Motor Industry Bargaining Council - MIBCO

22/10/2026

The recent Constitutional Court judgment affects more than a single workplace dispute.

It impacts employees planning for retirement, employers seeking certainty around their obligations, and industry stakeholders responsible for administering collective agreements.

By confirming how key provisions should be interpreted, the ruling helps create greater consistency across the motor industry and reinforces confidence in the collective bargaining framework that supports labour stability.

21/10/2026

Media Release
For Immediate Release
21 October 2026

6 Days to go to source, connect and explore at Automechanika Johannesburg

With 6 days to go until Automechanika Johannesburg 2026, automotive industry professionals can plan three days around their business priorities, from sourcing parts and workshop equipment to investigating repair challenges and meeting potential supply partners.

Organised by Messe Frankfurt South Africa, the annual event takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from 27 to 29 October. Its combination of product displays, technical conferences, live demonstrations and business matchmaking gives visitors several ways to make their time away from the workshop or office truly count.

“Automechanika Johannesburg brings local and international industry professionals together to explore products, meet suppliers and discuss the issues shaping the automotive aftermarket,” says Michael Dehn, managing director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa. “We look forward to welcoming the industry for the 11th time this October.”

Explore products for your business
The exhibition covers parts and components, accessories and customising, repair and maintenance, car wash and reconditioning, electronics and systems, and management and digital solutions.

Workshop owners, distributors, retailers and fleet professionals can explore engine and suspension components, diagnostic equipment, workshop software, vehicle-care products, and electric vehicle and hybrid technologies.
Conversations with suppliers can help visitors investigate product suitability and identify potential partners for their operations.

Addressing technical and regional challenges
The Automotive Remanufacturers’ Association Central Region Tech-Talk Conference on 28 October will address practical concerns for engine repair and remanufacturing professionals. Topics include engine problems associated with poor-quality diesel fuel, the future of diesel fuel injection, cooling systems, global industry trends and repair solutions. The programme offers an opportunity to explore technical issues relevant to day-to-day workshop operations.

For logistics operators, fleet managers and businesses involved in regional trade, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport’s regional conference takes place on 28 and 29 October. Presented in collaboration with CILT South Africa, CILT Namibia and CILT Zimbabwe, discussions will cover transport corridors, cross-border harmonisation, safety and security, and education, training and skills development. Workforce requirements for new energy vehicles and digital logistics will also feature.
In addition, Goldwagen and Global One Automotive Southern Africa will host their own conferences (closed), bringing industry professionals together for expert presentations, business insights and networking opportunities.

See expertise in action
The MIWA SpannerTorque Pavilion will bring together 12 participating companies and organisations representing workshops, parts suppliers, automotive technology and industry initiatives. Hosted by the Motor Industry Workshop Association, the pavilion gives visitors a focused setting to meet businesses and explore their expertise.
A live car assembly demonstration using parts and components supplied by Backdraft Cobra will show a car taking shape from the chassis up.

Visitors can watch control arms, hubs, brakes, shock absorbers, steering and wheels being assembled and taken apart, offering a close-up learning opportunity for aspiring mechanics and automotive enthusiasts. Rhino Linings will showcase coating solutions on a specially customised trailer, with tactile samples allowing visitors to handle the materials firsthand.

Another exciting feature is BodyShop News Africa’s Student Journalist Program, offering journalism students hands-on experience reporting on industry innovations alongside its editorial team. Supported by Sherwin-Williams, the initiative aims to nurture future talent, strengthen automotive journalism and equip students with practical skills, published articles and professional endorsements to support their careers.

Arrive with meetings arranged
Exhibition registration includes complimentary access to the Business Matchmaking – Espresso Meet Up platform, helping visitors, exhibitors, delegates and trade buyers identify relevant contacts and schedule meetings before arriving. Registered participants receive a welcome email with their login link and profile details. Completing the questionnaire helps tailor matches to individual sourcing, supply and partnership interests.

“With opening day approaching, industry professionals are encouraged to register, review the conference programme and complete their matchmaking profiles,” urges Dehn.

