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Motor Industry Staff Association | +27 (0)11 476 3920 | media@ms.org.za
PRESS RELEASES
27 August 2025
Gratitude for increases amidst economic turmoil
“Every little bit help, we are concerned about the future of the retail motor industry and fear retrenchments.”
These are the words of members of MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, the majority trade union in the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO) where the parties signed a wage agreement to give the more than 300 000 employees under the ambush of the bargaining council a wage increase above the consumer price index (CPI) for the next three years.
“I was so excited when MISA posted the wage agreement on Facebook, I made a screen shot and sent a WhatsApp to my colleagues. We are very grateful. We know that dealerships nationwide are struggling and that the export tariffs of 30% that the United Stated implemented from 1 August, has a major impact on us,” says Pulane Tlhomola (32), a Receptionist who is 32 weeks pregnant with her second baby girl.
Boitumelo Qwabe (47), a Booking Clerk, agrees. “Yes we will always feel that it is too little money, but it still helps a lot to fill the gaps.”
She knows the hardship of retrenchment, having been retrenched twice during her career in the industry.
“In between jobs I started my own business, transporting school children too and from school. It is not easy to be your own employer.”
Edward Senyasamore (30), a Tyre Fitter providing for five people, says he is very happy about the wage increase. “It will help me to save a little money and to have transport money until month end.
“To me the Union is like a mother. MISA cares for workers like a mother would, it saves us from hectic times and helps us to grow academically in the future.”
Senyasamore also experienced his fair share of hardship in the industry after his previous employer stopped paying contributions without informing employees.
Hermann Köstens, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Strategy and Development, says the agreement will now be submitted by MIBCO to the Minister of Labour and Employment Nomakhosazana Meth, for promulgation.
It will be implemented in the industry once published in the Government Gazette for three years until 31 August 2028.
For more information contact Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on email Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za.
Issued on behalf of MISA by Carstens.
These are the words of members of MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, the majority trade union in the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO) where the parties signed a wage agreement to give the more than 300 000 employees under the ambush of the bargaining council a wage increase above the consumer price index (CPI) for the next three years.
“I was so excited when MISA posted the wage agreement on Facebook, I made a screen shot and sent a WhatsApp to my colleagues. We are very grateful. We know that dealerships nationwide are struggling and that the export tariffs of 30% that the United Stated implemented from 1 August, has a major impact on us,” says Pulane Tlhomola (32), a Receptionist who is 32 weeks pregnant with her second baby girl.
Boitumelo Qwabe (47), a Booking Clerk, agrees. “Yes we will always feel that it is too little money, but it still helps a lot to fill the gaps.”
She knows the hardship of retrenchment, having been retrenched twice during her career in the industry.
“In between jobs I started my own business, transporting school children too and from school. It is not easy to be your own employer.”
Edward Senyasamore (30), a Tyre Fitter providing for five people, says he is very happy about the wage increase. “It will help me to save a little money and to have transport money until month end.
“To me the Union is like a mother. MISA cares for workers like a mother would, it saves us from hectic times and helps us to grow academically in the future.”
Senyasamore also experienced his fair share of hardship in the industry after his previous employer stopped paying contributions without informing employees.
Hermann Köstens, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Strategy and Development, says the agreement will now be submitted by MIBCO to the Minister of Labour and Employment Nomakhosazana Meth, for promulgation.
It will be implemented in the industry once published in the Government Gazette for three years until 31 August 2028.
For more information contact Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on email Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za.
Issued on behalf of MISA by Carstens.
23 August 2025
Another first for MISA
MISA signed a settlement agreement for the MIBCO Wage and Substantive Negotiations in Ferndale, Johannesburg for the first time as the majority trade union in the retail motor industry. It is also the first time since 2010 that MISA is a signatory to the agreement.
Employees in the retail motor industry will get a wage increase above the consumer price index (CPI) for the next three years. The increases vary for the different Sectors in the industry as set out below.
This agreement includes substantive issues that effects the working conditions of employees.
Hermann Köstens, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Strategy and Development, says MISA experienced that the short time clause was being abused by some employers.
“It was crucial for MISA to change the wording of the short time clause in the agreement to protect workers when disputes arise. The term “slackness of trade” is defined more appropriately to reduce the potential for abuse,” says Köstens.
