Fuel Costs Continue to Pressure Repair Sector

SAMBRA is urging broader and more consistent action from insurers as ongoing fuel price volatility continues to place sustained pressure on the motor body repair (MBR) sector, with only partial and uneven implementation of relief measures across the industry. This follows earlier interventions by a number of insurers to cushion the impact of sharp diesel […]

What motorists should check when collecting a collision-repaired vehicle

For most motorists, collecting a vehicle after collision repairs can feel daunting. While accredited repairers follow stringent repair processes and conduct multiple inspections throughout the repair journey, consumers often want reassurance that the authorised work has been completed to a high standard. According to the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), a proud association […]

Bloemfontein apprentice wins national gold and secures place at WorldSkills International

A young Bloemfontein autobody repair apprentice has earned national recognition after winning the gold medal in the Autobody Repair category at the WorldSkills South Africa (WSZA) National Competition, securing his place to represent South Africa on the global stage. Bloemfontein apprentice earns national recognition Mesuli Nande Gxalaba (21), an apprentice at Technicolour Autobody Repair in […]

RMI and HWK Erfurt launch three-year e-mobility skills partnership for South Africa’s TVET sector

The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) and the German Chamber of Crafts Erfurt (HWK) announced the start of a new three-year structured TVET–HWK partnership project focused on skills development for e-mobility, at the RMI offices in Midrand yesterday, Tuesday 24 February 2026. A partnership to prepare the sector for e-mobility Funded by the German Federal […]

South Africa’s post-collision repair capacity under structural strain

South Africa’s post-collision repair sector is entering a period of structural strain that could have far-reaching implications for insurers, manufacturers and consumers alike. The South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), warns that sustained economic pressure on small and medium-sized motor body repairers (MBRs) is […]