Christo Valentyn: Chairman of the Naamsa PR Forum

What is the role and mandate of the Naamsa PR Forum in the greater scheme of automotive journalism?

The PR Forum was formalised as an official working committee of Naamsa (National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa) towards the end of 2016. The Naamsa PR Forum has, at its core, the objective and mandate to coordinate and promote the interests of the automotive industry, to serve as a conduit between the industry and the media for the enhancement of effective communication and improved understanding between parties on matters of mutual interest and concern. Ultimately, the Naamsa PR Forum strives to protect the reputation of the industry and the individual brands its members represent, and, through the introduction of standards and guidelines, positively influence the level of professionalism throughout the automotive media in South Africa.

Is it normal industry practice for essentially consumer protectors to be a part of the same organisation as manufacturers of reviewed products?

The Naamsa PR Forum only comprises representatives from the various OEM [original equipment manufacturer] and importer members of Naamsa. There are no external members, and the Naamsa PR Forum operates separately and independently from the media.

If it had to investigate, are you confident that the Competition Commission will find the PR Forum as an organisation that complies with its core mandates and doesn’t breed corruption and collusion?

Naamsa PR Forum meetings, like all other Naamsa meetings, are conducted in a manner that is compliant with the Competition Act, 1998 as amended from time to time. Deliberations are, at all times, in full compliance with South African and other relevant international legislation regarding anti-competitive actions and/or behaviour, whether directly or indirectly. A copy of the Competition Law Compliance Guidelines for Meetings of Committees, Task Teams and Chief Executives held under the auspices of Naamsa is available on request.

Is it possible for the PR Forum to reach a unanimous decision on any matter where personal/professional preference ultimately wins the day, as per the recent saga?

The Naamsa PR Forum strives to operate on the basis of consensus, but respects the individual and often divergent views of its individual members. There is no constraint on individual members when expressing their individual views on any matters publicly.

In light of the recent saga of racist commentary from a member of the SAGMJ, what conclusion has the PR Forum reached and what steps will be instituted going forward?

The Naamsa PR Forum is opposed to racism in any manner, form or action, and all individual Naamsa member organisations are equally committed to transformation. We have conveyed our position on this to the SAGMJ.