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Motor Industry Staff Association | +27 (0)11 476 3920 | media@ms.org.za
PRESS RELEASES
17 June 2025
MISA is deeply saddened by lives lost in the Eastern Cape
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, is deeply saddened that 90 people died in the devastating floods in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says the Union would like to extend its sincerest condolences to the loved ones of the victims and prayers for those involved in the ongoing rescue efforts.
The flooding in Mthatha came after severe heavy rainfall and snow resulted in flash floods, creating waves, one of which was said to be 30 m high at a time when people were travelling on the roads.
The Union would like to also commend the hard work of the community who started searching for the bodies since Wednesday, the different Departments of the Eastern Cape, police and rescue medics from the Department of Health as well as the Gift of the Givers search and rescue team.
Issued on behalf of MISA by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA’s Media and Communication Department.
For MISA Press Releases, email Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says the Union would like to extend its sincerest condolences to the loved ones of the victims and prayers for those involved in the ongoing rescue efforts.
The flooding in Mthatha came after severe heavy rainfall and snow resulted in flash floods, creating waves, one of which was said to be 30 m high at a time when people were travelling on the roads.
The Union would like to also commend the hard work of the community who started searching for the bodies since Wednesday, the different Departments of the Eastern Cape, police and rescue medics from the Department of Health as well as the Gift of the Givers search and rescue team.
Issued on behalf of MISA by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA’s Media and Communication Department.
For MISA Press Releases, email Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
6 June 2025
South Africa is unable to protect its children
This year’s Child Protection Week was brutal and a reminder that South African’s are not adhering to our Constitutional obligation to ensure that the rights of children are paramount to any other rights.
#MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, collaborated with three TikTok sensations, Mandisi Tshingana, Sipho Twala and Darren Campher, as part of the Union’s social responsibility to raise awareness about child abuse, child trafficking and school bullying. Together we were able to reach more than 3 million people.
“The Union’s efforts and victory was short lived after the mutilated body of 14-year old Likhina Fose, was found in Durban Deep, Roodepoort Johannesburg. In Vanderbiljpark a sangoma and the mother of two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba were arrested after his body was found in a shallow grave. He disappeared in November last year.
“The police still have not arrested a suspect for the murder of 11-year old Jayden-Meek who’s body was found bruised and stripped naked just hours after he was reported missing from the complex in which his mother lived. The grade 6 learner vanished after he was dropped off from school on 18 May,” says Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations.
As part of the Union’s awareness campaign, #MISA spoke to Irvin Ndlovu, the father of 4-year-old Bokgabo Poo who was abducted, raped, murdered and her little body found mutilated on 10 October 2022.
According to Ndlovu the Joslin Smith trial was very painful for him to watch. Joslin was sold to a sangoma on 19 February 2024 by her mother, Kelly, from the Middlepos shack she lived in, in the Saldanha Bay.
“It feels like everyone just goes on with their lives, while children continue to fall victim. The justice system is failing us. I want to know what happened and who killed my child. I am not the person I used to be. I am an angry person who snaps a lot, my heart is filled with anger.”
Ntokozo Zikhali was acquitted of Bakgabo’s murder despite being seen on CCTV-footage leaving a park in the East Rand with the little girl, while out on bail for raping a nine-year-old girl. He was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment on this case.
According to Ndlovu South Africa underestimates muti-related murders. “This is real in Southern Africa.”
He works as a Marketing Manager, Activist and Radio Presenter at Benoni FM and is very involved in community work. “On the day my little girl went missing, the South African Police Service (SAPS), did not have a vehicle to help us with the search, but the community left no stone unturned while we were searching for Bakgabo. I will always be grateful to everyone who helped and I believe I have a duty to also give back where I can."
His advice to parents is to do whatever it takes to protect their children, don’t let them out of your sight and don’t trust anyone near them. Ndlovu vowed to always keep the memory of Bakgabo alive and to ensure that her story is told.
He pleads with officers in the SAPS to resign if they are not passionate about their jobs. “Don’t be a police officer if you don’t have a heart and empathy for the families of victims. Yes it might be just another case, but for the family of the loved one it was their everything,” he says.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of #MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
#MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, collaborated with three TikTok sensations, Mandisi Tshingana, Sipho Twala and Darren Campher, as part of the Union’s social responsibility to raise awareness about child abuse, child trafficking and school bullying. Together we were able to reach more than 3 million people.
“The Union’s efforts and victory was short lived after the mutilated body of 14-year old Likhina Fose, was found in Durban Deep, Roodepoort Johannesburg. In Vanderbiljpark a sangoma and the mother of two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba were arrested after his body was found in a shallow grave. He disappeared in November last year.
“The police still have not arrested a suspect for the murder of 11-year old Jayden-Meek who’s body was found bruised and stripped naked just hours after he was reported missing from the complex in which his mother lived. The grade 6 learner vanished after he was dropped off from school on 18 May,” says Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations.
As part of the Union’s awareness campaign, #MISA spoke to Irvin Ndlovu, the father of 4-year-old Bokgabo Poo who was abducted, raped, murdered and her little body found mutilated on 10 October 2022.
According to Ndlovu the Joslin Smith trial was very painful for him to watch. Joslin was sold to a sangoma on 19 February 2024 by her mother, Kelly, from the Middlepos shack she lived in, in the Saldanha Bay.
“It feels like everyone just goes on with their lives, while children continue to fall victim. The justice system is failing us. I want to know what happened and who killed my child. I am not the person I used to be. I am an angry person who snaps a lot, my heart is filled with anger.”
Ntokozo Zikhali was acquitted of Bakgabo’s murder despite being seen on CCTV-footage leaving a park in the East Rand with the little girl, while out on bail for raping a nine-year-old girl. He was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment on this case.
According to Ndlovu South Africa underestimates muti-related murders. “This is real in Southern Africa.”
He works as a Marketing Manager, Activist and Radio Presenter at Benoni FM and is very involved in community work. “On the day my little girl went missing, the South African Police Service (SAPS), did not have a vehicle to help us with the search, but the community left no stone unturned while we were searching for Bakgabo. I will always be grateful to everyone who helped and I believe I have a duty to also give back where I can."
His advice to parents is to do whatever it takes to protect their children, don’t let them out of your sight and don’t trust anyone near them. Ndlovu vowed to always keep the memory of Bakgabo alive and to ensure that her story is told.
He pleads with officers in the SAPS to resign if they are not passionate about their jobs. “Don’t be a police officer if you don’t have a heart and empathy for the families of victims. Yes it might be just another case, but for the family of the loved one it was their everything,” he says.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of #MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
3 June 2025
Vanished without a trace
It has been six years since Amahle Thabethe vanished without a trace, but her mother and grandfather believes that she is still alive.
“There just has to be someone, somewhere who saw her, knows what happened to her after a man took her with him to give him directions,” says her mother Nokulunga Nkosi (40).
The little girl disappeared in Tsakane, Brakpan on 6 April 2019 when she was only 6-years old. Despite a R50 000 reward from the South African Police Service (SAPS), no information has been forthcoming. In January this year the SAPS sent an SMS to Nkosi informing her that this docket is now closed until the police receives new information.
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, spoke to Nkosi as part of the Union’s awareness campaign against child trafficking during Child Protection Week.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, appeals to anyone with information to come forward.
According to the United Nations child trafficking globally is an underreported crime, but there is a growing number of cases in Southern African countries, especially where children are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation (47%), forced labour (35%) and other types of exploitation (18%).
Traffickers have strong community networks. More than half of the child victims reported the involvement of friends and families in their recruitment into trafficking. False promises were the most common means of control reported by children (58.9%).
Amahle was lured to walk with a stranger to give him directions in return for sweets.
“I can’t begin to tell you how I feel every day when I wake up, every time that I see a learner in Grade 9, the same age as she is. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about her,” says Nkosi, a Carpenter suffering from depression since her daughter was kidnapped.
She would find closure if she knew Amahle was dead. Until then, she pleads that the person who took her daughter, returns her to them.
