The motor body repair sector is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Modern vehicle construction, advanced lightweight materials, integrated ADAS systems and strict manufacturer repair protocols have fundamentally reshaped what it means to be a qualified panel beater. Yet, while workshop environments have transformed, elements of the formal training curriculum have not fully kept pace.
According to Juan Hanekom, National Director of the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), this misalignment has increasingly placed pressure on repairers, OEMs and training providers.
“The skills required in a modern repair environment are significantly more advanced than they were even a decade ago. We are working with high-strength steels, aluminium, composite materials and complex electronic systems that demand precision and specialised knowledge,” says Hanekom. “While supplementary OEM and industry-led training has helped bridge the gap, this cannot replace a robust, up-to-date core qualification to address shortcomings between formal training and real-world workshop requirements. While these initiatives have added value, they are not a sustainable long-term solution,” he says.
Hanekom says the ultimate objective must be clear. “The core curriculum itself must reflect current industry realities. A qualified panel beater entering the workplace should already possess the competencies that modern repair standards demand.”
To this end, SAMBRA has initiated a formal review of the existing Panel Beater curriculum, together with the associated External Assessment Standard (EAS). The curriculum determines what is taught and forms the foundation for learning material developed by accredited training providers. The EAS, meanwhile, defines the minimum national standard against which final trade competence is assessed.
The SAMBRA Eastern Cape Committee has taken a leading role in this process, conducting a detailed review of the current documentation. This has included identifying outdated or redundant modules, as well as highlighting critical new competencies that must be incorporated to ensure relevance and quality.
“Our Eastern Cape committee members bring hands-on, workshop-based insight to the process,” says Hanekom. “They understand exactly where the pressure points are - from structural repair methodologies to the integration of advanced driver assistance systems. Their contribution ensures that this review is practical, not theoretical.”
Importantly, the goal is not merely to amend documentation, but to future-proof the trade. By integrating emerging skills directly into the formal qualification, the industry can reduce reliance on fragmented supplementary training and create a more consistent national standard.
Hanekom says the initiative also signals a broader shift within the sector.
“This process reflects an industry that is taking responsibility for its own standards. We are working collaboratively with merSETA and other stakeholders to ensure proper alignment, but the drive is coming from within the trade itself.”
SAMBRA is encouraging active participation from its members throughout the review process. Industry input will play a critical role in ensuring that the updated curriculum supports quality repairs, road safety and long-term sustainability for the profession.
“When we strengthen the qualification, we strengthen the entire value chain,” Hanekom concludes. “Ultimately, this is about safer vehicles on our roads, better equipped repairers in our workshops and a trade that remains respected, relevant and resilient into the future.”