The Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) has hailed the impact of its SpannerTorque Festival series after the final two events took place this month in Pretoria and KwaZulu-Natal.
Delivered across five provinces, the two-day programme has focused on practical support for independent workshops navigating a fast-changing automotive landscape.
Designed around real workshop needs, the festivals combined hands-on technical training with direct access to key suppliers, giving owners and technicians the chance to learn, ask questions and share experiences with peers facing similar operational pressures. Sessions covered current vehicle technologies and emerging workshop requirements, with training aimed at improving day-to-day capability, from diagnostics to evolving systems and repair approaches.
A notable theme this year was the emphasis on youth development. MIWA invited learners from Project Dineo and a range of technical schools in each region to attend the training days. According to MIWA Chairman Dewald Ranft, their active participation and thoughtful questions signalled strong potential among future artisans, and highlighted the value of exposing young people to modern workshop environments.
Ranft argues that building a sustainable pipeline of talent is now as important as upskilling existing professionals. With vehicle complexity increasing, workshops must remain informed and adaptable, including in areas such as electric and hybrid technologies. At the same time, the sector faces a growing shortage of skilled tradespeople. Many experienced mechanics, electricians and panel beaters are approaching retirement, while too few new entrants are qualifying to replace them.
MIWA believes the challenge is not a lack of interest among young people, but a failure to convert awareness into participation. By giving learners direct contact with working professionals and up-to-date technology, the association hopes to make automotive careers more visible, relevant and appealing.
MIWA says the strong turnout and engagement across the SpannerTorque Festival series demonstrates the importance of cooperation between workshops, suppliers and training partners to strengthen South Africa’s motor repair sector for the future.