“So many people approach me with empty promises. I have so many regrets. I should never have allowed her to play at the neighbour’s house back then.
“My advice to parents is to never let your child out of your sight. We are living in a very cruel world.”
According to Thomas Nkosi (77), Amahle’s grandfather, her disappearance affected his health too. “We are a very close family. I am stressed. She was such a blessing in our lives and we just want her back.”
He continues to pray for God to intervene. “God is existing and nothing is impossible for Him. I pray that God will intervene and bring Amahle back to us,” he says.
Missing Children South Africa estimates that 77% of missing children are found, and 23% remains missing or are found dead. In May 2025, the SAPS reported that over the past five years, it had reunited 2 963 missing children with their families, 1 919 of whom were female and 967 male.
Anyone with information about Amahle must please contact the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens via e-mail to Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za.
“There just has to be someone, somewhere who saw her, knows what happened to her after a man took her with him to give him directions,” says her mother Nokulunga Nkosi (40).
The little girl disappeared in Tsakane, Brakpan on 6 April 2019 when she was only 6-years old. Despite a R50 000 reward from the South African Police Service (SAPS), no information has been forthcoming. In January this year the SAPS sent an SMS to Nkosi informing her that this docket is now closed until the police receives new information.
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, spoke to Nkosi as part of the Union’s awareness campaign against child trafficking during Child Protection Week.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, appeals to anyone with information to come forward.
According to the United Nations child trafficking globally is an underreported crime, but there is a growing number of cases in Southern African countries, especially where children are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation (47%), forced labour (35%) and other types of exploitation (18%).
Traffickers have strong community networks. More than half of the child victims reported the involvement of friends and families in their recruitment into trafficking. False promises were the most common means of control reported by children (58.9%).
Amahle was lured to walk with a stranger to give him directions in return for sweets.
“I can’t begin to tell you how I feel every day when I wake up, every time that I see a learner in Grade 9, the same age as she is. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about her,” says Nkosi, a Carpenter suffering from depression since her daughter was kidnapped.
She would find closure if she knew Amahle was dead. Until then, she pleads that the person who took her daughter, returns her to them.
“So many people approach me with empty promises. I have so many regrets. I should never have allowed her to play at the neighbour’s house back then.
“My advice to parents is to never let your child out of your sight. We are living in a very cruel world.”
According to Thomas Nkosi (77), Amahle’s grandfather, her disappearance affected his health too. “We are a very close family. I am stressed. She was such a blessing in our lives and we just want her back.”
He continues to pray for God to intervene. “God is existing and nothing is impossible for Him. I pray that God will intervene and bring Amahle back to us,” he says.
Missing Children South Africa estimates that 77% of missing children are found, and 23% remains missing or are found dead. In May 2025, the SAPS reported that over the past five years, it had reunited 2 963 missing children with their families, 1 919 of whom were female and 967 male.
Anyone with information about Amahle must please contact the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens via e-mail to Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za.
27 May 2025
Health Minister pleads with Labour to support NHI
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi pleaded with trade unions today to support the National Health Insurance (NHI) to ensure all South African’s have access to health care services.
“We can’t stop implementation of the NHI purely because labour (organisations) is afraid of fraud and corruption. We all know what happened with state capture. There will always be corruption.
“We need labour to come forward, tell us what you want, get involved to that we can address the realities of public healthcare,” says Motsoaledi.
He addressed a webinar on the NHI Governance Regulations hosted by Fedusa, the Federation of Trade Unions of South Africa to which MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, is affiliated.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says she was shocked to hear that South Africa’s ratio is 0,3 doctors per 1 000 of its population.
“This needs to be rectified urgently before we implement the NHI. South Africa has a huge growing crisis with newly qualified doctors not being appointed to public sector positions, despite a severe shortage of medical professionals due to budget constraints. This year’s budget only made provision for 800 jobs of the 1 800 unemployed doctors,” says Keyter.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana explained in parliament that R28.9-billion will go towards employing 800 post-community service doctors without jobs, as well as 9 300 healthcare workers.
“In the last year alone, our public sector health system lost close to 9 000 health workers. We did not have the money to retain or replace them even after reprioritising funds budgeted for consumables and medicines,” Godongwana said.
Doctor Mhlengi Ncube, Head of Health Policy and research at SAMA (South African Medical Association) explained at the webinar that the ratio in the United Kingdom is 2 doctors per 1 000 people in the UK population and viewed as totally inadequate.
“In South Africa the shortage of doctors results in doctors working overtime, some working up to 36 hour shifts. Not only does this take its toll on their family time, but also contributes to medical errors and deteriorating mental health, having a doctor who committed suicide,” he explained.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens on via e-mail to Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
“We can’t stop implementation of the NHI purely because labour (organisations) is afraid of fraud and corruption. We all know what happened with state capture. There will always be corruption.
“We need labour to come forward, tell us what you want, get involved to that we can address the realities of public healthcare,” says Motsoaledi.
He addressed a webinar on the NHI Governance Regulations hosted by Fedusa, the Federation of Trade Unions of South Africa to which MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, is affiliated.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says she was shocked to hear that South Africa’s ratio is 0,3 doctors per 1 000 of its population.
“This needs to be rectified urgently before we implement the NHI. South Africa has a huge growing crisis with newly qualified doctors not being appointed to public sector positions, despite a severe shortage of medical professionals due to budget constraints. This year’s budget only made provision for 800 jobs of the 1 800 unemployed doctors,” says Keyter.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana explained in parliament that R28.9-billion will go towards employing 800 post-community service doctors without jobs, as well as 9 300 healthcare workers.
“In the last year alone, our public sector health system lost close to 9 000 health workers. We did not have the money to retain or replace them even after reprioritising funds budgeted for consumables and medicines,” Godongwana said.
Doctor Mhlengi Ncube, Head of Health Policy and research at SAMA (South African Medical Association) explained at the webinar that the ratio in the United Kingdom is 2 doctors per 1 000 people in the UK population and viewed as totally inadequate.
“In South Africa the shortage of doctors results in doctors working overtime, some working up to 36 hour shifts. Not only does this take its toll on their family time, but also contributes to medical errors and deteriorating mental health, having a doctor who committed suicide,” he explained.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens on via e-mail to Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
20 May 2025
MISA’s aim to fight Child Hunger
More than 155 children have died since January due to malnutrition in state hospitals.
These shocking figures was revealed by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi in response to a parliamentary question. His department earlier admitted that annually over 15 000 children are annually diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition, with 1 000 dying directly from it.
A 2024 Unicef report found that 23% of South African children experience severe food poverty, eating less than two of the recommended five food groups per day. Unemployment, food insecurity, limited access to basic services and a lack of knowledge about nutrition all contributes to this.
Therefor MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, identified child hunger, malnutrition and stunting as a national crisis and believe the Union has a social responsibility on behalf of its more than 71 000 to take active steps to bring relief.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says according to a comprehensive research report submitted to NEDLAC’s Cost of Living Task Team, 29% of children is South Africa under the age of five are stunted, preventing proper development because of malnutrition, while 15% are hungry. The gap between hunger and stunting arises because children are getting non-nutritious foods that only curbs their hunger.
Of the country’s 20 million children, an estimated 38% (7,9 million) are living below the food poverty line and 70% (14,6 million) are living below the upper-bound-poverty line.
Child poverty has risen sharply since 2019. In 2022, an additional 1,3 million children were living below the food poverty line and 3,4 million more children below the upper-bound-poverty line.
A large portion of children in South Africa live in households that cannot afford the most basic nutrition and non-food essentials. Over a third of children living below the food poverty line are food insecure and at risk for malnourishment.
South Africa ranks among one of the 34 mostly low-income countries accounting for 90% of the world’s stunted children, despite its middle-income status.
Stunting is a sign of impaired growth and development caused by chronic undernutrition (insufficient caloric intake). Infections caused by poor sanitation and access to water can further compromise children’s nutritional health.