The agreement will now be submitted by MIBCO to the Minister of Labour and Employment Nomakhosazana Meth for promulgation.
It will be implemented in the industry once published in the Government Gazette for three years until 31 August 2028.
The increases are:
Sector 1 – Chapter III
Component manufacturers
On actual rates of pay
Year 1: 6 %
Year 2: 5 %
Year 3: 5 %
Sector 5
Fuel Retailers
Forecourt Attendants:
On minimum rates of pay
Year 1: 6%
Year 2: 5%
Year 3: 4%
Cashiers & Chars
Year 1: 6%
Year 2: 4%
Year 3: 4%
Primary healthcare: 1% of the increases will be afforded to employees in the form of an allowance towards primary health insurance, over the duration of the agreement. Employees will have a choice to opt in or out of the primary healthcare scheme which will be implemented on 1 January 2026.
All other sectors
On minimum rates of pay
Year 1: 5%
Year 2: 5%
Year 3: 5%
In the case of sector 6, wage and salary increases are based on minimum rates of pay only, for the respective and relevant grades of pay, for the following periods:
Year 1: 5%
Year 2: 5%
Year 3: 5%
Employment on artisan’s work
The parties agreed that, where unqualified employees were engaged to perform aspects of Artisan’s work, and were not remunerated in line with the applicable wage rates of Artisans, such employees must be compensated directly for the underpayment.
Overtime – Sector 1 – Chapter3 (Component manufacturers)
It is agreed that all workshop employees and chars shall be remunerated for overtime worked at a rate of one and a half times their ordinary hourly rate.
For more information contact Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on email: Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za.
Issued on behalf of MISA by Carstens.
Employees in the retail motor industry will get a wage increase above the consumer price index (CPI) for the next three years. The increases vary for the different Sectors in the industry as set out below.
This agreement includes substantive issues that effects the working conditions of employees.
Hermann Köstens, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Strategy and Development, says MISA experienced that the short time clause was being abused by some employers.
“It was crucial for MISA to change the wording of the short time clause in the agreement to protect workers when disputes arise. The term “slackness of trade” is defined more appropriately to reduce the potential for abuse,” says Köstens.
The agreement will now be submitted by MIBCO to the Minister of Labour and Employment Nomakhosazana Meth for promulgation.
It will be implemented in the industry once published in the Government Gazette for three years until 31 August 2028.
The increases are:
Sector 1 – Chapter III
Component manufacturers
On actual rates of pay
Year 1: 6 %
Year 2: 5 %
Year 3: 5 %
Sector 5
Fuel Retailers
Forecourt Attendants:
On minimum rates of pay
Year 1: 6%
Year 2: 5%
Year 3: 4%
Cashiers & Chars
Year 1: 6%
Year 2: 4%
Year 3: 4%
Primary healthcare: 1% of the increases will be afforded to employees in the form of an allowance towards primary health insurance, over the duration of the agreement. Employees will have a choice to opt in or out of the primary healthcare scheme which will be implemented on 1 January 2026.
All other sectors
On minimum rates of pay
Year 1: 5%
Year 2: 5%
Year 3: 5%
In the case of sector 6, wage and salary increases are based on minimum rates of pay only, for the respective and relevant grades of pay, for the following periods:
Year 1: 5%
Year 2: 5%
Year 3: 5%
Employment on artisan’s work
The parties agreed that, where unqualified employees were engaged to perform aspects of Artisan’s work, and were not remunerated in line with the applicable wage rates of Artisans, such employees must be compensated directly for the underpayment.
Overtime – Sector 1 – Chapter3 (Component manufacturers)
It is agreed that all workshop employees and chars shall be remunerated for overtime worked at a rate of one and a half times their ordinary hourly rate.
For more information contact Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on email: Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za.
Issued on behalf of MISA by Carstens.
7 August 2025
MISA takes fighting Child Hunger a step further
"We are so overwhelmed and grateful. Our parents and learners will be so happy."
This was the words of Nellie Khumalo, a Head of Department at the Khuphuka Primary School in Uswanini, in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, donated non-perishable food worth thousands of rands to the school feeding scheme at the Union’s annual Women’s Breakfast to celebrate the achievements of women in the retail motor industry.
