WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL SERVICES THAT WORKSHOPS MAY SUPPORT?

LEAVE PROVISION AND ALTERNATIVES DURING LOCKDOWN

Apr 15, 2020

ESSENTIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS MUST APPLY FOR NEW CERTIFICATES

Apr 17, 2020

Apr 16, 2020

While normal vehicle and truck sales, servicing and repairs are prohibited during the national lockdown period, certain workshops may – and did – apply for a permit to support their existing customers who are essential service providers in case of critical or emergency repairs or critical or emergency parts requirements.

The full list of essential services has been Gazetted (See: https://www.gov.za/…/gcis_document/202003/4314825-3cogta.pdf), but in broad terms and in relation to the retail motor industry, include the following:

Companies involved in:

* The production, manufacturing, supply, logistics, transport or delivery of health-related services and products, agricultural and food supplies and as essential goods

* Safety and security services, whether government or private

* Companies involved in cleaning, laundry and hospitality services supporting the Covid-19 response, and essential and critical business continuity services.

* Professional and artisanal services supporting the Covid-19 response, and essential and critical business continuity.

Earlier today a final amendments to the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act), Annexure B, was published and includes in addition “Trades necessary for emergency automobile repairs for persons rendering essential services.

Prior to the amendments, it was inferred that workshops that service and maintain vehicles for the South African Police Services, SANDF, private security companies, health-related companies, agricultural or food delivery trucks, hygiene companies, etc may qualify for a permit in this regard. This has now been confirmed as per the Act.

It is, however, important to note that support may only be rendered to suppliers of essential services and only in case of emergencies or time-critical services.

Repair work, servicing or parts sales of a general nature to the general public or customers who are not classified as essential services is still prohibited.

If you, as a MISA member, are being called on to work on private vehicles or customers who are not essential services, it is in your right to refuse.

Should you have queries in this regard, please contact our Legal Department at legal@ms.org.za.

UPDATE: It is also important to note that essential service providers must apply for new permits for the lockdown extension period. https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-regulations-address-prevent-and-combat-spread-coronavirus-covid-19