Keyter says MISA’s project for 2025 is to assist as many non-profit organisations possible feeding our children. This project will be the Union’s main theme for Child Protection Week, International Nelson Mandela Day, Women’s Month to be completed at the end of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. This year’s theme of #MadibaDay is “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”
MISA challenges everyone, including its staff, various Committees, Employers, and Provinces to start collecting the following items for the MISA fighting Child Hunger Challenge:
• Tinned food (pilchards for example)
• Peanut butter
• Fortified Maize
• White Rice
• Soya Mince
• Speckled beans
• Soup Mix
These items are considered the “best buys” for households because they are high in protein and micronutrients, also having a long shelf life.
These items will be donated by the Union to identified non-profit organisations in our regions.
Keyter appeals to everyone to accept the Union’s Challenge by buying some of the items and contacting Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, to facilitate with the nearest collection point.
For more information contact Carstens via e-mail to Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za. Issued on behalf of MISA by Carstens.
These shocking figures was revealed by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi in response to a parliamentary question. His department earlier admitted that annually over 15 000 children are annually diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition, with 1 000 dying directly from it.
A 2024 Unicef report found that 23% of South African children experience severe food poverty, eating less than two of the recommended five food groups per day. Unemployment, food insecurity, limited access to basic services and a lack of knowledge about nutrition all contributes to this.
Therefor MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, identified child hunger, malnutrition and stunting as a national crisis and believe the Union has a social responsibility on behalf of its more than 71 000 to take active steps to bring relief.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says according to a comprehensive research report submitted to NEDLAC’s Cost of Living Task Team, 29% of children is South Africa under the age of five are stunted, preventing proper development because of malnutrition, while 15% are hungry. The gap between hunger and stunting arises because children are getting non-nutritious foods that only curbs their hunger.
Of the country’s 20 million children, an estimated 38% (7,9 million) are living below the food poverty line and 70% (14,6 million) are living below the upper-bound-poverty line.
Child poverty has risen sharply since 2019. In 2022, an additional 1,3 million children were living below the food poverty line and 3,4 million more children below the upper-bound-poverty line.
A large portion of children in South Africa live in households that cannot afford the most basic nutrition and non-food essentials. Over a third of children living below the food poverty line are food insecure and at risk for malnourishment.
South Africa ranks among one of the 34 mostly low-income countries accounting for 90% of the world’s stunted children, despite its middle-income status.
Stunting is a sign of impaired growth and development caused by chronic undernutrition (insufficient caloric intake). Infections caused by poor sanitation and access to water can further compromise children’s nutritional health.
Keyter says MISA’s project for 2025 is to assist as many non-profit organisations possible feeding our children. This project will be the Union’s main theme for Child Protection Week, International Nelson Mandela Day, Women’s Month to be completed at the end of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. This year’s theme of #MadibaDay is “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”
MISA challenges everyone, including its staff, various Committees, Employers, and Provinces to start collecting the following items for the MISA fighting Child Hunger Challenge:
• Tinned food (pilchards for example)
• Peanut butter
• Fortified Maize
• White Rice
• Soya Mince
• Speckled beans
• Soup Mix
These items are considered the “best buys” for households because they are high in protein and micronutrients, also having a long shelf life.
These items will be donated by the Union to identified non-profit organisations in our regions.
Keyter appeals to everyone to accept the Union’s Challenge by buying some of the items and contacting Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, to facilitate with the nearest collection point.
For more information contact Carstens via e-mail to Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za. Issued on behalf of MISA by Carstens.
19 May 2025
MISA donates R120 000 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, donated R120 000 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, a registered non-profit organisation.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says MISA is the majority trade union in the retail motor industry representing more than 71 000 members. The Union encourages all its members do undergo regular cancer screenings.
According to Keyter the Union wants to support the efforts of non-profit organisations like Prostate Cancer Foundation to raise awareness, educate and support families with the aim to minimise the impact of the disease.
Andrew Oberholzer, Chief Executive Officer of Prostate Cancer Foundation, says South Africa has the highest prostate cancer death rate in the world affecting 1 in 4 Black men and 1 in 8 White men. Early detection is key in the fight against any cancer.
“Thanks to MISA, the Foundation trippled our awareness campaigns last year. This donation will help the Foundation tremendously to continue with our important task.”
According to Oberholzer most men only get diagnosed when they already have advanced or locally advanced prostate cancer. At this stage the cancer is no longer curable.
“There are usually no symptoms in the early stages when prostate cancer is curable. A lack of knowledge about the benefits of age-appropriate screening and lack of access to screening remains major challenges.
“Research commissioned by Cancer Alliance in 2021 shows that prostate cancer will be the most common cancer in South Africa by 2030.”
Keyter thanked the fourteen teams participating in the Golf Day and all the Organisations who sponsored holes at the Kyalami Country Club in Midrand.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens via e-mail Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says MISA is the majority trade union in the retail motor industry representing more than 71 000 members. The Union encourages all its members do undergo regular cancer screenings.
According to Keyter the Union wants to support the efforts of non-profit organisations like Prostate Cancer Foundation to raise awareness, educate and support families with the aim to minimise the impact of the disease.
Andrew Oberholzer, Chief Executive Officer of Prostate Cancer Foundation, says South Africa has the highest prostate cancer death rate in the world affecting 1 in 4 Black men and 1 in 8 White men. Early detection is key in the fight against any cancer.
“Thanks to MISA, the Foundation trippled our awareness campaigns last year. This donation will help the Foundation tremendously to continue with our important task.”
According to Oberholzer most men only get diagnosed when they already have advanced or locally advanced prostate cancer. At this stage the cancer is no longer curable.
“There are usually no symptoms in the early stages when prostate cancer is curable. A lack of knowledge about the benefits of age-appropriate screening and lack of access to screening remains major challenges.
“Research commissioned by Cancer Alliance in 2021 shows that prostate cancer will be the most common cancer in South Africa by 2030.”
Keyter thanked the fourteen teams participating in the Golf Day and all the Organisations who sponsored holes at the Kyalami Country Club in Midrand.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens via e-mail Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
8 May 2025
More than 1 000 learners attends MISA’s Career Expo
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, is hosting its annual Career Expo nationwide today.
Learners from Grades 8 to 12 are attending the Union’s campaign to educate learners about the exciting career opportunities in the evolving retail motor industry.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says the Union believes that more should be done to educate learners about possible career opportunities to address the crisis with youth unemployment.
Youth aged 15-24 and 25-34 continue to experience the highest unemployment rates, with the former reaching 59.6%.
“Learners in Grades 8 and 9 need to decide on subjects towards their futures, while learners in the higher grades need to consider possible careers.
“MISA is grateful to announce that this popular event just gets bigger and better every year with more partners joining hands enabling MISA’s Women’s Forum and Young Workers’ Forum to reach even more learners at more schools. There are 34 businesses participating,” says Keyter.
We also thank merSETA, the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority, for donating gifts and literature to all the learners attending.
The participating schools are:
• Port Rex Technical High School, East London
• Otto du Plessis High School, Gqeberha
• Newton Technical High School, Gqeberha
• Heatherdale Secondary School, Bloemfontein
• George Campbell School of Technology, Durban
• Pretoria Technical High School
• Roodepoort High School
• Tetelo Secondary School, Soweto
• Gelvandale High School, Gqeberha
• Bethelsdorp Comprehensive School, Gqeberha
• Saint James School for Girls, Johannesburg
• Daniel Pienaar Technical High School, Kariega
• Lindpark High School, Pietermaritzburg
• Oosterland High School, Secunda
• Botoka Secondary School, Potchefstroom
• Princeton Secondary School, Mitchell Plain
• Kuils River Technical High School
• Drostdy Technical High School, Worcester
• Learners home schooling
A special thank you to the following businesses:
• East London – Career Expo at Port Rex Technical High School
• Ronnies Motors Commercial Vehicle
• Midas Vincent
• Kelston Chery East London
• Kelston BYD East London
• Kelston MG East London
• Billson Trucks
• Nissan Eastern Cape
• BMW Nelson Mandela Bay
• Williams Hunt Port Elizabeth
• Algoa Toyota Uitenhage
• Volvo Trucks and Buses Bloemfontein
• EGM Motor Group Bloemfontein
• Grand Mark International Bloemfontein
• Raubex Group Ltd. Bloemfontein
• BMW Durban South
• Springfield Panel and Paint
• McCarthy Toyota Durban North
• McCarthy Toyota Kingsmead
• McCarthy Toyota Edwin Swales
• McCarthy Toyota
• Hatfield Suzuki & Honda
• Garden City Commercials – Mercedes-Benz
• McCarthy Toyota Gezina
• Akasia Autohouse (Panelbeating & Spraypainting Establishment)
• Hatfield VW Braamfontein
• Maponya Motors VW & Toyota
• Selby Panel & Paint, Johannesburg
• Secunda Toyota
• Eastvaal Motors
• Harry’s Tyres Point S
• BMW Century city
• Rola Motor Group
• Orbit Commercial Vehicles Cape Town
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens on 082 463 6806 or e-mail Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
Learners from Grades 8 to 12 are attending the Union’s campaign to educate learners about the exciting career opportunities in the evolving retail motor industry.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says the Union believes that more should be done to educate learners about possible career opportunities to address the crisis with youth unemployment.