Earlier this year Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, launched the Union’s Fighting Child Hunger Challenge, asking all our members, staff, tenants, and stakeholders to start collecting the following items:
• Tinned food (pilchards for example);
• Peanut butter;
• Fortified Maize;
• White Rice;
• Soya Mince;
• Speckled beans;
• Soup Mix.
These items are considered “best buys” for households because they are high in protein and micronutrients and have a long shelf life.
"MISA believes that the Union has a social responsibility to use our abilities as a collective to be the change we want to see and to support our communities.
"Each MISA lady attending our breakfasts nationwide, contributed by bringing what they could. With the help of the MISA's Women’s Forum and Young Workers Forum, the Union donated to three other non-profit organisations and feeding schemes in East London, George and Klerksdorp," says Keyter.
According to Khumalo the school is situated in a very poor community where unemployment is rife.
Pamela Govender, another teacher at the school, they were surprised at how the donation pile grew as more than 240 MISA members attended the event at the Elangeni Hotel in Durban.
According to Keyter non-profit organisations nationwide are struggling to make ends meet due to the lack of funding from Government amidst an increasing need to provide food to vulnerable groups. Especially children, the elderly and the disabled.
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.
29% of children in 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.
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 on Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za.
Issued on behalf of MISA by Carstens.
This was the words of Nellie Khumalo, a Head of Department at the Khuphuka Primary School in Uswanini, in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, donated non-perishable food worth thousands of rands to the school feeding scheme at the Union’s annual Women’s Breakfast to celebrate the achievements of women in the retail motor industry.
Earlier this year Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, launched the Union’s Fighting Child Hunger Challenge, asking all our members, staff, tenants, and stakeholders to start collecting the following items:
• Tinned food (pilchards for example);
• Peanut butter;
• Fortified Maize;
• White Rice;
• Soya Mince;
• Speckled beans;
• Soup Mix.
These items are considered “best buys” for households because they are high in protein and micronutrients and have a long shelf life.
"MISA believes that the Union has a social responsibility to use our abilities as a collective to be the change we want to see and to support our communities.
"Each MISA lady attending our breakfasts nationwide, contributed by bringing what they could. With the help of the MISA's Women’s Forum and Young Workers Forum, the Union donated to three other non-profit organisations and feeding schemes in East London, George and Klerksdorp," says Keyter.
According to Khumalo the school is situated in a very poor community where unemployment is rife.
Pamela Govender, another teacher at the school, they were surprised at how the donation pile grew as more than 240 MISA members attended the event at the Elangeni Hotel in Durban.
According to Keyter non-profit organisations nationwide are struggling to make ends meet due to the lack of funding from Government amidst an increasing need to provide food to vulnerable groups. Especially children, the elderly and the disabled.
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.
29% of children in 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.
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 on Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za.
Issued on behalf of MISA by Carstens.
4 August 2025
MISA is fighting Child Hunger
MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, fed more than 400 children at Fred and Martie’s Soup Kitchen in Claremont, Johannesburg, as part of the Union’s social responsibility outreach in 2025 to fight child hunger.
“Words will never be enough to express our gratitude. The kids loved it,” says Yolandie Oberholzer who runs the Soup Kitchen. Her late mother, Martie, was its founder.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says MISA wants to be the change we want to see in the world.
“Not all our members have the means to make a difference or to help someone else, but as a collective the Union has a social responsibility, representing more than 72 000 members in all our projects. MISA is setting the trend for modern trade unions in South Africa,” says Keyter.
Senior State Advocate Salome Scheepers, National Coordinator of Domestic Violence at the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit (SOCA) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), joined MISA to hand out decorated tins with dolls to each child. “It was a very humbling experience.”
Neal van den Berg, Property Practitioner of Global Estates Platinum, spoiled the children with face painting.
Keyter launched the Union’s Fight Child Hunger Challenge in May, asking all our members, staff, tenants and stakeholders to start collecting the following items:
• Tinned food (pilchards for example);
• Peanut butter;
• Fortified Maize;
• White Rice;
• Soya Mince;
• Speckled beans;
• Soup Mix.
These items are considered “best buys” for households because they are high in protein and micronutrients and have a long shelf life.
MISA will be hosting its annual Women’s Breakfasts in Cape Town, East London, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, Durban and Johannesburg over the next two weeks where more handovers to non-profit organisations will take place.
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.
For more information contact Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
Issued on behalf of MISA by Carstens.
