Oct 22, 2024 Dr Norman Lamprecht, Dereck Knight, Pieter Niemand, Shawn Reddy, Chris Kambouris, Dean Palmer, Justin Botha, Banie Wethagen, Raj Ramsammy, Reggie Sibiya, Busisiwe Ndlela, Warwick Robinson, Grant West
MIAZ 2024 congress hosts 13 international guest speakers in Victoria Falls
The Motor Industry Association of Zimbabwe (MIAZ) recently held their 2024 Annual Conference – themed “Shifting Gears – Navigating the evolution of the automotive industry” at the picturesque Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls. MIAZ delegates attended powerful informative presentations from Government departments and local industry representatives, in addition to 13 guest speakers from Australia, Eswatini and South Africa, in an extensive program over the two and a half days.
Current MIAZ President, Lawrence Nyamushanya, officially opened the congress with his welcoming address whilst acknowledging all of the dignitaries, guest speakers and delegates. Nyamushanya provided an overview of the Zimbabwean automotive industry and MIAZ, before introducing the first presenter, Autoforum’s Warwick Robinson. Robinson proudly unveiled the new MIAZ interactive website and security enhanced Membership Certificates. The launch of both the new website and membership certificates allows both customers, local and national government officials to confirm accreditation and the current membership status of MIAZ members when allocating tenders, contracts and work orders to MIAZ members.
In the Keynote Note address by Ms Florence Makombe, Chief Director – Industry, of the Zimbabwe Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Makombe spoke of the ‘importance of the Automotive Industry in Zimbabwe’ and Government’s reliance on MIAZ to provide reliable and relevant input, to assist Government in determining policy and decision making within the sector. In the lively open discussion session following her address, the MIAZ delegates posed a number of enquiring and forthright questions and statements to the Chief Director for her admirable response and reply.
With various Senior MIAZ Executives taking the role of MC and facilitator during each of the sessions during the conference, Nyamushanya then introduced Dr. Norman Lamprecht, author of the much respected ‘Automotive Trade Manual 2024 - South Africa’ published under the auspices of naamsa/The Automotive Business Council. In the first of his two addresses during the conference, Dr. Lamprecht presented ‘an overview of the Automotive Industry in South Africa’ highlighting some of the trends within our SA industry, as well as the facts, figures and statistics contained within the manual, including a focus on the SA automotive trade data with Zimbabwe. With appreciation to Dr. Lamprecht each delegate received a copy of the 2024 Trade Manual, which had the delegates avidly searching for and following the data provided within.
All of the delegates were then invited to a welcoming ‘meet and greet’ cocktail party, kindly sponsored by the Bulldog Group Co. This event provided delegates with the opportunity to meet the invited guest speakers, network and renew relationships in an informal and relaxed social atmosphere, whilst learning more of each other’s businesses, before heading into dinner.
With an 8am start, Chris Kambouris, CEO & Owner of TurboDirect SA, also delivered the first of his two presentations. Taking to the podium with an insightful and interactive presentation entitled ‘Turbo Chargers, a general outline and introduction.’ Kambouris educated delegates in the history, types and workings of the various types of Turbo Chargers and answering a multitude of questions from the floor. He stated that with the wide use of Turbo Chargers across most industries, including the Automotive, Agriculture, Aeronautical, Motorsport, Mining and Industrial sectors – and the role they play within these sectors, that the ability to diagnose, repair/replace, service and supply these vital components had a bright future which he would address in his second presentation later on during the conference.
Pieter Niemand, Director of the Motor Industry Workshops Association of South Africa (MIWA), a constituent association of the RMI, was next to take centre stage, remarking on the similarities between MIAZ and the RMI, he commented on the long history of MIAZ, which was constituted in 1933 as the Motor Traders Association. In his presentation Niemand introduced MIWA, its aims objectives and responsibilities to its members, their customers and the various initiatives MIWA is involved with across the South African automotive aftermarket, before continuing to speak on the subject of ‘New Age Vehicle Workshops – Navigating the evolving vehicle maintenance landscape’ and its impact on the modern workshop in terms of training, equipment, regulations and the safety aspects of servicing and maintaining modern vehicles. His presentation solicited good response and many one on one conversations resulted during the conference.