Youth aged 15-24 and 25-34 continue to experience the highest unemployment rates, with the former reaching 59.6%.
“Learners in Grades 8 and 9 need to decide on subjects towards their futures, while learners in the higher grades need to consider possible careers.
“MISA is grateful to announce that this popular event just gets bigger and better every year with more partners joining hands enabling MISA’s Women’s Forum and Young Workers’ Forum to reach even more learners at more schools. There are 34 businesses participating,” says Keyter.
We also thank merSETA, the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority, for donating gifts and literature to all the learners attending.
The participating schools are:
• Port Rex Technical High School, East London
• Otto du Plessis High School, Gqeberha
• Newton Technical High School, Gqeberha
• Heatherdale Secondary School, Bloemfontein
• George Campbell School of Technology, Durban
• Pretoria Technical High School
• Roodepoort High School
• Tetelo Secondary School, Soweto
• Gelvandale High School, Gqeberha
• Bethelsdorp Comprehensive School, Gqeberha
• Saint James School for Girls, Johannesburg
• Daniel Pienaar Technical High School, Kariega
• Lindpark High School, Pietermaritzburg
• Oosterland High School, Secunda
• Botoka Secondary School, Potchefstroom
• Princeton Secondary School, Mitchell Plain
• Kuils River Technical High School
• Drostdy Technical High School, Worcester
• Learners home schooling
A special thank you to the following businesses:
• East London – Career Expo at Port Rex Technical High School
• Ronnies Motors Commercial Vehicle
• Midas Vincent
• Kelston Chery East London
• Kelston BYD East London
• Kelston MG East London
• Billson Trucks
• Nissan Eastern Cape
• BMW Nelson Mandela Bay
• Williams Hunt Port Elizabeth
• Algoa Toyota Uitenhage
• Volvo Trucks and Buses Bloemfontein
• EGM Motor Group Bloemfontein
• Grand Mark International Bloemfontein
• Raubex Group Ltd. Bloemfontein
• BMW Durban South
• Springfield Panel and Paint
• McCarthy Toyota Durban North
• McCarthy Toyota Kingsmead
• McCarthy Toyota Edwin Swales
• McCarthy Toyota
• Hatfield Suzuki & Honda
• Garden City Commercials – Mercedes-Benz
• McCarthy Toyota Gezina
• Akasia Autohouse (Panelbeating & Spraypainting Establishment)
• Hatfield VW Braamfontein
• Maponya Motors VW & Toyota
• Selby Panel & Paint, Johannesburg
• Secunda Toyota
• Eastvaal Motors
• Harry’s Tyres Point S
• BMW Century city
• Rola Motor Group
• Orbit Commercial Vehicles Cape Town
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens on 082 463 6806 or e-mail Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
29 April 2025
MISA extends our gratitude to law enforcement on our roads
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy’s efforts to apply the broken window theory to road safety in South Africa paid off, with a 45.6% drop in road fatalities, the lowest in three years.
The Minister reported a 32,5% reduction in accidents, with no accidents reported on the N1 in Limpopo, despite the Zion Christian Church reopening its pilgrimage for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic. This is considered one of the busiest roads.
“MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, believes to give credit where credit is due. The results announced by Minister Creecy today speaks of hard work, dedication and proper collaboration between the Transport Department, the South African Police Service and other law enforcement authorities.
“MISA witnessed a rapid increase in road blocks and visibility of law enforcement officers implemented under the authority of Minister Creecy as she treats road safety as a national crisis. This approach is saving lives on our roads,” says Martlé Keyter, the Union’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations.
Keyter also acknowledged Creecy’s observation that there has been a growing shift in public behaviour with thousands of drivers behaving more responsibly.
According to the Minister 21 607 traffic fines were issued over the Easter weekend, 512 motorist were arrested of which 111 drunk drivers in the Eastern Cape.
MISA especially welcomes the 89 arrests of pedestrians for jaywalking.
Lawlessness amongst pedestrians were responsible for 41 % of fatalities on South African roads over the past Festive Season.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens on 082 463 6806 or e-mail Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
The Minister reported a 32,5% reduction in accidents, with no accidents reported on the N1 in Limpopo, despite the Zion Christian Church reopening its pilgrimage for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic. This is considered one of the busiest roads.
“MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, believes to give credit where credit is due. The results announced by Minister Creecy today speaks of hard work, dedication and proper collaboration between the Transport Department, the South African Police Service and other law enforcement authorities.
“MISA witnessed a rapid increase in road blocks and visibility of law enforcement officers implemented under the authority of Minister Creecy as she treats road safety as a national crisis. This approach is saving lives on our roads,” says Martlé Keyter, the Union’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations.
Keyter also acknowledged Creecy’s observation that there has been a growing shift in public behaviour with thousands of drivers behaving more responsibly.
According to the Minister 21 607 traffic fines were issued over the Easter weekend, 512 motorist were arrested of which 111 drunk drivers in the Eastern Cape.
MISA especially welcomes the 89 arrests of pedestrians for jaywalking.
Lawlessness amongst pedestrians were responsible for 41 % of fatalities on South African roads over the past Festive Season.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens on 082 463 6806 or e-mail Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
27 March 2025
MISA keeps Johannesburg Care Foundation on the road
Driving with worn tyres is an accident waiting to happen.
That is why MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, immediately responded to the desperate plea of the Johannesburg Care Foundation for new tyres for their delivery vehicle.
Llewellyn Ryan, founder of the non-profit organisation, that focuses on bringing food to children and elderly in need, approached the Union for assistance because they did not have the funds to replace the warn tyres.
“Over the past year, MISA experienced the impact of a dire economic situation with consumers not replacing tyres or maintaining their vehicles as they should.
“MISA was deeply concerned when Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced that 1 502 people died on South African roads over the Festive Season in 1 234 fatal crashes. A total of 16,527 vehicles were found to be unroadworthy,” says Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations.
According to Keyter the Union leads by example and paid for the new tyres.
“MISA annually supports the Foundation as part of our social responsibility to allow them to continue their amazing work without putting their staff or other road users at risk,” says Keyter.
The Foundation uses the vehicle to collect donations towards the soup kitchens that it operates.
The Union also having donated school shoes and blankets to the Foundation in the past.
Ryan says he cannot thank MISA enough. “I am so relieved and so grateful.”
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens via e-mail to Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za.
That is why MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, immediately responded to the desperate plea of the Johannesburg Care Foundation for new tyres for their delivery vehicle.
Llewellyn Ryan, founder of the non-profit organisation, that focuses on bringing food to children and elderly in need, approached the Union for assistance because they did not have the funds to replace the warn tyres.
“Over the past year, MISA experienced the impact of a dire economic situation with consumers not replacing tyres or maintaining their vehicles as they should.
“MISA was deeply concerned when Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced that 1 502 people died on South African roads over the Festive Season in 1 234 fatal crashes. A total of 16,527 vehicles were found to be unroadworthy,” says Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations.
