accredited

Car trouble? Here's why you you should use accredited vehicle repairer or dealership in SA

Are you looking for a mechanical workshop, motor body repairer, or even to buy a new car and don’t know where to start?

"By using a business accredited by a reputable association such as the RMI, you can be assured of good workmanship and recourse in the unlikely event that the job is not completed to acceptable standards," says Jakkie Olivier, CEO of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).

Thorough assessment

"Accredited businesses will be run by highly skilled professionals, with excellent service-levels, administrative support and quality parts and repair equipment," he says.

READ: The South African car industry is 'exclusionary and unsustainable' - Right to Repair aims to give SA motorists more choice with their vehicles

He explains that during the accreditation process a business undergoes a thorough assessment.

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Aspects including the health and safety operating procedures are scrutinised, as are the premises, tools and equipment, administration, waste removal, staffing and so on.

Even aspects of the business such as insurance of the client’s vehicle whilst on the property of the repairer, parking facilities, lighting, ventilation and uniforms are inspected.

'Skills shortages a reality'

"It is a rigorous process that we believe is essential to ensure customers know they are dealing with professionals and feel protected," he says.

The level of staff training is also an important aspect of the accreditation process.

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"Unfortunately, skills shortages are a reality," Olivier says.

"To achieve accreditation, businesses have to prove their staff have sufficient training and on-the-job experience as well as specific qualifications to meet the needs of their customers," he adds.

Possibly the most important benefit of using an accredited business is the knowledge that there is an association you can deal with in the event of bad service or poor workmanship experience.

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"Owning a motor vehicle or a fleet is a big investment. The purchase price alone is a major financial commitment and repairs don’t come cheap," Olivier says.

"It is therefore very important that you can trust the repairer to do the best job at the most affordable price. If this is not your experience then you need to approach the accrediting association, such as the RMI, to assist in a dispute resolution process.

"The same applies when buying a car. If you are not happy with the product or promises have not been met by the selling agent then there is a body to hear your side of the story.

"Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of accreditation when considering a business. 

"Alternatively, contact the accrediting body and ask for a referral in your area. It is worth the extra admin to ensure you receive the service you deserve," he concludes. 

Benue APC tells INEC to publish accredited observers

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to publish a list of its duly accredited observers to enable security agencies identify fake groups or persons posing as observers.

Our correspondent reports that the decision was part of resolutions reached at an emergency meeting presided over by the leader of APC in the state and Vice-Chairman (North) for the President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organization, Senator George Akume.

“INEC should publish a list of its duly accredited observers to enable security agencies identify fake groups/persons posing as observers,” the party stated.

The meeting, which also discussed the postponement of the elections, expressed disappointment over the postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Also, in the resolution of the meeting, signed by the Benue APC Campaign Secretary, Prof. Eugene Aliegba, the party encouraged members to sustain efforts for the party to achieve victory at the Presidential and National Assembly elections and at the subsequent Governorship and State Assembly elections.

Over 100 CIS observers accredited to monitor Moldovan parliamentary elections

Viktor Guminsky. An archive photo

MINSK, 19 February (BelTA) – Over 100 observers have been accredited to monitor the parliamentary elections in Moldova as part of the CIS observation mission. The elections are scheduled for 24 February, Viktor Guminsky, First Deputy Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee, CIS First Deputy Executive Secretary, told reporters prior to the session of the Council of Permanent Plenipotentiary Representatives of the Participants of the Commonwealth under Charter and Other Bodies of the Commonwealth that is taking place at the CIS Executive Committee headquarters in Minsk, BelTA has learned.

“We have received an invitation from the Moldovan Central Election Commission for CIS observers to monitor the parliamentary elections. As of today, accreditation has been granted to over 100 observers from nine CIS participating states, as well as the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Belarus-Russia Union State, the CIS Executive Committee. Twelve our long-term observers are already working in Moldova, the headquarters of the observation mission has already been set up in Chisinau,” Viktor Guminsky said.

In his words, the assessment of the Moldovan election campaign will be made when the work of the observation mission is over. So far, the campaign is proceeding in line with the country's law and in a calm environment. “We will collaborate and exchange our views with working groups of other missions. For example, as the head of the CIS observation mission I am scheduled to meet with the head of the OSCE ODIHR observation team. The observation activity will also be conducted by observers from the Council of Europe and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Whenever we have an opportunity we will exchange views with them regarding the observation,” Viktor Guminsky said.

Viktor Guminsky underlined that the CIS observation mission will strictly abide by Moldova's laws. “We will be guided by the principles of neutrality, uncompromising stance, and non-interference with the domestic affairs of the country. Like always, our mission will give an objective assessment of the preparation and conduct of the parliamentary elections in Moldova,” he added.