SAMBRA welcomes new national director

Jacques Viljoen has been appointed National Director of the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), effective 1 May 2023. A qualified attorney and labour practitioner, Viljoen is no stranger to the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), having first joined the RMI in 2016 as an Industrial Relations Specialist. In 2019, he was appointed Regional Manager of the Free State and Northern Cape Region and then, in October 2021, he took over the reigns as Labour Director and Company Secretary Designate responsible for keeping an eye on all MIBCO-related affairs. Viljoen was also the chief negotiator for centralised collective bargaining during 2022/2023. As company secretary, his responsibilities related to the internal administrative and governance functions in conjunction with the RMI Board, RMI Presidents’ Committee and RMI Executive Committee. His extensive legal and labour background, as well as his experience within the RMI, will position him strongly in his new role as SAMBRA national director.

High on his agenda will be to continue with the excellent progress SAMBRA has made in regard to the publication and implementation of the VIN numbers of all written-off vehicles in a write-off register available to any member of the public wishing to research the purchase of a used vehicle. Over the last four years, SAMBRA has applied substantial resources to ensure that members of the public, used car dealers, banks and others involved in the purchase and sale of used vehicles can protect themselves against the purchase of a previously written-off vehicle. Continued discussions with SAIA will be a priority. Equally, with the SAMBRA EXCO, he will be tackling several initiatives focused on pushing back against unfair business practices as well as rolling out several initiatives to enhance member profitability and provide members with the tools to remain sustainable in the current business climate. “I am confident that Viljoen will bring some really strong knowledge and skills to our association in what is a challenging time in the Motor Body Repair industry. We wish him all the best in his new role,” concludes Canning.