According to Keyter the Union leads by example and paid for the new tyres.
“MISA annually supports the Foundation as part of our social responsibility to allow them to continue their amazing work without putting their staff or other road users at risk,” says Keyter.
The Foundation uses the vehicle to collect donations towards the soup kitchens that it operates.
The Union also having donated school shoes and blankets to the Foundation in the past.
Ryan says he cannot thank MISA enough. “I am so relieved and so grateful.”
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens via e-mail to Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za.
12 March 2025
President Donald Trump’s decisions will influence the economic forecast for South Africa
A slight yet positive increase in South Africa’s economic growth is on the cards over the next few years, but US President Donald Trump might throw a spanner in the works.
Dr Clement Moyo, economist of Ntiyiso Consulting, predicts that the US won’t renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) after lapsing in September, which will have a detrimental impact on vehicle exports.
“South Africa exports vehicles to the value of R1,9 billion (22%) to the US, creating 86 000 direct jobs and 125 000 indirect jobs in other industries thanks to AGOA,” says Moyo.
He presented an economic forecast on the country and specifically the automotive- and retail motor industries to MIBCO, the Motor Industry Bargaining Council, at the pre-bargaining conference held in Kempton Park earlier today.
“Global economy has been suffering since the Covid-19 pandemic with limited economic growth and a sharp rise in inflation.
“In 2024 the world’s economic growth was 2,7%. It is predicted that Trump’s sweeping 25% tariffs on all metal imports to the US will have a massive impact.
“South Africa’s economic growth was a mere 0,6% in 2024. The forecasted economic growth for 2025 and 2026 is 1,8%, 2% in 2027 and 2,1% in 2028. This means that South Africa’s Gross domestic product (GDP) is too low to achieve any of the country’s social economic growth strategies to help alleviate unemployment,” says Moyo.
According to him Trump’s tariffs are expected to result in a rise in inflation from its current 3,2% to 4,5% in the fourth quarter of this year. “Inflation is a killer to economic growth.”
The Automotive Sector contributed 5,3% to GDP in 2023, of which the retail motor industry contributed 2,1%. Vehicles are considered luxury goods, hence sales are heavily influenced by inflation and high interest rates.
Moyo explained that the 900 000 vehicles sold in 2024 amounted R362 million in revenue, an additional R123 million in components sold. The industry employs 304 723 employees of which 8% are foreigners with scares skills.
This economic forecast presentation be shared with all parties in MIBCO before the first round of the wage- and substantive negotiations starts on 10 April 2025.
MISA to submit the demands of its members on 1 April.
Issued on behalf of MISA by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA’s Media and Communication Department.
For MISA Press Releases, email Carstens at Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
Dr Clement Moyo, economist of Ntiyiso Consulting, predicts that the US won’t renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) after lapsing in September, which will have a detrimental impact on vehicle exports.
“South Africa exports vehicles to the value of R1,9 billion (22%) to the US, creating 86 000 direct jobs and 125 000 indirect jobs in other industries thanks to AGOA,” says Moyo.
He presented an economic forecast on the country and specifically the automotive- and retail motor industries to MIBCO, the Motor Industry Bargaining Council, at the pre-bargaining conference held in Kempton Park earlier today.
“Global economy has been suffering since the Covid-19 pandemic with limited economic growth and a sharp rise in inflation.
“In 2024 the world’s economic growth was 2,7%. It is predicted that Trump’s sweeping 25% tariffs on all metal imports to the US will have a massive impact.
“South Africa’s economic growth was a mere 0,6% in 2024. The forecasted economic growth for 2025 and 2026 is 1,8%, 2% in 2027 and 2,1% in 2028. This means that South Africa’s Gross domestic product (GDP) is too low to achieve any of the country’s social economic growth strategies to help alleviate unemployment,” says Moyo.
According to him Trump’s tariffs are expected to result in a rise in inflation from its current 3,2% to 4,5% in the fourth quarter of this year. “Inflation is a killer to economic growth.”
The Automotive Sector contributed 5,3% to GDP in 2023, of which the retail motor industry contributed 2,1%. Vehicles are considered luxury goods, hence sales are heavily influenced by inflation and high interest rates.
Moyo explained that the 900 000 vehicles sold in 2024 amounted R362 million in revenue, an additional R123 million in components sold. The industry employs 304 723 employees of which 8% are foreigners with scares skills.
This economic forecast presentation be shared with all parties in MIBCO before the first round of the wage- and substantive negotiations starts on 10 April 2025.
MISA to submit the demands of its members on 1 April.
Issued on behalf of MISA by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA’s Media and Communication Department.
For MISA Press Releases, email Carstens at Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
11 March 2025
Condolences to the families of the victims of the horrific bus crash
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the loved ones of the 16 people killed in the bus that crashed on the R21 northbound, near OR Tambo International Airport, in Kempton Park.
“The Union’s thoughts and prayers are also with the 45 injured people who have been taken to various hospitals, while some are still stuck in and under the bus,” says Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations.
MISA is concerned on the increased number of bus crashes and people losing their lives.
The bus crash in Ekurhuleni comes after a Free State bus crash killed 10 people, injuring over 20 with 4 bodies remaining unidentified. The past weekend also saw 8 people dead after a bus tyre burst on the N2 between Mandeni and Stanger in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Our roads should not claim lives like this, drivers should always be cautious, with bus drivers carrying large numbers of people. We also urge people to be more patient on the roads, especially with the stormy weather we are having,” says Keyter.
A Road Traffic Management Corporation study reported that over a five-year period, buses were involved in 323 fatal crashes in South Africa. As many as 487 people having died in these crashes. The highest number of bus accidents from fatalities (a total of 76 fatal crashes) in Gauteng.
“Let us always proceed with caution and patience,” says Keyter.
Issued on behalf of MISA by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA’s Media and Communication Department.
For MISA Press Releases, email Carstens on Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
“The Union’s thoughts and prayers are also with the 45 injured people who have been taken to various hospitals, while some are still stuck in and under the bus,” says Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations.
MISA is concerned on the increased number of bus crashes and people losing their lives.
The bus crash in Ekurhuleni comes after a Free State bus crash killed 10 people, injuring over 20 with 4 bodies remaining unidentified. The past weekend also saw 8 people dead after a bus tyre burst on the N2 between Mandeni and Stanger in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Our roads should not claim lives like this, drivers should always be cautious, with bus drivers carrying large numbers of people. We also urge people to be more patient on the roads, especially with the stormy weather we are having,” says Keyter.
A Road Traffic Management Corporation study reported that over a five-year period, buses were involved in 323 fatal crashes in South Africa. As many as 487 people having died in these crashes. The highest number of bus accidents from fatalities (a total of 76 fatal crashes) in Gauteng.
“Let us always proceed with caution and patience,” says Keyter.
Issued on behalf of MISA by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA’s Media and Communication Department.
For MISA Press Releases, email Carstens on Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
13 February 2025
MISA condemns Volvo’s premature media statement
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, condemns Volvo South Africa’s media statement that it is restructuring its operations in the country which will result in the closure of some dealerships.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says Volvo failed to notify MISA, the majority trade union representing more than 66% of its employees, of its planned restructuring in terms of section 189 of the Labour Relations Act. The Act is clear that an employer must consult with the relevant union when they contemplate possible dismissals as a result of restructuring.
“It is a shame that employees at Volvo had to read that restructuring could impact a significant number of dealerships, causing panic and anxiety amongst MISA’s more than 700 members, without informing the Union prior to the announcement.
“Our members can rest assured that the Union’s Legal Department will ensure that Volvo follows the correct process. The Union will participate in a joint consensus seeking process attempting to minimize the envisaged resizing of the dealer network,” says Keyter.
MISA’s Legal Department will keep its members informed of any developments.
Members of the Union can contact MISA on 011 476 3920, WhatsApp and SMS on 071 880 9682 or e-mail legal@ms.org.za.
Issued on behalf of MISA by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA’s Media and Communication Department.