“Planning a visit around specific products, technical questions and business contacts can help turn three days at Automechanika Johannesburg into a focused opportunity to advance business priorities,” he concludes.

Register now for your free trade visitor pass: https://app.messereg.com/events/visitor/automechanika-johan2026
For more information about exhibiting Automechanika Johannesburg 2026, please visit www.automechanikasa.co.za or contact Tracy Gounden at [email protected]
PRESS CONTACT
Jana Grobler, Marketing Manager| Messe Frankfurt South Africa (Pty) Ltd
[email protected] | www.za.messefrankfurt.com

Links to websites:
https://automechanika.za.messefrankfurt.com/johannesburg/en.html

Background information on Messe Frankfurt
www.messefrankfurt.com/background-information

Sustainability at Messe Frankfurt
www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability-information

20/10/2026

Did you know?

A recent Constitutional Court judgment confirmed that provident fund contributions for certain employees supplied through Temporary Employment Services must be calculated using the deemed 45-hour working week contained in MIBCO's Main Collective Agreement.

The ruling provides important clarity on how industry agreements should be interpreted and applied, helping strengthen consistency across the motor industry while protecting retirement benefits.

13/10/2026

Automechanika Johannesburg 2026
The premier international trade fair for the automotive aftermarket and service industry in Sub-Saharan Africa is almost here! Join industry leaders, manufacturers, and professionals to explore the latest innovations in parts, electronics, diagnostics, workshop equipment, and digital solutions.

📅 Dates: 27–29 October 2026
📍 Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
🏢 Organizer: Messe Frankfurt South Africa
⏱ Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily

Why Attend?
• Explore cutting-edge products from hundreds of local and international exhibitors.
• Attend expert-led business conferences addressing technological disruption and industry challenges.
• Discover solutions across parts, tyres, commercial vehicles, body & paint, and workshop tools.

🎟 Trade Visitor Tickets: Entry is FREE for trade professionals, but pre-registration is required.

Secure your pass here: https://app.messereg.com/events/visitor/automechanika-johan2026

23/09/2026

Calling on all Upington MIBCO employees!! Join us tomorrow at 09:00 at David Kruiper Municipality, Civic Centre, Mutual Street for an information session and employee engagement. Come with all your questions and queries, the team is ready to assist!

INVITE: To the employees who confirmed their attendance to the below Upington Roadshow, please join the session via Teams on the 23rd of September 2026 from 09:00–11:00. See you all there!

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/311501879821888?p=jvWKX2BURZHN2t48FC

23/09/2026

Learning, collaborating, and growing together. Highlights from our latest employee session with Janine Beukes from GWK Prieska and Luther Van Der Merwe from GWK Upington. MIBCO Designated Agent Graham Meas and Chief Agent, Gerald Telekelo held the informative session at SEDA office, next to our MIBCO Upington office.

22/09/2026

MIBCO Free State/ Northern Cape Region kick-starts its 3-day roadshow in Upington. The region's Regional Secretary Betty Stalenberg, Kimberly Chief Agent, Gerald Telekelo and agents, Jacobus Steenkamp & Graham Meas started the information sessions with employers both online and in-person at Upington Toyota.

21/09/2026

INVITE: To the employees who confirmed their attendance to the below Upington Roadshow, please join the session via Teams on the 23rd of September 2026 from 09:00–11:00. See you all there!

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/311501879821888?p=jvWKX2BURZHN2t48FC

17/09/2026

Violence against women and children remains one of South Africa's most urgent social challenges. It affects families, communities, workplaces and the wellbeing of our society as a whole.

Across South Africa's motor industry, more than 95,000 women contribute their skills, expertise and leadership every day, representing almost 30% of the industry's workforce.

Women play critical roles across the sector, from administration, finance and customer service to retail, operations, management, training and technical support.

At MIBCO, we believe every person deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and equality. Violence has no place in our homes, workplaces or communities.

As an industry, we have a shared responsibility to help create environments where women feel safe, valued and empowered to thrive.

Together, we can help build a future free from violence against women and children.

10/09/2026