SAMBRA

SAMBRA The South African Motor Body Repairers' Association (SAMBRA) represents accredited Motor Body Repairers. We are !

This page shares a mix of consumer and professional interest articles dedicated to motor body repair. SAMBRA (South African Motor Body Repair Association) is a recognised authority in auto body repair and the wider motor industry. We are committed to quality and high repair standards. Our website is home to a comprehensive list of accredited structural and non-structural panel shops.

If your EV is involved in an accident, repairing it isn't quite the same as repairing a conventional vehicle. ⚡Before ce...
09/09/2026

If your EV is involved in an accident, repairing it isn't quite the same as repairing a conventional vehicle. ⚡

Before certain repairs can even begin, the vehicle's high-voltage system may need to be safely isolated by an appropriately qualified technician, then recommissioned once the work is complete.

South Africa's EV repair capability is growing, but specialist skills aren't yet available everywhere.

For , SAMBRA explains what this can mean for repair times, why accredited repairers matter and how the industry is preparing for more EVs on our roads.

🔗 Read more link in comments below.

When your car has been sitting in a workshop for longer than expected, it’s understandable to ask: what’s taking so long...
07/09/2026

When your car has been sitting in a workshop for longer than expected, it’s understandable to ask: what’s taking so long?

But if the repairer isn’t causing the delay, what is?

An accident repair can involve the repairer, insurer, vehicle manufacturer, parts distributor and logistics provider. If an approved safety-critical part is on manufacturer back order, the repairer may simply be unable to complete the job.

And handing the vehicle back unfinished isn’t an option.

As SAMBRA National Director Juan Hanekom explains, accredited repairers must return vehicles only once repairs are complete, safe and compliant with manufacturer specifications.

So if your repair is delayed, ask what is holding it up and who is responsible for the next step.

🔗 Learn more from the article - link in the comments.

What happens when young people get the chance to put their practical skills to work in a real industry environment? 🔧Ten...
07/09/2026

What happens when young people get the chance to put their practical skills to work in a real industry environment? 🔧

Ten learners from Bergsig Special School recently did exactly that at the RMI’s first Motor Mech Welding Competition in Kariega.

More than a competition, the initiative gave learners an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, build confidence and see where practical skills could take them in the world of work.

It’s a great example of industry and education working together to strengthen South Africa’s future skills pipeline.

Read the full RMI/SAVABA story on the SAMBRA website - link in the comments below.

Your car is still in the workshop. Your rental period is about to end. And the part needed to finish the repair hasn’t a...
01/09/2026

Your car is still in the workshop. Your rental period is about to end. And the part needed to finish the repair hasn’t arrived yet. 🚗

What happens now?

Replacement-part shortages can sometimes extend accident repair times, particularly when critical components such as airbags, ADAS sensors, electronic modules or structural parts are on back order.

But there’s an important distinction: your repairer cannot safely return your vehicle simply because your rental period has ended.

SAMBRA National Director Juan Hanekom explains who motorists should speak to, what assistance may be available and why it’s important to start the conversation before your vehicle-hire benefit expires.

🔗 Read the full article: Link in the comments

🔧 SAMBRA members, your August Insider is here!This month, we’re going Beyond Stereotypes, with a focus on the people, sk...
26/08/2026

🔧 SAMBRA members, your August Insider is here!

This month, we’re going Beyond Stereotypes, with a focus on the people, skills and technology shaping the future of our industry.

Inside: women building careers in motor body repair, the challenge of developing our next generation of artisans, WorldSkills Shanghai, modern airbag safety, smarter dent repair technology, plus the latest SAMBRA campaign and industry updates. 🛠️⚙️

Catch up on the stories, insights and developments that matter to our members.

👉 Read the August SAMBRA Insider: sambra.biz/sambra-insider

A dent might look simple from the outside. On a modern vehicle, repairing it correctly can be anything but.Today’s cars ...
26/08/2026

A dent might look simple from the outside. On a modern vehicle, repairing it correctly can be anything but.

Today’s cars use high-strength steels, aluminium and other specialised materials that can react very differently to heat and traditional repair techniques.

That’s why repairers are increasingly using technologies such as Glue Pull Repair and precision electronic dent-pulling systems.

The goal isn’t only to make the panel look right again. It’s to protect the way the vehicle was designed to perform.

See how modern dent repair is changing: Link to article is in the comments →

Your airbag doesn’t simply “go off” in a crash.Before it deploys, your vehicle may be analysing impact severity, sensor ...
25/08/2026

Your airbag doesn’t simply “go off” in a crash.

Before it deploys, your vehicle may be analysing impact severity, sensor information, occupant data and even how much inflation force is needed, all within milliseconds.

That’s why an airbag recall is not something to leave for another day.

Recall repairs are carried out at no cost to the consumer, and the system could be critical when you need it most.

Here’s how modern airbag technology actually works: https://sambra.biz/airbag-recalls-why-they-matter

Here’s a statistic worth thinking about.South Africa has more young people registered as automotive apprentices than it ...
24/08/2026

Here’s a statistic worth thinking about.

South Africa has more young people registered as automotive apprentices than it did a decade ago, yet we have fewer qualified artisans.

So where is the gap?

For TVET Month, we spoke to educators, employers and industry specialists about what young people need to make the journey from the classroom, through the workshop, to becoming qualified automotive professionals.

Read more: https://sambra.biz/automotive-artisans-south-africa

21/08/2026

What does a spray painter look like?

If your first thought is still a man in overalls, Sina and Paulina might change your mind.

Both are building careers in the paint shop at BB Auto Body Rebuilds, developing the precision, technical knowledge and craftsmanship needed to become professional spray painters.

And they’re not alone. Women are increasingly making their mark across South Africa’s automotive aftermarket.

This Women’s Month, we’re looking beyond stereotypes and celebrating the talent shaping our industry.

Read Sina and Paulina’s story at the link in the comments. 👇

09/08/2026

Look again.

Women in motor body repair aren’t waiting on the sidelines. They’re repairing vehicles, assessing damage, working in spray booths, managing teams and running businesses.

And they’re part of a much bigger shift. Nearly 95 000 women now work across South Africa’s organised automotive retail aftermarket.

There’s still work to do to open more doors into technical careers, leadership and business ownership. But outdated ideas about who belongs where are already being challenged every day.

We’re looking beyond stereotypes and at the women helping shape the future of motor body repair.

Happy Women's Day, South Africa!

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