For MISA Press Releases, send an email to Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says Volvo failed to notify MISA, the majority trade union representing more than 66% of its employees, of its planned restructuring in terms of section 189 of the Labour Relations Act. The Act is clear that an employer must consult with the relevant union when they contemplate possible dismissals as a result of restructuring.
“It is a shame that employees at Volvo had to read that restructuring could impact a significant number of dealerships, causing panic and anxiety amongst MISA’s more than 700 members, without informing the Union prior to the announcement.
“Our members can rest assured that the Union’s Legal Department will ensure that Volvo follows the correct process. The Union will participate in a joint consensus seeking process attempting to minimize the envisaged resizing of the dealer network,” says Keyter.
MISA’s Legal Department will keep its members informed of any developments.
Members of the Union can contact MISA on 011 476 3920, WhatsApp and SMS on 071 880 9682 or e-mail legal@ms.org.za.
Issued on behalf of MISA by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA’s Media and Communication Department.
For MISA Press Releases, send an email to Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
11 February 2025
South Africa can't afford a U.S. boycott
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, calls on President Cyril Ramaphosa to take swift action towards restoring South Africa’s diplomatic relationship with the United States to prevent being excluded from the African Growth and Opportunity Agreement (AGOA).
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says South Africa’s dire economy cannot afford being excluded from U.S. trade law giving duty-free access to the U.S. market on certain products from eligible sub-Saharan African countries, South Africa being the biggest beneficiary to this trade agreement.
“South Africa exports goods, including motor vehicles, and minerals between R150 billion and R200 billion annually to the US. MISA is extremely concerned on the impact of President Donald Trump's executive order on the AGOA Agreement. In accordance with AGOA, more than 1 800 South African products – particularly textiles, agricultural goods and motor vehicles, are granted duty-free access to the US market.
“It will be to the detriment of workers and future job creation in our country if South Africa is excluded from AGOA and Government must act swiftly to restore the misunderstanding that may have caused the rife between our countries,” says Keyter.
MISA is the majority trade union representing more than 69 000 members in the retail motor industry.
On 3 November 2023, MISA was present when President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed delegates of the AGOA Forum in Soweto and emphasized the importance of this agreement towards creating local jobs, adding that South Africa needed to make more targeted efforts towards generating more focused investments.
AGOA governs preferential trade benefits, which facilitated $14-billion in exports from South Africa.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says South Africa’s dire economy cannot afford being excluded from U.S. trade law giving duty-free access to the U.S. market on certain products from eligible sub-Saharan African countries, South Africa being the biggest beneficiary to this trade agreement.
“South Africa exports goods, including motor vehicles, and minerals between R150 billion and R200 billion annually to the US. MISA is extremely concerned on the impact of President Donald Trump's executive order on the AGOA Agreement. In accordance with AGOA, more than 1 800 South African products – particularly textiles, agricultural goods and motor vehicles, are granted duty-free access to the US market.
“It will be to the detriment of workers and future job creation in our country if South Africa is excluded from AGOA and Government must act swiftly to restore the misunderstanding that may have caused the rife between our countries,” says Keyter.
MISA is the majority trade union representing more than 69 000 members in the retail motor industry.
On 3 November 2023, MISA was present when President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed delegates of the AGOA Forum in Soweto and emphasized the importance of this agreement towards creating local jobs, adding that South Africa needed to make more targeted efforts towards generating more focused investments.
AGOA governs preferential trade benefits, which facilitated $14-billion in exports from South Africa.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
5 February 2025
Revoking of parole a victory against gender-based violence
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, is relieved and grateful that the pair responsible for the brutal attack on Allison Botha, one of the most horrific crimes in South African history, are back behind bars.
Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald’s decision to revoke the parole of Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger comes 18 months after his predecessor Ronald Lamola made the bizarre decision to release them on parole.
“Between July and September last year, 957 women and 315 children were murdered in South Africa. These grim facts reflects the horrific reality of the fate of women and children in South Africa.
“The review of irrational decisions like this one, should not just be limited to Alison Botha’s case. MISA is convinced that there are many other victims like Botha whose attackers have been released on parole without allowing them the opportunity to give input in the decision.
“If the victim’s input is ignored, it makes a mockery of Section 299A of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA). This Section gives victims of crime the right to participate in parole proceedings. This includes the right to make submissions to the Parole Board about whether the offender should be released on parole,” says Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations.
According to Keyter the Correctional Services Act states that where a complainant or relative is entitled, in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act, to make representations or wishes to attend a meeting of a Parole Board, the National Commissioner must inform the Board in question accordingly and that Board must inform the complainant or relative in writing when and to whom he or she may make representations and when and where a meeting will take place.
Du Toit and Kruger, who violently assaulted, raped and slit the throat of Botha, were released on parole in July 2023 without her being notified beforehand.
The men served 28 years of their life sentences for the attack on Botha in December 1994. They violently assaulted and raped Botha at Noordhoek outside Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. Her neck was slashed, and she was stabbed 37 times in the stomach, disembowelled and left for dead.
On 25 September 2024, Botha suffered a massive aneurysm and underwent brain surgery. The health setback had cost Botha her career as she is unable to work.
According to Tania Koen, Botha’s attorney, she is relieved that her attackers are back behind bars.
Issued on behalf of MISA by Sonja Carstens, Manager: Media and Communication Department.
For MISA Press Releases, phone Carstens on 082 463 6806 or e-mail Sonja.carstens@ms.org.za.
Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald’s decision to revoke the parole of Frans du Toit and Theuns Kruger comes 18 months after his predecessor Ronald Lamola made the bizarre decision to release them on parole.
“Between July and September last year, 957 women and 315 children were murdered in South Africa. These grim facts reflects the horrific reality of the fate of women and children in South Africa.
“The review of irrational decisions like this one, should not just be limited to Alison Botha’s case. MISA is convinced that there are many other victims like Botha whose attackers have been released on parole without allowing them the opportunity to give input in the decision.
“If the victim’s input is ignored, it makes a mockery of Section 299A of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA). This Section gives victims of crime the right to participate in parole proceedings. This includes the right to make submissions to the Parole Board about whether the offender should be released on parole,” says Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations.
According to Keyter the Correctional Services Act states that where a complainant or relative is entitled, in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act, to make representations or wishes to attend a meeting of a Parole Board, the National Commissioner must inform the Board in question accordingly and that Board must inform the complainant or relative in writing when and to whom he or she may make representations and when and where a meeting will take place.
Du Toit and Kruger, who violently assaulted, raped and slit the throat of Botha, were released on parole in July 2023 without her being notified beforehand.
The men served 28 years of their life sentences for the attack on Botha in December 1994. They violently assaulted and raped Botha at Noordhoek outside Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. Her neck was slashed, and she was stabbed 37 times in the stomach, disembowelled and left for dead.
On 25 September 2024, Botha suffered a massive aneurysm and underwent brain surgery. The health setback had cost Botha her career as she is unable to work.
According to Tania Koen, Botha’s attorney, she is relieved that her attackers are back behind bars.
Issued on behalf of MISA by Sonja Carstens, Manager: Media and Communication Department.
For MISA Press Releases, phone Carstens on 082 463 6806 or e-mail Sonja.carstens@ms.org.za.
28 January 2025
A special task team must investigate bus arson attacks
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, demands that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu immediately appoints a special task team to hunt down the criminals behind the arson attacks on four Putco depots across Mpumalanga.
“There is something very sinister about these attacks. For years the people of Kwa-Mahlangu, Moloto and Hammanskraal have been struggling with reliable and adequate bus services. For the past few months the embattled state-owned North West Star bus service have been unable to provide a service to commuters in and around Hammanskraal, running in arrears with the payment of salaries to its staff.
“The result is that the poorest of the poor have to pay R150 per day and more for taxi’s to get to work and back. This situation is effecting even more commuters after last night’s bizarre arson attack,” says Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations.
According to Putco’s spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu an unknown group of assailants ambushed and bound security at the Moloto depot before setting buses alight and opening fire inside the depot.
The rampage spread throughout the night. In total, 47 buses were burned at the Moloto, Wolwekraal, Siyabushwa and Vaalbank depots.
