Feb 06, 2026 Motor Industry Workshop Association, (MIWA), Dewald Ranft, MIWA Code of Ethics, RMI, RMI Code of Conduct, Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA).
MIWA comment - Consumer protection in SA’s automotive aftermarket
South Africa has one of the oldest vehicle populations on its roads, with the majority of cars now 10 years old or older and well out of manufacturer warranty. As a result, motorists are increasingly reliant on the automotive aftermarket to keep vehicles safe, roadworthy and affordable to operate.
The automotive aftermarket enables cost-effective vehicle life extension, as well as protecting household and business mobility across the country. However, in such a vast and diverse sector, knowing how to navigate repairs and how to raise concerns when things go wrong is critical for consumer protection. Against this backdrop, the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) has encouraged consumers to take a structured and informed approach when managing disputes with repair workshops, emphasising that most issues can be resolved quickly and fairly when the correct channels are followed.
According to Dewald Ranft, National Chairperson of MIWA, the first and most important step is direct engagement. “In the majority of cases, issues arise from miscommunication or misunderstandings rather than intentional wrongdoing,” says Ranft. “We always advise consumers to raise their concerns directly with the workshop first and give the business a fair opportunity to resolve the matter.”
Ranft explains that choosing an RMI-accredited MIWA workshop provides consumers with an important layer of protection and peace of mind.
“Accredited MIWA workshops are bound by a strict Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics and must meet defined entry criteria to maintain their membership. This means consumers are dealing with a business that has committed to professional standards, transparency and accountability.”
MIWA-accredited workshops display an official membership certificate, which includes a QR code allowing consumers to verify the workshop’s accreditation status. A member in good standing will also display the RMI Code of Conduct and MIWA Code of Ethics certificates, all of which are renewed annually.
If a concern cannot be resolved directly with the workshop, consumers are encouraged to escalate the matter through the RMI. “Where discussions with the workshop do not lead to a satisfactory outcome, consumers can lodge a formal complaint via the RMI website,” says Ranft. “As the umbrella body, the RMI facilitates the process and works with both parties to reach a fair and balanced resolution.” The effectiveness of this industry-led approach is reflected in the fact that more than 94% of disputes handled by the RMI are resolved successfully.
Only where a business is not RMI-accredited, or where no acceptable resolution can be reached, is a matter referred to the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA). Ranft cautions that consumers who use non-accredited repairers may have limited recourse should problems arise. “When a business is not part of the RMI, consumers lose access to structured mediation and accountability processes. That is why we strongly encourage motorists to always use accredited workshops.”
MIWA’s advice to consumers includes:
• Only take your vehicle to an RMI-accredited workshop
• Look for MIWA and RMI certificates displayed on the premises
• Scan the QR code on the certificate or verify membership via the RMI website
• Engage the workshop directly if concerns arise
• Escalate unresolved issues through the RMI’s formal dispute process
“A vehicle is often one of the most valuable assets a person owns, second only to their home,” Ranft concludes. “MIWA and the RMI exist to protect consumers, uphold industry standards and ensure motorists receive professional, ethical and transparent service throughout their vehicle ownership journey.”
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