After a short tea & comfort break, Dereck Knight, Mobility Aftermarket, Head of Dept. Africa, Technical Services & Support, Robert Bosch (Pty) Ltd., delivered a successful in-depth and very insightful presentation entitled ‘Boosting Productivity for increased profitability’ with specific focus relevant to the Zimbabwean scenario. Knight addressed the following 5 strategies as a practical approach to enhancing productivity –
Strategy 1: Time Management
Strategy 2: Skill Development and Training
Strategy 3: Workflow Optimization
Strategy 4: Communication and Collaboration
Strategy 5: Equipment and Tool Maintenance
A combination of Knight’s presentation skills and style combined the delegates interaction with the content confirmed their commitment to absorbing as much information and learning from the presenters as was available, with a number of individual discussions taking place over the remainder of the congress.
Motus Aftermarket Parts South Africa (MAP), Procurement Executive, Shawn Reddy, then took centre stage for his first presentation, ‘An overview of the South African automotive aftermarket & parts supply into Zimbabwe.’ Reddy described the South African replacement parts arena combined with the OEM map of localized production in Africa, before addressing the challenges and opportunities within the Zimbabwean automotive aftermarket. Reddy concluded saying, ‘with the continuing importation of new & used vehicles added to the aging vehicle parc, the aftermarket parts demand for replacement parts will grow - with Zimbabwean traders often relying on South Africa, as a source for a stable supply chain.’
Presentations from Dayford Nhema, Director-Industrial Development, Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), Petroleum Compliance Engineer, Tinomudaishe Hove entitled ‘An insight into the Petroleum Act & fuel retail sector challenges in Zimbabwe’ followed, before Autoforum’s Publisher, Grant West took to the podium to discuss ‘Modern post-pandemic digital marketing opportunities’ with the MIAZ delegates.
Bulldog Automotive South Africa, National Sales Manager, Dean Palmer opened the 2nd session with his presentation entitled ‘Automotive Industry Processes and Consumables’ in which he introduced delegates the vast array of innovative products available from the Bulldog Automotive range that are specific to the refinish and repair sector, whilst describing the current processes and practices they were designed to cater to. Palmer then introduced his colleague Justin Botha, I.W.D. National Sales Manager, who continued the presentation into the Industrial range of products available within the Bulldog Group Co and through its accredited distributors. Both Palmer and Botha responded to questions regarding available training & service levels saying that “Bulldog are committed partners to their customers and readily provide professional training and support through service and provision of quality products combined with value – which is the reason why we are market leaders.’ In addition, they invited the delegates to attend the scheduled live demonstrations of products, in the ‘Bulldog’ breakaway room adjacent to the main conference room, and register for the draw to win one of three individual ‘SCANGRIP’ Sunmatch kits, kindly donated by the Bulldog Group Co.
Continuing the focus on the refinish and repair sector, Y.E.S. - Your Equipment Supplier an affiliate of the Bulldog Group Co, Technical Sales Consultant, Raj Ramsammy,
presented the extensive range of recognized quality branded equipment available to the ‘panel-beating & spray painting’ sector from Y.E.S. – Your Equipment Suppliers. Ramsammy is a familiar and popular face amongst many of the delegates, having serviced, trained and supplied this sector regularly over the years. He detailed the one-stop partnership commitment available from Y.E.S. – Your Equipment Suppliers with Taylor-made solutions, service & maintenance contracts, product training as well as health and safety compliance on offer to its customers. He welcomed delegates to speak with him at any time during the conference and further re-enforced the invitation to all of the delegates to attend the physical demonstration sessions scheduled on both the Sunday and Monday, whilst registering to win one of the three prizes.
