New Associational Representatives Join SAMBRA

We would like to take this opportunity of warmly welcoming Shaun Isaacs and Mariam Nokuthutha Shabalala, our two most recently appointed Associational Representatives, to the SAMBRA team. Shaun Isaacs Shaun is our newest Associational Representative servicing our Western Cape members. Prior to joining RMI, Shaun ran his own informal vehicle restoration business and consulted with […]

Don’t Get Crushed by Code 3: Protect Yourself When Buying a Second-Hand Car

Picture this: You find the perfect used car – affordable, stylish, seemingly in pristine condition. You buy it, excited for your new set of wheels. But weeks later, an unsettling clunk on the highway turns into a terrifying spinout. Turns out, your “dream car” was once a mangled mess, declared a write-off by insurance and […]

Transforming Passion into a Career in Automotive Painting

In a world increasingly focused on innovation and technology, the automotive industry remains a vibrant canvas for artistic expression and technical mastery and an exciting opportunity for young talent wishing to enter the sector. The South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), in collaboration with industry leaders, is working hard to address the urgent skills […]

Will South Africa Be Ready to Produce First Electric Vehicle by 2026?

South Africa’s automotive industry is planning to produce its first electric vehicle (EV) by 2026, according to the country’s trade minister. The move is part of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (Jet) plan for a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy, with the electrification of transport being one of the key pillars. The Jet plan estimates that […]

Time for regulation to drive access to information is now

Over 50 key stakeholders, including representation from the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, attended the Vehicle Write Off conference in Johannesburg last week to discuss the critical need for an open and transparent Vehicle Salvage Database (VSD) of all vehicles that have previously been “written off” by insurers, and to discuss critical next steps […]

Celebrating 115 years of excellence

In a year marked once again by unprecedented economic challenges and worldwide uncertainties, the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), representing over 8,500 member businesses in the retail automotive aftermarket, has not merely weathered the storm, it has soared to new heights of excellence as it celebrates its 115th Anniversary this month. RMI President, Jeánne Esterhuizen, […]