Johannesburg – The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) has announced that it is going to represent its members at meetings of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (DTIC) Executive Oversight Committee on the South African Automotive Master Plan (SAAM 2035).
MISA, which represents more than 75 000 members, said on Friday, 27 February 2026, that this move comes after a “fruitful meeting” with Mkhululi Mlota, Chief Director: Automotives at DTIC.
The union stated that during the meeting, it presented the challenges faced by 311 000 employees in the retail motor industry.
The Committee was convened for the first time in 2024 and comprises senior leaders from across the automotive industry, including representatives from original equipment manufacturers, component suppliers, and trade unions.
It plays a crucial role in driving the implementation of the Masterplan, serving as a platform for strategic oversight, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation.
The EOC is designed to enhance accountability among stakeholders and to ensure a proactive response to emerging industry challenges.
MISA said it reached out to DTIC after submissions to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry on how to protect the country’s automotive industry against a bloodbath of job losses.
The union said it believes the Masterplan only protects the manufacturing industry and should include the retail motor industry in the value chain.
Mlota outlined DTIC’s position and the vast scope of the department’s overall work in the automotive industry.
He also highlighted the important role of trade unions.