A revision to the scheduled program of events allowed as well as a current status report from Pensions Supervisor, Salatiel Manyika, from the Zimbabwe Insurance & Pensions Commission as well as Motor Industry Pension Fund, Zimbabwe, CEO, Raymond Manhika, the opportunity to present his response and a current status report of the Motor Industry Pension Fund and its activities. Delegates took this opportunity to query some of the current regulations governing their pension fund regarding off-shore US Dollar investment and returns. Manhika concluded by reminding members that the opportunity to secure Home Loans with the Funds backing, subject to the applicable conditions was still available and should be considered.
The first of the physical demonstrations by all four members of the Bulldog Abrasives Team proved to be very popular with the delegates, with registrations, attendance and interest, at each of the individual demonstration sites creating a little congestion at times. The organizers noted this interest and agreed that perhaps 2 break-away demonstration rooms might be needed in future, due to the unprecedented response.
Proceedings kicked off early on the 3rd day at 07h45 - due to the time difference between Zimbabwe and Australia, which allowed an innovative live introduction by Jeff Smit, Director at The Automotive Technician, (TaT) Australia, of one his company’s webinar based interactive training modules titled ‘Understanding the numbers in your business.’ TaT kindly provided workbooks and relevant Excel spreadsheets to each of the delegates, in order that they could physically participate in the training webinar and have made the webinar available to all MIAZ members via the New Website as well as the MIAZ Executive Director, Ms Sarudzai Masoka. This proved to be popular with a number of delegates requesting to download the program to review at their leisure.
Following this webinar, Shawn Reddy again took to the podium for his second presentation entitled ‘Identifying Counterfeit Parts – the benefit in using quality branded parts.’ Reddy addressed delegates on the size of the global counterfeit vehicle parts, the challenges in terms of quality, safety, legal enforcement & monitoring as well as the infringement of intellectual property rights in regard to these parts. Reddy said training and awareness at both industry and consumer levels were critical in the fight to control the use of these often, unsafe parts. In his conclusion he reminded delegates of the benefits in enhanced safety, warranty protection and cost effectiveness of using only quality branded replacement parts in their businesses.
Turbo Direct’s Kambouris furthered the technical theme for the session with his second presentation focused on ‘diagnosing Turbo failure – decision to replace or repair.’ This Master Class used physical examples of failed components, in addition to a cut-away sample of a complete Turbo Charger. Kambouris led delegates through the causes and results of component failure within the turbo charger. He detailed the intricate workings of the turbo charger whilst explaining its use in the modern engine to increase both power and fuel efficiency. Many delegates were surprised at Rpm’s achieved and tolerances required within the modern turbo charger, and a number expressed a wish to learn more in order to better understand turbo chargers and their increasing inclusion in the modern motor vehicle. In line with this Kambouris and his company are in discussions to provide physical and modular training for MIAZ members through the Association.
In a follow-on of the Technical theme for the session, Bosch’s Knight introduced innovative modern technology, in the form of his AI colleague ‘Sheldon,’ into his 2nd address - a Master Class on “Aftermarket servicing and repair of Hybrid and NEV’s in the modern workshop.” This interactive presentation between ‘Sheldon,’ Knight and the audience delved into the differences between ICE, the various Hybrid and New Electric vehicles available to the market currently. Knight continued on to address common challenges surrounding these vehicle types and how to set up a workshop for EV’s / Hybrids – highlighting the specialized training, special needs, equipment and safety pre-requisites required to service these types of vehicles, as well as the cost implications involved. He closed off with a list of considerations, highlighting again the specialized training, to be taken into account in preparing to accommodate Hybrids and NEV’s in the modern workshop. Autoforum was privy to at least one conversation from a delegate who is fully intent and committed to opening a fully compliant workshop dedicated to serving these types of vehicles!
