February 2023
www.automobil.co.za
the deepest business reach into the sa retail motor industry
contents
columns
03 . Driver’s Seat: Jakkie Olivier, CEO of the RMI
03 . Editor’s Letter: Reuben van Niekerk
30 . Tech Talk: Maximising corner speed
32 . Wellbeing: No time like the present
33 . Finance: Practicing good governance
news
05 . News
16 . Industry News
24 . Association News
Features
22 . Behind the scenes: Ensuring consumer satisfaction
26 . ARA: Remanufacturing into 2023
28 . Interview: Inspired by motorsport
34 . Legal: Stress testing privacy and data protection protocols
36 . Labour: Finding your way in the dark
regulars
38 . New models: Renault Megane R.S 300 Trophy and Ford Ranger
40 . Motorsport: Toyota Gazoo racing win 2023 Dakar Rally
41 . Member Update
42 . Sales: December 2022 vehicle sales figures
Editor
Reuben van Niekerk
reuben@automobil.org.za
Sub-editor
Suzanne Walker
Regular contributors
Roger Houghton
Nicol Louw
Publisher
Wilken Communication Management
Tel: 012-4604448
Advertising Sales
Greg Surgeon
greg@automobil.org.za
Automobil is produced monthly by Wilken
Communication Management for the Retail
Motor Industry Organisation. The views and
opinions expressed in the publication are not
necessarily those of the publishers or the Retail
Motor Industry Organisation. While precau-
tions have been taken to ensure the accuracy
of advice and information contained in edito-
rial or advertisements, neither the publishers
nor the Retail Motor Industry Organisation can
accept responsibility for errors, misrepresenta-
tions or omissions, or for any effect or conse-
quence arising therefrom. Permission to repub-
lish any article or image or part thereof must be
obtained in writing from the publishers.
www.automobil.co.za
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www.automobil.co.za
February 2023
www.automobil.co.za
February 2023
driVer’s seat
For information on the RMI and its workings, visit www.rmi.org.za or call 011 886 6300
editor’s letter
n January the wait was finally over for thousands of hopeful matrics
around the country. Encouragingly the class of 2022 achieved an 80.1%
pass rate despite the many challenges of having to work through the
COVID-19 pandemic, the worst load shedding in years and sporadic protests.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said that for the past 10
years, the National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rate had consistently been
going up, from 60% in 2009 to above 70% pass rates in recent years. She
commended the matric class of 2022.
Now it is decision time for many of these matrics who will be looking
to enrol at either a university, private college or a technical and vocational
education and training college.
The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) strongly encourages young
people to consider one of the many qualifications being offered at TVET
colleges around the country.
There are 50 registered and accredited public TVET Colleges in South
Africa which operate on approximately 364 campuses spread
across the rural and urban areas of the country. Matrics can
visit the Khetha career portal of the DHET to find out more.
The various TVET colleges offer an array of qualifications in-
cluding a variety of sought-after artisanal qualifications.
The manufacturing, engineering, related services sec-
tor education training authority (merSETA) career guide
WhatsApp line (0674190500) is also a very useful source
of information and can provide guidance on the best
way to get qualified for these in demand occupa-
tions. Our own RMI training department is also
constantly monitoring new developments and
technological advancements in the sector
to determine which skills are necessary to
drive future growth. Candidates can also
benefit from regularly reading the RMI web
letter and Automobil magazine.
Although some of the colleges have already commenced with their
teaching and learning, including practicals, following the successful online
registration process, many are still accepting students in areas where the
enrolment targets have not been met and the department’s TVET branch is
monitoring the developments at each college.
At a time when technology is changing so rapidly, it is worth remember-
ing that the vibrant retail motor industry sector is urgently looking for skills
and young South Africans who want to focus on technical careers and are
willing to embrace apprenticeships so they can earn whilst they learn.
Trades related to the automotive aftermarket sales, repair, maintenance,
component and trailer manufacturing sector include motor and diesel me-
chanic, auto electrician, automotive machinist and engine fitter, diesel fuel
injection pump mechanic, motorcycle mechanic, vehicle body builder, weld-
er, and millwright. In addition to the main trades several specialised skill sets
such as wheel alignment technician, tyre fitter, engine dismantler as well as
radiator, CV-joint and prop shaft repair staff are also in high demand.
The opportunities to specialise are exciting and allow young people to ex-
plore sought after expert areas including colour mixer and matcher, applica-
tion of waterborne and two and three stage pearlescent paint, passenger and
commercial vehicle technicians, vehicle engine remanufacturing, diagnostic
and fault-finding technicians, coded welding, steering geometry and ad-
vanced driver-assistance systems. Alternate fuel driven vehicles like electric
vehicles and gas converted vehicles are also opening exciting new opportuni-
ties for young people to specialise in and these are the careers of the future.
University is not for everyone and a TVET qualification offers an excel-
lent alternative. Importantly young South Africans need to match their
technical field of interest with the TVET colleges offering. Not all TVET
colleges offer all trades, and careful research is required before making a
final selection.
Jakkie olivier
RMI Chief Executive Officer
A career in the automotive sector
ransport Minister Fikile Mbalula recently announced that
during the festive period from 1 December 2022 to 11
January 2023, 1451 people died on South African roads.
The Minister noted that this is a 14% reduction in the number
of fatalities compared to the same period in 2021/2022.
While an improvement is certainly welcomed, losing 1451
lives in five weeks is still completely unacceptable and drastic
measures need to be taken to curb the culture where such a
number is celebrated.
The RMI’s Vehicle Testing Association has for a long time
been campaigning for the implementation of periodic testing
of all older vehicles. This legislation has been promulgated
and only needs to be signed into law, but for some reason no
progress is being made on making that happen. Ensuring that
older vehicles are in a roadworthy condition by way of a reg-
ular roadworthy test is common practice in many first world
countries and will certainly go a long way in reducing carnage
and deaths on our roads. Let’s hold thumbs and hope that
some progress is made in this regard during 2023.
reuben van niekerk
reuben@automobil.org.za
Road deaths still too high
take the automobil
reader survey here
View the december sales figures here
https://forms.gle/1Ebk5pqQMfErq7FB9