The South African Police Service in Mpumalanga already indicated that the attacks appear to have been well orchestrated.
According to Keyter no stone must be left unturned to find the criminals before another incident happens.
“To date South Africa has seen no major arrests, prosecutions, or links made relating to the spree of arson attacks five years ago that brought the services of Prasa, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, to its knees and sabotaged its ability to render services in the Western Cape.
“This is unacceptable. The majority of MISA’s more than 69 000 members in the retail motor industry is dependent on affordable public transport to get to and from work,” says Keyter.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens via e-mail at Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
“There is something very sinister about these attacks. For years the people of Kwa-Mahlangu, Moloto and Hammanskraal have been struggling with reliable and adequate bus services. For the past few months the embattled state-owned North West Star bus service have been unable to provide a service to commuters in and around Hammanskraal, running in arrears with the payment of salaries to its staff.
“The result is that the poorest of the poor have to pay R150 per day and more for taxi’s to get to work and back. This situation is effecting even more commuters after last night’s bizarre arson attack,” says Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations.
According to Putco’s spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu an unknown group of assailants ambushed and bound security at the Moloto depot before setting buses alight and opening fire inside the depot.
The rampage spread throughout the night. In total, 47 buses were burned at the Moloto, Wolwekraal, Siyabushwa and Vaalbank depots.
The South African Police Service in Mpumalanga already indicated that the attacks appear to have been well orchestrated.
According to Keyter no stone must be left unturned to find the criminals before another incident happens.
“To date South Africa has seen no major arrests, prosecutions, or links made relating to the spree of arson attacks five years ago that brought the services of Prasa, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, to its knees and sabotaged its ability to render services in the Western Cape.
“This is unacceptable. The majority of MISA’s more than 69 000 members in the retail motor industry is dependent on affordable public transport to get to and from work,” says Keyter.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens via e-mail at Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
21 January 2025
Stop deadly jaywalking
Lawlessness amongst pedestrians are responsible for 41 % of fatalities on South African roads.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced 1 502 people died on South African roads this Festive Season in 1 234 fatal crashes – of which 41% were pedestrians.
“Our message to pedestrians are clear – if you want to stay alive while using the roads, you must make sure that you:
• Do not consume alcohol and then walk on the roads;
• Ensure that you are visible at night and walk in areas that are well lit;
• Avoid jaywalking; and
• Cross the road at pedestrian crossings or where it is safe to do so,” says Creecy.
According to Creecy law enforcement officers issued 711,184 fines for various traffic offences across the country. Some 23,607 fines were issued to drivers who failed to wear seatbelts, while another 16,925 motorists were fined for using cell phones while driving. A total of 16,527 vehicles were found to be unroadworthy.
“To clamp down on drunken driving, speeding and other moving violations, our officers arrested more than 9,550 motorists, with 3,840 individuals arrested for drunken driving,” Creecy said.
However MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, did its own investigation and found law enforcement on pedestrians to be lacking. Creecy released no statistics in this regard.
The wet weather and poor visibility on roads throughout the Festive Season made it even more difficult for motorists to see pedestrians on the roads.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says MISA believes more should be done to raise awareness with pedestrians and to take action if they persist in breaking the law.
According to Attorney Henry Shields, South African law states that no pedestrian should walk on a road where no pavement is available. And if there is no pavement, it is important to walk as close as possible to the edge of the road, while facing the direction of oncoming traffic.
Freeways are prohibited to pedestrians and cyclists, and those found to be walking along or across freeways can even be arrested. Any reckless action by a pedestrian along a roadway is considered a crime, so jaywalking is forbidden and you can even be fined for walking while intoxicated. Pedestrians are required to observe all traffic lights and traffic control signals, and they should make use of pedestrian bridges where available — even if it means walking further.
However Police Generals explained to MISA that law enforcement authorities don’t have the manpower to enforce these laws or to take preventative action.
“Pedestrians struggle to estimate the speed of approaching vehicles. They don’t think about the possible consequences and don’t respect motorists. They are reckless knowing that there is no law enforcement.”
According to the Generals the solution will be to implement the broken window theory on South Africa’s road. This theory states that misbehaviour in an environment, like jaywalking, encourages further disorder and misbehaviour, leading to more serious crimes.
“If law enforcement officers for example starts arresting pedestrians and people for less serious crimes, for example urinating alongside the roads, we will see a decline in pedestrian fatalities. But this is in theory only, because South Africa’s criminal justice system simply won’t be able to handle a sharp increase in the case load.”
There is also a difference between jaywalking on freeways and pedestrians jumping in front of cars in peak traffic in the hope of being hit by a slow approaching vehicle. The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has warned about a growing scam in South Africa where pedestrians jump in front of moving vehicles in a bid to make fraudulent claims from the fund.
According to the RAF it would not pay out for any incident where the accident was caused on purpose – but this would only be after a lengthy investigation, and the threat may not deter perpetrators from making the attempt.
Keyter welcomes this firm action by the RAF, but says this scam still puts motorists at serious risk for physical and emotional harm.
MISA was at the forefront last year warning the public at large about the new modus operandi to employ spikes to puncture vehicle tyres, forcing drivers to stop and rendering them vulnerable to robbery, assault, or hijacking.
Keyter says although increased police visibility in some areas has helped, incidents remain alarmingly common, remaining dangerous for motorists to drive at night.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens via e-mail to Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced 1 502 people died on South African roads this Festive Season in 1 234 fatal crashes – of which 41% were pedestrians.
“Our message to pedestrians are clear – if you want to stay alive while using the roads, you must make sure that you:
• Do not consume alcohol and then walk on the roads;
• Ensure that you are visible at night and walk in areas that are well lit;
• Avoid jaywalking; and
• Cross the road at pedestrian crossings or where it is safe to do so,” says Creecy.
According to Creecy law enforcement officers issued 711,184 fines for various traffic offences across the country. Some 23,607 fines were issued to drivers who failed to wear seatbelts, while another 16,925 motorists were fined for using cell phones while driving. A total of 16,527 vehicles were found to be unroadworthy.
“To clamp down on drunken driving, speeding and other moving violations, our officers arrested more than 9,550 motorists, with 3,840 individuals arrested for drunken driving,” Creecy said.
However MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, did its own investigation and found law enforcement on pedestrians to be lacking. Creecy released no statistics in this regard.
The wet weather and poor visibility on roads throughout the Festive Season made it even more difficult for motorists to see pedestrians on the roads.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says MISA believes more should be done to raise awareness with pedestrians and to take action if they persist in breaking the law.
According to Attorney Henry Shields, South African law states that no pedestrian should walk on a road where no pavement is available. And if there is no pavement, it is important to walk as close as possible to the edge of the road, while facing the direction of oncoming traffic.
Freeways are prohibited to pedestrians and cyclists, and those found to be walking along or across freeways can even be arrested. Any reckless action by a pedestrian along a roadway is considered a crime, so jaywalking is forbidden and you can even be fined for walking while intoxicated. Pedestrians are required to observe all traffic lights and traffic control signals, and they should make use of pedestrian bridges where available — even if it means walking further.
However Police Generals explained to MISA that law enforcement authorities don’t have the manpower to enforce these laws or to take preventative action.
“Pedestrians struggle to estimate the speed of approaching vehicles. They don’t think about the possible consequences and don’t respect motorists. They are reckless knowing that there is no law enforcement.”
According to the Generals the solution will be to implement the broken window theory on South Africa’s road. This theory states that misbehaviour in an environment, like jaywalking, encourages further disorder and misbehaviour, leading to more serious crimes.
“If law enforcement officers for example starts arresting pedestrians and people for less serious crimes, for example urinating alongside the roads, we will see a decline in pedestrian fatalities. But this is in theory only, because South Africa’s criminal justice system simply won’t be able to handle a sharp increase in the case load.”
There is also a difference between jaywalking on freeways and pedestrians jumping in front of cars in peak traffic in the hope of being hit by a slow approaching vehicle. The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has warned about a growing scam in South Africa where pedestrians jump in front of moving vehicles in a bid to make fraudulent claims from the fund.