“Words will never be enough to express our gratitude. The kids loved it,” says Yolandie Oberholzer who runs the Soup Kitchen. Her late mother, Martie, was its founder.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says MISA wants to be the change we want to see in the world.
“Not all our members have the means to make a difference or to help someone else, but as a collective the Union has a social responsibility, representing more than 72 000 members in all our projects. MISA is setting the trend for modern trade unions in South Africa,” says Keyter.
Senior State Advocate Salome Scheepers, National Coordinator of Domestic Violence at the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit (SOCA) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), joined MISA to hand out decorated tins with dolls to each child. “It was a very humbling experience.”
Neal van den Berg, Property Practitioner of Global Estates Platinum, spoiled the children with face painting.
Keyter launched the Union’s Fight Child Hunger Challenge in May, asking all our members, staff, tenants and stakeholders to start collecting the following items:
• Tinned food (pilchards for example);
• Peanut butter;
• Fortified Maize;
• White Rice;
• Soya Mince;
• Speckled beans;
• Soup Mix.
These items are considered “best buys” for households because they are high in protein and micronutrients and have a long shelf life.
MISA will be hosting its annual Women’s Breakfasts in Cape Town, East London, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, Durban and Johannesburg over the next two weeks where more handovers to non-profit organisations will take place.
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.
For more information contact Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
Issued on behalf of MISA by Carstens.
11 July 2025
MISA is fighting Child Hunger
Nationwide, non-profit organisations are struggling to make ends meet due to the lack of funding from Government amidst an increasing need to provide food to vulnerable groups. Especially children, the elderly and the disabled.
Earlier this year MISA (Motor Industry Staff Association) announced the Union’s Fight Child Hunger Challenge, asking all our members, staff, tenants, and stakeholders to start collecting the following items:
• Tinned food (pilchards for example);
• Peanut butter;
• Fortified Maize;
• White Rice;
• Soya Mince;
• Speckled beans;
• Soup Mix.
These items are considered “best buys” for households because they are high in protein and micronutrients and have a long shelf life.
Ashlee Carstens (student), daughter of Sonja Carstens, MISA’s Media and Communication Department Manager, used her own money to donate peanut butter and rice.
“I know it is a very small contribution, but I believe a little can go a long way. If everyone donates just two items, it will give massive relief for those who need it most,” says Ashlee.
Heidi Reid (MISA President) handed over the first donation to the Child and Youth Care Centre in George, Western Cape. This non-profit organisation cares for children between the ages of 2 – 18 who have been placed in their care by the Court. It is a registered place of safety for emergency placements.
Guests at MISA’s first Women’s Breakfast in George were required to bring one of these items as entry to attend. This function celebrates women in the retail motor industry and all it’s female members during women’s month.
“Wow George, I am super proud of your massive donation. I challenge the other ladies in the other regions to do better than this,” said Reid.
MISA will be hosting breakfasts in Cape Town, East London, Gqeberha, Klerksdorp, Bloemfontein, Durban and Johannesburg over the next six weeks where more handovers to non-profit organisations will be done.
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.
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 in 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.
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 on Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za.
Issued on behalf of MISA by Carstens.
Earlier this year MISA (Motor Industry Staff Association) announced the Union’s Fight Child Hunger Challenge, asking all our members, staff, tenants, and stakeholders to start collecting the following items:
• Tinned food (pilchards for example);
• Peanut butter;
• Fortified Maize;
• White Rice;
• Soya Mince;
• Speckled beans;
• Soup Mix.
These items are considered “best buys” for households because they are high in protein and micronutrients and have a long shelf life.
Ashlee Carstens (student), daughter of Sonja Carstens, MISA’s Media and Communication Department Manager, used her own money to donate peanut butter and rice.
“I know it is a very small contribution, but I believe a little can go a long way. If everyone donates just two items, it will give massive relief for those who need it most,” says Ashlee.
Heidi Reid (MISA President) handed over the first donation to the Child and Youth Care Centre in George, Western Cape. This non-profit organisation cares for children between the ages of 2 – 18 who have been placed in their care by the Court. It is a registered place of safety for emergency placements.
Guests at MISA’s first Women’s Breakfast in George were required to bring one of these items as entry to attend. This function celebrates women in the retail motor industry and all it’s female members during women’s month.
