JOHANNESBURG, 6 February 2024: The Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (SAVRALA) recently convened its CEOs and senior leaders in Johannesburg aimed at defining the mandate of the National Executive Council (NEC) for the year 2024. The gathering served as a platform to delineate the association’s key priorities and address critical industry concerns.
Reflecting on the achievements and challenges of 2023, the SAVRALA leadership identified strategic focus areas to navigate the dynamic landscape of the vehicle rental and leasing sector in South Africa.
A highlight of the Annual SAVRALA CEO meeting was a comprehensive overview of the South African tourism landscape by Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille. The minister emphasised the significance of effective communication within the sector and highlighted the promising trajectory of South Africa’s tourism industry, as evidenced by the recent release of international arrival figures by Statistics South Africa.
Minister De Lille emphasised the importance of addressing key barriers such as visa regulations and limited air access while advocating for the integration of new technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
In alignment with SAVRALA’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of service, ethics, and trading practices, Sandile Ntseoane, General Manager of SAVRALA, reiterated the association’s key priorities. These include fostering collaboration both within South Africa and beyond its borders, with a focus on enhancing industry standards and promoting collective interests.
The vehicle rental industry has exhibited resilience amidst challenges, demonstrating a robust recovery and positive trends in the market. Ntseoane highlighted the industry’s concerted efforts in vehicle replacement and safety enhancements, coupled with initiatives to address regulatory frameworks and industry skill shortages.
Looking ahead to 2024, SAVRALA remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing safety measures, enhancing education initiatives, promoting compliance, and improving stakeholder communication. The association invites active engagement from all stakeholders to drive meaningful change and sustainable growth within the sector.
Notable upcoming events include the SAVRALA Golf Day on 21 August and the prestigious MOTY Awards on 17 October.
Ends
Minister Patricia De Lille pictured with SAVRALA President, Derick De Vriesn (left) and Sandile Ntseoane, GM SAVRALA (right)
About SAVRALA
SAVRALA is the representative voice of Southern Africa’s vehicle rental, leasing and fleet management sector. Its members have a combined national footprint with over 600 branches countrywide. Its Associate members comprise most motor manufacturers and importers and allied industry sales and service companies. SAVRALA members provide short-term self-drive rental, medium and long-term rentals and/or leasing and fleet management services to corporate users and consumers. The sector employs an estimated 12,000 people and, as a direct multiplier effect, several thousand more jobs are sustained across the South African automotive industry.
For more information about SAVRALA, please contact:
Kim Taylor
076 825 5508
