot afford to lose as the technology in vehicles changes.” Apprenticeship growth and artisan numbers RMI analysis of skills trends across 14 automotive aftermarket trades highlights both progress and a challenge for the sector. The number of apprentices in these trades increased from 1,764 in 2014 to 4,254 by May 2026, an […]
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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.
