As South Africa marks Disability Rights Awareness Month from 3rd November to 3rd December – culminating in the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3rd December – the South African Motor Body Repairers Association (SAMBRA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), is taking the opportunity to highlight a partnership that speaks directly to inclusion, empowerment, and the nurturing of real potential within our sector.
An Industry Built on Inclusion
In July, Abie Kriek from SAMBRA visited the Baysville School of Skills in East London. “The visit formed part of SAMBRA and the RMI’s ongoing efforts to explore opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and future employment pathways for learners with disabilities who show outstanding talent in the motor body repair trades,” explains Juan Hanekom, national director of the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).
Baysville’s Skills-Based Model: Where Talent Shines
Baysville has become a beacon of opportunity for learners who struggle in traditional academic settings but shine through practical, skills-based training. The school delivers exceptional programmes in panel beating and spray painting, underpinned by an ethos that embraces ability over disability. Its workshops are recognised as among the best in the province, with learners working on real customer vehicles and producing professional-grade results. With a 95% employment rate among panel beating graduates and the Eastern Cape’s only school-level spray painting facility, Baysville stands out as a vital talent pipeline for our industry.
A new skills showcase on the horizon
“As part of our developing partnership, SAMBRA is exploring the exciting possibility of launching a dedicated motor body repair competition at Baysville in 2026. This event would run parallel to the mechanical-focused activities at Port Rex Technical High School who current host the MIWA Motor Mech Competition annually. The event will reinforce the message that skilled artisans are in high demand and that young people, including differently-abled learners, have meaningful, sustainable career prospects within the automotive repair sector,” says Hanekom.
Learners proving that ability leads the way
To recognise Disability Rights Awareness Month, SAMBRA is proud to share reflections from Baysville learners and educators who are actively shaping the future of the industry.
Learners spoke passionately about their motivation to enter the programme, driven by a love of cars and a desire to turn that passion into a profession. For many, including hearing-impaired students, the school has offered far more than training – it has provided confidence, dignity, and the belief that a fulfilling career is within reach.
“I have always been interested in how damaged cars are transformed,” shared one learner. “Seeing a car arrive broken and leave looking new – knowing I helped do that – makes me proud. Even though communication was challenging at first, the support I received helped me prove to myself and my family that I can achieve something meaningful.”
For many students, successfully qualifying to start their artisan training marks the start of a future filled with possibility. Their dreams range from joining professional repair workshops to eventually opening their own businesses and inspiring other hearing-impaired young people to follow their ambitions.
Educators building confidence and capability
Teachers at Baysville describe their decision to include hearing-impaired learners in the programme as an intentional commitment to inclusivity.
“We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to develop their talents,” they said. “Our hearing-impaired learners showed incredible potential. By adapting our teaching to include more visual communication and hands-on demonstrations, they were able to participate fully and excel.”
Educators praised the group’s discipline, work ethic, and willingness to overcome barriers, highlighting how their achievements challenge outdated perceptions about what differently-abled learners can accomplish in technical trades.
A school committed to upliftment, resilience, and employment
Baysville leadership emphasises how deeply proud they are of their learners’ successes. “Seeing them qualify in such a specialised trade proves that ability matters more than disability,” the school shared. “It validates the hard work and determination invested by both learners and staff.”
The school believes strongly that partnerships with industry bodies like SAMBRA are essential to bridging the gap between training and employment. They have called for more inclusive internships, learnerships, and mentorship opportunities, urging the automotive sector to play an active role in opening doors for differently-abled young people.
SAMBRA’s continued commitment
SAMBRA has pledged to continue working closely with Baysville to:
- support training resources
- create mentorship pathways within accredited SAMBRA repairers
- help facilitate partnerships with industry suppliers
“In November SAMBRA facilitated a visit to the school by APEX Auto Paint Centre to explore ways they can support the school’s two workshops. This interest and possible sponsorship from paint manufacturers like APEX can help alleviate financial pressure on the school and strengthen its training capacity,” says Hanekom. He also notes that Gondolier have also expressed interest in supporting and this could be an added support for Baysville if they confirm.
Celebrating the Close of Disability Rights Awareness Month
As Disability Rights Awareness Month draws to a close, SAMBRA celebrates Baysville’s learners, educators, and the shared values that unite our organisations. The partnership demonstrates what is possible when industry leans in, nurtures potential, and helps create a more inclusive and sustainable future for the motor body repair sector,” concludes Hanekom.
