In a country where the future of many young people hangs in the balance due to challenges in traditional education systems, Baysville School of Skills in East London is lighting the way forward – one learner at a time.
This exceptional institution recently welcomed a team from the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA) and the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) for an engaging visit focused on collaboration, mentorship, and future opportunities for learners in the motor body repair sector.
For SAMBRA, the visit was more than a courtesy call. It was an opportunity to see first-hand the life-changing work being done at Baysville and explore how industry partnerships could further support the school’s mission.
“It was truly inspiring to witness the level of skill, commitment, and potential in the learners at Baysville,” says Abie Kriek, SAMBRA Associational Representative who visited the school. “We came away with a renewed sense of purpose to strengthen ties with schools like Baysville that are nurturing the artisans of tomorrow.”
Juan Hanekom, National Director of SAMBRA says it was a valuable opportunity for the team to engage with the school and reflect on how SAMBRA can further support technical skills development in the region. Baysville School of Skills is situated just 2 kilometres from Port Rex Technical High School where the annual Motor Industry Workshop Association Motor Mech competition is held. “We are exploring the idea of hosting a motor body repair-focused skills competition at Baysville to complement the mechanical show at Port Rex. This would further reinforce efforts to attract and inspire school learners to pursue careers in the sector.
Beyond showcasing the sector, these collaborations can help identify and nurture talent from the region and create a pipeline where SAMBRA member employers actively support, train, and mentor young people for careers in motor body repair,” he says.
A beacon for practical education
The motor body repair industry is opening doors for young men and women with a range of qualifications they can use to secure exciting career prospects in South Africa. Gone are the days when the sector was regarded as a men’s only profession. Today, these qualifications are highly sought after, and women are making waves in the industry with their attention to detail and technical skills. “Anyone can succeed in the learning opportunities we offer, regardless of the challenges they may face in their personal circumstances. All you need is passion for the trade, commitment and discipline,” says Hanekom. He also emphasises that apprenticeships are a powerful way to build a sustainable career in a sector that urgently needs more skilled artisans.
Baysville School of Skills is a place where learners who struggle in traditional academic settings find their voice, and their value. With a strong focus on practical training in trades such as panel beating and spray painting, the school offers a realistic and empowering path to employment for its learners.
“At Baysville, we believe every child has potential. We just need to provide the right environment for them to grow,” says Werner Oosthuizen, Baysville Principal and Vice Principal of Academics. “Through hands-on workshops and mentorship from skilled artisans, our learners develop confidence, discipline, and highly employable skills.”
The school’s panel beating and spray-painting workshops are among the best in the province. Learners work on real customer vehicles, producing results that rival those of seasoned professionals. With a 95% employment rate among panel beating graduates and the Eastern Cape’s only school-level spray painting workshop, Baysville stands out as a training hub of note.
A call to action
Despite its success, Baysville operates under serious financial constraints. The school receives no government funding and relies almost entirely on school fees, of which only 42% are collected annually. Yet the commitment of its staff remains unwavering.
“What this school achieves with limited resources is nothing short of extraordinary,” added Hanekom. “It’s a perfect example of why we must support institutions that offer a second chance to young people who may otherwise fall through the cracks. The reality is that not all students are suited for an academic high school and Baysville provides an excellent alternative to unlock their full potential.”
Hanekom also highlighted the urgent need to grow the number of registered apprentices in South Africa’s motor body repair sector, noting that the current decline since 2014 is concerning. Apprenticeships combining theory, practical skills, and workplace training offer a valuable entry point into a trade where demand for skilled artisans remains high.
Looking ahead SAMBRA and RMI plan to continue their engagement with Baysville, exploring ways to assist with training resources, workplace approvals, and mentorship at accredited SAMBRA Motor Body Repairers in the region.
“This is not just a partnership,” concluded Hanekom. “It’s a shared vision to ensure every young South African, regardless of their circumstances, has a pathway to a dignified and sustainable career.”
For learners ready to thrive in a practical, purpose-driven environment, Baysville School of Skills is not just a school, it’s a second chance, a fresh start, and a true home of hope.
Empowering potential – SAMBRA and RMI visit Baysville School of Skillshttps://t.co/UTvfzkivNh#ArriveAlive #SAMBRA #RMI @dealerfloor pic.twitter.com/UU5Qhzy9jl
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) July 8, 2025