Dr. Lamprecht carried forth the NEV/Hybrid thread with his 2nd presentation which focused on the ‘Road to NEV’s – a focus on the South African White paper and the way forward.’ Dr. Lamprecht gave an insight into the creation and conclusions of SA’s White paper on NEV’s having played an integral part from start to publication. He guided delegates through the development, research, considerations of the DTIC’s (SA Dept. of Trade and Commerce) ‘Auto Green paper’ amongst others, in creating the current Road Map to enhancing EV development in the SA Automotive Industry. Dr. Lamprecht spoke of the Global trends in NEV’s as well as the challenges faced by South Africa and its Auto Industry, he addressed infrastructure requirements, manufacturing challenges, raw material availability and supply chain capabilities as well as current consumer demand and the economic viability of NEV’s in SA and the African continent currently.
Banie Wethagen, National Sales Manager, Bulldog HB Paint, a business unit of Bulldog Abrasives Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd succeeded in relieving some of the delegates data download pressures, with his informative presentation on the modern processes and available range of products to address these from HB Paints. His presentation solicited wide response from the audience in terms of technical specs, applications and supply. Wethagen ended his presentation with a reminder that the draw for each of the ‘SCANGRIP’ Sunmatch Kits, would take place at that evenings Demonstration session in the Bulldog breakaway room, and that the winners should be present to receive their prize.
After a short refreshment and comfort break, the focus switched to the Fuel sector with Fuel Retailers Association (FRA), CEO, Reggie Sibiya at the podium to present ‘A new Era for Fuel Retail’ from a South African perspective. Sibiya addressed some of the challenges faced within the SA fuel retail sector, the current Global and local trends and
future impact on the SA economy in terms of employment and the ongoing future of the sector.
Busisiwe Ndlela, MD of BBX (Pty) Ltd and Treasurer of the Eswatini Fuel Retailers Association, expanded on the theme with her ‘Insight into the Eswatini FRA’ presentation, giving attendees a glimpse of some of the challenges and successes within a country that has a similar ‘land-locked’ status as Zimbabwe. Her observations as both a successful business owner and executive within the Eswatini FRA, provided food for thought amongst many delegates.
Bulldog Group Co’s final demonstration included the draw for the three lucky winners of a ‘SCANGRIP’ Sunmatch kit. Congratulations to each of the winners!
Nyamushanya officially closed the two & a half day congress, thanking the attending delegates and guest speakers for a successful and insightful congress and commenting on the pleasure of seeing many new business relationships formed and number of older relationships re-ignited. He thanked the Executive and staff of the Association for all their efforts in ensuring a successful event and wished everyone safe travels back to their destinations the following day.
Guest Speaker observations and comments:
Dr. Norman Lamprecht – “a pleasure to be invited and to share developments in the SA automotive industry and the Automotive industry’s EV road map with Zimbabwe delegates. Information is a key way to identify business opportunities. Zimbabwe has been consistently one of the SA Automotive Industry’s over the past 30 years. The enthusiasm, interest and active participation by the delegates was impressive and showed the willingness not just to listen and observe but to actively utilize the information and presentations to improve their businesses and livelihood. I wish to commend MIAZ along with Grant West for the excellent arrangements and for the exceptional choice of venue.”
Dereck Knight – “It was a privilege to attend the Motor Industry Association of Zimbabwe Conference in Victoria Falls this past month. The event was filled with passionate individuals eager to drive progress within the automotive sector in Zimbabwe. I had the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking seminars focused on two key areas: enhancing productivity and profitability through effective mentorship of technicians and workshop staff, and preparing independent workshops for the future by navigating the high-voltage pathway essential for electric vehicles.’
These discussions were not only timely but crucial for the advancement of the industry, particularly as it faces the fast-paced evolution of automotive technology. I’m deeply grateful to the Motor Industry Association of Zimbabwe for the opportunity to connect with such an inspiring group, all of whom are committed to shaping a stronger, more resilient automotive industry in Zimbabwe. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that will surely follow from these shared efforts.”