“Wow George, I am super proud of your massive donation. I challenge the other ladies in the other regions to do better than this,” said Reid.
MISA will be hosting breakfasts in Cape Town, East London, Gqeberha, Klerksdorp, Bloemfontein, Durban and Johannesburg over the next six weeks where more handovers to non-profit organisations will be done.
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.
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 in 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.
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 on Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za.
Issued on behalf of MISA by Carstens.
8 July 2025
Trump tariffs will result in more unemployment in South Africa
The decision of President Donald Trump to impose 30% tariffs on the export of vehicles, components, tyres and parts exported from South Africa to the United States will kill any possible economic growth in our country.
According to Trump, the tariffs will be effective from the 1st of August 2025. He believes that South Africa exports more goods to the US than it buys from the country, making it an unfair trade relationship.
Dawie Roodt, Founder and Chief Economist of the Efficient Group, told MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, that Trump’s figures are not based on actual figures, but everyone will feel the impact because it will hinder any economic growth.
These tariffs take away any competitive edge that South Africa had, to compete with the global market. Small retailers have already stopped manufacturing because it will not be feasible to continue with the new export tariffs; or because of a reduced demand from US clients.
“We can now accept that AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) is dead. Under AGOA, more than 1 800 South African products and goods, including vehicles, components and parts, were exported to the US duty-free,” says Roodt.
South Africa's official unemployment rate rose to 32,9% in the first quarter of 2025. This is the highest rate since the second quarter of 2024 (33,5%).
“The population has seen a steady increase year-on-year, with a growth rate of 1.33%. We live in a country where our population growth exceeds our economic growth. This makes job creation highly unlikely,” says Roodt.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says that the retail motor industry, in which MISA is the majority trade union, is already struggling amidst the uncertainty of tariff percentage increases which started when President Trump came into office earlier this year.
The Union is experiencing an increase in employers closing their doors, restructuring in terms of Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act or embarking on short time.
According to Tiekie Mocke, Manager of MISA’s Legal Department, the negative impact on exports forced an employer within the retail motor industry to cut a five-day workweek back to a four-day workweek, effectively leaving employees out of pocket with at least one week’s income per month.
This was done pro-actively to prevent retrenchments but cannot continue indefinitely.
Keyter says that President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation needs to do whatever it takes to restore South Africa’s strained relationship with the US. This is not about who is right or wrong, but about what is in the best interest of South Africa.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens on e-mail Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
According to Trump, the tariffs will be effective from the 1st of August 2025. He believes that South Africa exports more goods to the US than it buys from the country, making it an unfair trade relationship.
Dawie Roodt, Founder and Chief Economist of the Efficient Group, told MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, that Trump’s figures are not based on actual figures, but everyone will feel the impact because it will hinder any economic growth.
These tariffs take away any competitive edge that South Africa had, to compete with the global market. Small retailers have already stopped manufacturing because it will not be feasible to continue with the new export tariffs; or because of a reduced demand from US clients.
“We can now accept that AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) is dead. Under AGOA, more than 1 800 South African products and goods, including vehicles, components and parts, were exported to the US duty-free,” says Roodt.
South Africa's official unemployment rate rose to 32,9% in the first quarter of 2025. This is the highest rate since the second quarter of 2024 (33,5%).
“The population has seen a steady increase year-on-year, with a growth rate of 1.33%. We live in a country where our population growth exceeds our economic growth. This makes job creation highly unlikely,” says Roodt.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says that the retail motor industry, in which MISA is the majority trade union, is already struggling amidst the uncertainty of tariff percentage increases which started when President Trump came into office earlier this year.
The Union is experiencing an increase in employers closing their doors, restructuring in terms of Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act or embarking on short time.
According to Tiekie Mocke, Manager of MISA’s Legal Department, the negative impact on exports forced an employer within the retail motor industry to cut a five-day workweek back to a four-day workweek, effectively leaving employees out of pocket with at least one week’s income per month.
This was done pro-actively to prevent retrenchments but cannot continue indefinitely.
Keyter says that President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation needs to do whatever it takes to restore South Africa’s strained relationship with the US. This is not about who is right or wrong, but about what is in the best interest of South Africa.
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For more information contact Carstens on e-mail Sonja.Carstens@ms.org.za
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
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