
Staff are the moral fibre of any dealership
When the moral fibre of your staff is in the right place, you are on the road to success, no matter what kind of business you are in.
- Dealer News
- 10 July 2025
South African industries across the board uttered a collective sigh of relief yesterday (17 October) when the week-long Transnet strike was finally resolved.
The strike brought ports to a standstill and severely affected imports and exports. This was particularly acute at Durban, serving Toyota and other major exporters, and Gqeberha, which serves Volkswagen and other major exporters.
On Monday, Transnet reached a three-year wage deal agreement with the United National Transport Union (UNTU), which represents more than 50% of unionised staff. It is expected that the other unions will follow suit, and news reports already indicate that many workers are returning to their stations.
The deal includes a 6% increase in year one, a 5.5% increase in year two, and a 6% increase in year three, as well as medical aid and housing allowance increases.
Some analysts were surprised by the fact that the union, which until recently demanded a 12% wage increase, settled for a below-inflation deal.
The deal will apply to all workers in the sector (including non-unionised employees) with effect from 1 October.
There is no doubt that AI (Artificial Intelligence) is transforming the way we operate - from backend systems to customer-facing solutions.
Never underestimate the power of social media, especially when you go car hunting.
In the wake of the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape, Mercedes-Benz SA has partnered with Gift of the Givers to deliver urgent aid to flood-affected communities in Butterworth and Mthatha.