Feb 20, 2023 Motor Industry Association of Zimbabwe (MIAZ), Motor Industry Employers Association of Zimbabwe (MIEAZ),
Autoforum facilitates MIAZ meetings within SA Automotive Aftermarket
A senior delegation from both the Motor Industry Association of Zimbabwe (MIAZ) and the Motor Industry Employers Association of Zimbabwe (MIEAZ) visited Johannesburg for a week in February to meet with various suppliers, distributors and like associations within the SA Automotive Aftermarket.
MIAZ in its various forms will celebrate 90 years of existence this year and has as dictated by the association’s constitution, conducted an annual conference for its members to discuss the industry, raise issues of concern with Government bodies and attend presentations from International manufacturers and suppliers. The executive of MIAZ requested Autoforum to facilitate meetings with suppliers, distributors and similar associations in Gauteng so that the delegation could initiate and develop communication channels between the association, its members and the SA automotive aftermarket.
The six-member delegation consisted of the Presidents of both MIAZ and MIEAZ, two vice-presidents of MIAZ, the executive director of MIAZ and their IT specialist. In a busy four-and a half day schedule, this delegation met with 23 individual automotive businesses and associations across a broad spectrum of the automotive industry. Unfortunately, an extended discussion, traffic and the ever-present load shedding prevented the delegates from achieving a meeting with CRA (the Collision Repairers Association), as well as a last-minute scheduling conflict with AIEC, which they hope to rectify in a follow up visit later this year.
The industry in Zimbabwe faces similar challenges to the South African aftermarket in a number of areas – including dealing with their own load shedding (often 14hours in a day) and the delegation discussed these issues in addition to their commitment to help upskill their membership in product knowledge and new technology. Post-covid challenges in Zimbabwe have led to the postponement of the annual conference, and in an effort to continue with staying abreast with innovative technology and product education, the executive of MIAZ are initiating a series of online seminars and webinars for their members over the balance of 2023.
In the discussions with local manufacturers, suppliers and distributors from various sectors of the aftermarket. The majority have expressed a keen interest in participating in these series of online events as well as conducting scheduled ‘Trade days’ in conjunction with their local distributors, where product can be promoted and launched to the MIAZ membership. Ms Sarudzai Masoka, Executive Director, MIAZ, will be furthering these discussions and finalizing schedules for these events on her return to Zimbabwe.
One of the concerns raised by the MIAZ membership and addressed by the delegation, is the appointment of local distributors in Zimbabwe – mainly Harare based, who inadequately supply and promote the products across the country. Delegates confirmed that there is an appetite for many of the South African products, but that due to the lack of widespread supply across the country and the logistical delays and added costs in sourcing it from Harare, this resulted in alternative product being used. The delegates urged South African suppliers to evaluate their Zimbabwean distributors in terms of reach, supply and marketing of the products in order to maximise off take.
In a final set of meetings, the delegates focused on meeting industry exhibition and event specialists Messe Frankfurt SA – to discuss member interest and attendance at events such as the NAACAM and Automechanika Jhb events later this year. In addition to meetings with “sister associations” sharing common interests and representing the individual sectors of the SA aftermarket such as RFA (Retail Fuel Association) and a full contingent of senior executives from RMI (Retail Motor Industry organization) including Jakkie Olivier, CEO, Jan Schoeman, COO, as well as the Directors of NADA, MIWA, TEPA, SAMBRA and ARA.
These discussions centered around the regional motor industry, particularly the aftermarket in both South Africa and Zimbabwe, the economic climate in the region and the challenges facing the respective organisations. A number of similarities between both RMI and MIAZ/MIEAZ was apparent with insight being shared by all the participants in these common issues. It was agreed that adding value to membership was the prime objective of both organisations and that continuing the sharing of information and experience by the respective associations is beneficial and channels of communication developed and the relationship extended from both sides.
An extensive trip concluded, the MIAZ delegation expressed the appreciation to all the individuals and companies they were able to meet with, and confirmed the continuation of those discussions going forward.
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