We Are Systematically Advancing Repair
We call upon all consumers/motorists, artisans/entrepreneurs and every South African to support us. We have the strong opposition but we know one thing that united we stand no one can stand in front of our collaboration.
VISION
Be an integral part in the economic development of the South African automotive sector by contributing to skills development, employment creation and poverty eradication, whilst being a united and fully representative organisation that contributes to a vibrant South African economy that heeds the call for transformation through the support of the SMME businesses.
MISSION
Bridge The Gap Between Informal and Formal Automotive Repair Workshops.
Our Journey
Sisa is the founding member of APMMA, after numerous failed attempts to engage the automotive industry from 2009 – 2014 Oct, to discuss empowerment, transformation and inclusiveness. In Nov 2014 APMMA decided to lodge the complaint at the S.A Competition Commission for the consumers to be afforded their constitutional right to service, maintain and repair their vehicles at the workshops of their choice without losing manufacturers warranty.
As well as the independent aftermarket workshops to be able to service, maintain and repair in warranty vehicles without the consumers losing their manufactures warranty. In March 2017 the Compcom ruled in our favour and the process of developing the Voluntary code of conduct in competing in the S.A Automotive Industry ensued. When it became clear to the Competition Commission that the OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers of motor vehicles) were not willing to sign the Code to free abused consumers. The Compcom decided to develop the enforceable guidelines which were published on the 10/12/20 and came into effect on the 01/07/21.
At APMMA we have the serious task and responsibly of ensuring that the S.A. Motorists are aware of these important developments in the industry. As well as ensuring that the Artisans/entrepreneurs are empowered and ready to work on in warranty vehicles come 01/07/21. This is the task that we have to carry National. Ours is to see the industry benefiting everyone and the playing fields levels. These guidelines will drastically drop the vehicle maintenance costs and in return drop insurance premiums. That will lead to increased number of vehicles on the road and safety will be guaranteed and lives will be spared. I cannot forget the decent job opportunities that will be created by these Guidelines. It is high time that all monopolise are dismantled across all sectors if we are all serious about growing our economy.
Individuals are Powerful - Using our Voice
APMMA was formed and registered as a result of collaboration amongst the informal business owners in townships due to difficulties and challenges they faced on a daily basis for survival. Primarily the organisation is comprised of SMME business owners which are panel beaters, spray painters and motor mechanics. Organisation has since spread in many parts of the country including Rural Areas.
If I don’t speak up for township auto workshops, who will, asks Sisa Mbangxa? Two and a half years on from the launch of legislation intended to open the vehicle service and repair industry to more competition, little has changed for township mechanics, says Sisa Mbangxa, founder and president of the African Panelbeaters and Motor Mechanics Association (APMMA). Some elements of the broad-based Right to Repair movement, which fought successfully to break what it considered a cosy aftermarket arrangement between vehicle manufacturers, franchised dealers and connected panelbeaters, have benefited, but not those who need it most, says Mbangxa. The association, which represents more the 65 independent workshops of panel beaters and mechanics, are the "mechanics in the middle," says Mbangxa. But to his surprise, there hasn't been a big change in business, and instead, the winners of more maintenance and servicing customers appear to be those in the informal sector.
When Sisa Mbangxa, the president of the African Panel Beaters and Motor Mechanics Association, realised that the rise of e-hailing services in South Africa was not going to be a flash in the pan, he was excited about the business that these drivers could bring. The association, which represents more the 65 independent workshops of panel beaters and mechanics, are the "mechanics in the middle," says Mbangxa. But to his surprise, there hasn't been a big change in business, and instead, the winners of more maintenance and servicing customers appear to be those in the informal sector.
The Right to Repair campaign was started by the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) in 2013‚ and is supported by‚ among others‚ the African Panel Beaters and Motor Mechanics Association (APMMA)‚ which lodged a complaint with the Competition Commission in 2014‚ saying the accreditation processes imposed by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) was exclusionary. “The OEMs keep using safety as a reason for restricting access to vehicles under warranty‚” said Sisa Mbangxa of APMMA at an automotive aftermarket workshop hosted by the Commission earlier this year. "But what about the 70% of vehicles on our roads not under warranty? Is their safety less important?” The association, which represents more the 65 independent workshops of panel beaters and mechanics, are the "mechanics in the middle," says Mbangxa. But to his surprise, there hasn't been a big change in business, and instead, the winners of more maintenance and servicing customers appear to be those in the informal sector.
Representing You
What options have you got if you cannot afford the HIGH repair or servicing COSTS for your car at your dealership? The options are plenty, but so are the risks. Before taking your vehicle to a "mechanic", be familiar with the following tips first, as explained by auto experts Chaya Finger and Sisa Mbangxa.