Breaking down the distrust in black competence

non-structural repairer (NSR) and major structural repairer (MSR).

The NSR facilities are only allowed to do cosmetic work with no part replacements done.

Due to the grading system none of these NSR facilities are OEM approved and rely on out of warranty vehicles. More than 80 percent of insured and warranty work is being directed to MSR facilities but considering that 70 percent of current accidents are drivable vehicles that do not require any structural repairs these MSR facilities are packed to capacity with work that should in fact be redirected to NSR shops that remain empty and out of work.

The point being made here is that the OEMs are complicit to discriminatory practices that favours established players.

Inhibiting factors

Quite clearly these inhibiting factors preclude the participation of black panel beaters in the lucrative portion of the industry. According to Booker the approvals plan is controlled by two individuals who have the OEMs in their pocket. Insurance houses are thus forced to only use these OEM accredited facilities.

Booker contends that apprenticeship enrolment levels are at an all-time low in all areas of refinish operations.

At a time when there are millions of unemployed youth, we should be accelerating the expenditure on training more apprentices.

I am also informed that entry into this MSR market in terms of facility is in excess of R15 million, which seem to preclude most aspirant and emerging black panel beaters.

Booker brings one scary dimension in this whole ecosystem. He points to an approval system being used to accredit and grade facilities, which should be conforming to OEM standards so as to be able to repair vehicles within warranty.

His assertion seem to suggest that the system is highly questionable and at best cosmetic.

In digging further I came across a reported industrial disaster in Bhopal which was described as the biggest industrial disaster that claimed the lives of nearly 40 employees because of “methyl isocyanate toxity”.

The safety of employees is important and it is critical for OEMs to be closer to these processes and ensure a safer working environment.

I, therefore, wish to invite the leadership of the sector to engage in a much bigger conversation.

This platform therefore provides space and scope for that conversation to occur. It’s long overdue.