According to the RAF it would not pay out for any incident where the accident was caused on purpose – but this would only be after a lengthy investigation, and the threat may not deter perpetrators from making the attempt.
Keyter welcomes this firm action by the RAF, but says this scam still puts motorists at serious risk for physical and emotional harm.
MISA was at the forefront last year warning the public at large about the new modus operandi to employ spikes to puncture vehicle tyres, forcing drivers to stop and rendering them vulnerable to robbery, assault, or hijacking.
Keyter says although increased police visibility in some areas has helped, incidents remain alarmingly common, remaining dangerous for motorists to drive at night.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens via e-mail to Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
10 December 2024
Vet your employees before they gain access to children
Employers who render any kind of service to children, have a duty to vet their employees prior to allowing them access to the premises where children are present.
Parents are allowed to ask an employer to prove that they have screened their employees who are on the premises with children, prior to appointment.
According to Adv. Salome Scheepers, Senior State Advocate of the National Prosecuting Authority based at the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit (SOCA) obtaining a police clearance is essential before employing anyone that will have access to children like sports coaches and chaperones on school tours. “This also includes people who are not directly involved with children like gardeners and cleaners.”
“The National Child Protection Register (NCPR) and the National Register of Sex Offenders (NRSO) were designed to protect children and is vital tools to use when individuals are screened before gaining access to children. Although these registers are not open to the general public, because of the sensitive information it contains, parents are allowed to ask employers for confirmation to check if they screen employees,” says Scheepers.
Scheepers ended the webinar series of #MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, with a plea to parents to identify their values and to look for the same in the people they interact with.
#MISA designed a daily webinar series for the duration of annual 16-Days of Activism against gender based violence with the theme “gender-based violence and femicide ends with us".
According to Scheepers almost fifty women in South Africa are murdered every day, but femicide can be prevented if amongst others the lack of awareness is addressed.
“Recognize red flags that signal poor character such as dishonesty, lack of accountability and unethical practices. Be intentional about your circle and always strive towards people who will inspire you and motivate you to grow,” says Scheepers.
She urged the public to use support services and hotlines available to them like the 65 Thuthuzela Care Centres nationwide, Crime Stop at 086 001 0111, the Gender Based Violence Command Centre at 0800 428 428 or the Stop Gender Violence Helpline at 0800 150 150.
“Victims of domestic violence who need help can also contact the National Shelter Movement of South Africa’s 24-hour toll-free Shelter Helpline at 0800 001 005. This is the first national helpline exclusively dedicated to helping victims of domestic abuse access shelter services in each of the nine provinces, while also assisting with a variety of other issues that impact survivors,” says Scheepers.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of #MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
Parents are allowed to ask an employer to prove that they have screened their employees who are on the premises with children, prior to appointment.
According to Adv. Salome Scheepers, Senior State Advocate of the National Prosecuting Authority based at the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit (SOCA) obtaining a police clearance is essential before employing anyone that will have access to children like sports coaches and chaperones on school tours. “This also includes people who are not directly involved with children like gardeners and cleaners.”
“The National Child Protection Register (NCPR) and the National Register of Sex Offenders (NRSO) were designed to protect children and is vital tools to use when individuals are screened before gaining access to children. Although these registers are not open to the general public, because of the sensitive information it contains, parents are allowed to ask employers for confirmation to check if they screen employees,” says Scheepers.
Scheepers ended the webinar series of #MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, with a plea to parents to identify their values and to look for the same in the people they interact with.
#MISA designed a daily webinar series for the duration of annual 16-Days of Activism against gender based violence with the theme “gender-based violence and femicide ends with us".
According to Scheepers almost fifty women in South Africa are murdered every day, but femicide can be prevented if amongst others the lack of awareness is addressed.
“Recognize red flags that signal poor character such as dishonesty, lack of accountability and unethical practices. Be intentional about your circle and always strive towards people who will inspire you and motivate you to grow,” says Scheepers.
She urged the public to use support services and hotlines available to them like the 65 Thuthuzela Care Centres nationwide, Crime Stop at 086 001 0111, the Gender Based Violence Command Centre at 0800 428 428 or the Stop Gender Violence Helpline at 0800 150 150.
“Victims of domestic violence who need help can also contact the National Shelter Movement of South Africa’s 24-hour toll-free Shelter Helpline at 0800 001 005. This is the first national helpline exclusively dedicated to helping victims of domestic abuse access shelter services in each of the nine provinces, while also assisting with a variety of other issues that impact survivors,” says Scheepers.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of #MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
2 December 2024
Break the stigma: men can be victims of gender-based-violence too
Men have to be assaulted so bad that they end up in hospital where they need to account for their injuries before they will admit that they are victims of gender-based-violence.
Capt. Johan van Dyk, spokesperson of the South African Police Service in Tshwane, explained during MISA’s webinar session today that the stigma men faces in society, about being victims of gender-based-violence, is so serve that he could not find any statistics for the last six month as he did his preparation.
He found that men acted more preventative. There was more than 300 cases where men voluntarily submitted their firearms to the police for safekeeping at Tshwane’s 36 police stations.
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, representing more than 69 000 members in the retail motor industry, is hosting a webinar series on gender-based-violence topics as part of the Union’s annual 16-Days of Activism against gender-based-violence and Femicide campaign.
The Union’s theme this year is gender-based-violence ends with us and to illustrate this MISA is screening the blockbuster movie It Ends with US, nationwide to selected audiences.
Van Dyk says that although he does not take away from the severity of gender-based-violence and femicide in South Africa towards women and children, awareness must be raised that they are not the only victims.
“Women can be abusers too, including physical, verbal, emotional or financial abuse. Neither the Constitution, Harassment Act or the Domestic Violence Act refers to the sex of the abuser.
“But the reality is if a man needs a safe house for him and his children, there are none. The system doesn’t cater for a father that might need to flea his home with his children in the middle of the night.”
Van Dyk had to intervene in a case once where police officers laughed at a man who wanted to open a case because his wife slapped him.
“It is already a big embarrassment for a man to come forward. The female abuser often getting an interim protection order against the man. The fact that he is the one being abused will only come to the attention of the court once forced to play voice recordings and videos of the threatening behaviour of the abusive wife.
“That is why the police are trained to treat both parties impartial and without any bias.”
Van Dyk pleads for more awareness campaigns and support groups for men.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens via e-mail: Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
Capt. Johan van Dyk, spokesperson of the South African Police Service in Tshwane, explained during MISA’s webinar session today that the stigma men faces in society, about being victims of gender-based-violence, is so serve that he could not find any statistics for the last six month as he did his preparation.
He found that men acted more preventative. There was more than 300 cases where men voluntarily submitted their firearms to the police for safekeeping at Tshwane’s 36 police stations.
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, representing more than 69 000 members in the retail motor industry, is hosting a webinar series on gender-based-violence topics as part of the Union’s annual 16-Days of Activism against gender-based-violence and Femicide campaign.
The Union’s theme this year is gender-based-violence ends with us and to illustrate this MISA is screening the blockbuster movie It Ends with US, nationwide to selected audiences.
Van Dyk says that although he does not take away from the severity of gender-based-violence and femicide in South Africa towards women and children, awareness must be raised that they are not the only victims.
“Women can be abusers too, including physical, verbal, emotional or financial abuse. Neither the Constitution, Harassment Act or the Domestic Violence Act refers to the sex of the abuser.
“But the reality is if a man needs a safe house for him and his children, there are none. The system doesn’t cater for a father that might need to flea his home with his children in the middle of the night.”
Van Dyk had to intervene in a case once where police officers laughed at a man who wanted to open a case because his wife slapped him.
“It is already a big embarrassment for a man to come forward. The female abuser often getting an interim protection order against the man. The fact that he is the one being abused will only come to the attention of the court once forced to play voice recordings and videos of the threatening behaviour of the abusive wife.
“That is why the police are trained to treat both parties impartial and without any bias.”
Van Dyk pleads for more awareness campaigns and support groups for men.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens via e-mail: Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
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