Right to Repair South Africa (R2RSA) will be hosting a pivotal conference at Automechanika Johannesburg on 29 October 2025 unpacking one of the most pressing issues facing the automotive aftermarket today – access to technical information.
The session, themed “Right to Repair Talk: Access to Technical Information – A Vital Piece in the Puzzle,” will tackle the reality that, while the Guidelines for Competition in the South African Automotive Aftermarket make it mandatory for OEMs to provide independent workshops with access to the technical information they need to repair and maintain vehicles, in practice this access remains extremely limited and difficult to obtain.
Kate Elliott, CEO of R2RSA, stresses the urgency of the discussion. “Technical information is the lifeblood of the modern aftermarket. Without access, independent workshops cannot compete on a level playing field, which ultimately impacts consumer choice and affordability.”
The Guidelines are clear, but compliance and enforcement remain major challenges. Ensuring independent workshops have the information they need is not just good practice – it’s essential for a thriving, fair, and safe automotive sector. This conference will allow delegates to learn from international best practice, become better internationally aligned and find practical solutions for South Africa.
The programme will be opened and closed by seasoned facilitator and programme director Lerato Ditshego, setting the tone for a thought-provoking morning of discussion. International experts such as Pierre Thibaudat from ADPA and Emily Holtby from AIA will share how the EU and Canada are addressing access to technical information, while local contributors including Bosch, R2RSA’s own Gunther Schmitz, and Kate Elliott will unpack the South African realities and challenges. Their insights will culminate in a dynamic panel discussion designed to spark debate and practical ideas.
Delegates are encouraged to come ready with their burning questions and comments for the interactive panel session.
“We are calling on industry stakeholders to engage, debate, and drive practical solutions. Access to technical information is not just a nice-to-have – it’s essential to the sustainability of the aftermarket and the protection of consumer choice,” concludes Elliott.