AUTOFORUM

MISA Comment - Gratitude for increases amidst economic turmoil

Aug 27, 2025 MISA, Motor Industry Staff Association, Hermann Köstens, Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO), Minister of Labour and Employment Nomakhosazana Meth,

MISA Comment - Gratitude for increases amidst economic turmoil

“Every little bit help, we are concerned about the future of the retail motor industry and fear retrenchments.” These are the words of members of MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, the majority trade union in the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO) where the parties signed a wage agreement to give the more than 300 000 employees under the ambit of the bargaining council a wage increase above the consumer price index (CPI) for the next three years.

“I was so excited when MISA posted the wage agreement on Facebook, I made a screen shot and sent a WhatsApp to my colleagues. We are very grateful. We know that dealerships nationwide are struggling and that the export tariffs of 30% that the United Stated implemented from 1 August, has a major impact on us,” says Pulane Tlhomola (32), a Receptionist who is 32 weeks pregnant with her second baby girl.

Boitumelo Qwabe (47), a Booking Clerk, agrees. “Yes, we will always feel that it is too little money, but it still helps a lot to fill the gaps.” She knows the hardship of retrenchment, having been retrenched twice during her career in the industry. “In between jobs I started my own business, transporting school children too and from school. It is not easy to be your own employer.”

Edward Senyasamore (30), a Tyre Fitter providing for five people, says he is very happy about the wage increase. “It will help me to save a little money and to have transport money until month end. To me the Union is like a mother. MISA cares for workers like a mother would, it saves us from hectic times and helps us to grow academically in the future.” Senyasamore also experienced his fair share of hardship in the industry after his previous employer stopped paying contributions without informing employees.

Hermann Köstens, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Strategy and Development, says the agreement will now be submitted by MIBCO to the Minister of Labour and Employment Nomakhosazana Meth, for promulgation. It will be implemented in the industry once published in the Government Gazette for three years until 31 August 2028.

For more information contact Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on 082 463 6806 or email Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za.

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