Dean Palmer – “The MIAZ conference was a well put together event with a wide range of delegates from the motor industry. The interaction and interest show by the delegates in the presentations and demonstration sessions made it great success for us. The conference definitely assisted us to grow the Bulldog footprint in Zimbabwe.”
Shawn Reddy – “I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the recent MIAZ conference in Vic Falls, Zimbabwe. It was an honour to be invited as a guest speaker and share insights on the evolving trends that are set to shape the future of our industry. The discussions around the changes in the automotive aftermarket highlighted the immense potential and challenges that lie ahead, and I’m confident that, together, we will navigate this dynamic landscape to achieve greater heights.
My sincere appreciation for the warmth, exceptional hospitality and genuine welcome from the Zimbabwean delegates made my experience truly unforgettable, and I felt incredibly privileged to be among such an esteemed group of industry professionals.
A special thanks to the MIAZ executive for the invitation and platform to contribute to this important dialogue. As Africans, we are alive with endless possibilities for growth and innovation in our region, and I am excited about the future collaborations that will drive us forward.”
Raj Ramsammy – “It was an absolute pleasure being part of the South African delegation attending the conference. The conference itself was extremely informative: learning the ‘ins and outs’ of our neighbour’s automotive repair and insurance policies was my highlight. We now have a better understanding of the Zimbabwean Automotive industry business trends. Many personal and business relations were formed with almost all of the MIAZ delegation. Firm bonds were also formed with our South African extended team. Another highlight and buzz for the entire weekend was the anticipation amongst the delegates of the 3 prize draws afforded by the Bulldog Group Co.”
Chris Kambouris – “Normally one would offer thanks and enter into pleasantries related to an event like this, however, although very applicable I would also like to guide the reader to a different angle entirely, this was an event that was no short of world class, exceptionally well attended, including government and senior delegates from different countries. The presenters are clearly the cream of the crop in their business sectors and their presentations, knowledge and the manner in which they carry themselves. A beautiful location for an educational, enlightening and unique opportunity to build relationships in business and rub shoulders with like-minded professionals! Thank you, Grant West and the Autoforum team for an exceptionally well organised event and 100% successful few days of business.”
Justin Botha – “It was an honour to be part of the 2024 MIAZ conference, I learnt a lot from the gathering, and that the struggles and successes are very similar to the South African market. However, with all the contributions from the government and the Zimbabwe Motor Industry the potential for growth is great. We, as Bulldog Abrasives Southern Africa are extremely excited to be a part of adding value to the Auto market and Economy in Zimbabwe.”
Banie Wethagen – “The conference itself was extremely informative, and the hospitality excellent. The Zimbabwe Motor Industry is very interesting & what stood out for me the most, was the fact that the discussion wasn't just about new products and innovation.
But also, about how new businesses can be created and how the Zimbabwean Motor Industry is willing to support new businesses within their sectors. Thanks to MIAZ for hosting these conferences - as everyone gained a lot of knowledge.”
Pieter Niemand - "It was an honour and a privilege to have been invited as part of the South African delegation to attend the MIAZ conference in Zimbabwe. As it was my first visit to the country, I was genuinely impressed by the professionalism, courtesy, and warm welcome I received. Having the opportunity to present on this international platform provided excellent exposure for both MIWA and the RMI and an ideal opportunity to share the work we do in South Africa. It also provided me with valuable contacts and networking opportunities and a chance to explore how we in South Africa can work more closely and collaboratively with MIAZ, the Zimbabwean government, and local industry to address common challenges. Additionally, spending time with the South African delegation was also really valuable giving me an opportunity to forge new relationships we can introduce to our member base.”
Autoforum congratulates MIAZ on a world class 2024 Conference and is proud to have helped facilitate the event and participated in its success.
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