The South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA) will host its second panel beating and spray-painting skills competition of 2026 at Bergsig this week, providing aspiring artisans with an opportunity to demonstrate their developing technical expertise in a practical environment.
The competition will begin during the week of 25 August with panel beating and spray-painting challenges. Participants will then attend specialised spray-painter training presented by Apex Paint on Thursday, 27 August.
The programme will culminate in a prize-giving ceremony on Saturday, 29 August, during the Motor Mech Show at Daniel Pienaar.
Several industry partners have contributed to the initiative. Apex Paint is sponsoring prizes for the spray-painting division, while Dispatch Body Works and SAMBRA Eastern Cape are supporting the panel beating category through prize sponsorships.
According to Abie Kriek, SAMBRA Eastern Cape Association Representative, the competition is designed to deliver more than just recognition for winners.
Kriek says skills competitions provide learners with an opportunity to apply their training in a real-world setting, build confidence and gain practical experience. He adds that these events help raise awareness of panel beating and spray-painting careers while encouraging more young people to consider opportunities within the motor body repair industry.
SAMBRA believes initiatives of this nature play an important role in strengthening the pipeline of qualified artisans. They also expose learners to the standards, discipline and professional expectations required within the collision repair sector.
Kriek adds that SAMBRA is pleased to host its second competition of the year and appreciates the support received from sponsors and industry partners. Their involvement, he says, helps create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of panel beaters and spray painters.
