TVET college students to help resuscitate metro's ailing vehicle fleet
On Tuesday, the college launched a partnership with the municipality in which 14 third-year mechanical engineering students will help fix some of the city's vehicles sitting broken down in the four depots.
The launch was attended by mayor Babalwa Lobishe.
Eastcape Midlands TVET College's director for partnerships and linkages, Lindithemba Sdeba, said they had come up with the concept of tackling societal problems through TVET-driven solutions.
'We once fixed beds at Uitenhage Provincial Hospital, and had a similar programme with the department of correctional services at St Albans Prison where we fixed cars and sewing machines.
'Today, we handed over 14 students who will be going to the four depots looking at cars that can be fixed, what the quick fixes are and run diagnostic tests and see who can help in giving parts needed.
'Our goal is to help the municipality speed up service delivery and we feel we can assist if we can quickly [fix] these vehicles.'
Sdeba said the municipality's fleet department was under siege, with only two mechanics employed in the entire metro.
'The programme will run as long as there is a need.'
A recent report looking into the city's fleet management raised serious concerns about its services, with the report alleging that vehicles were deliberately damaged for the municipality to spend millions on the leasing of vehicles.
The Herald
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald
2 days ago
- The Herald
Armormax reveals new Ford Ranger Double Cab security variant
South African armoured car specialist Armormax has debuted its new Ford Ranger Double Cab security variant. Designed for patrol and intercept duties, the vehicle is capable of handling tough off-road terrain and comes equipped with a discreet B6 armouring package that offers protection against commonly used assault rifles. To maintain a stock appearance, Armormax used a combination of Ramor and Armox ballistic steel, lightweight composite materials certified to the B6 EN 1063 standard, an Optima-sourced B6 ballistic windscreen and custom side windows with Phoenix B6 ballistic glass. These are mounted in a bolt-on/bolt-off frame made of ballistic steel. The standard OEM windows are retained, though inoperable, to preserve the vehicle's original look. A custom rear window with Phoenix B6 ballistic glass is bolted to a ballistic steel frame and mounted on a quick-release system that doubles as an escape hatch. This rear exit was chosen over a roof-based escape system to ensure usability regardless of the vehicle's orientation in the event of a rollover.
The Herald
3 days ago
- The Herald
Mazda confirms when it will introduce the new CX-5 in SA
Mazda has also bundled in its latest Human Machine Interface, which apparently streamlines the control of apps, navigation and vehicle settings. Infotainment duties are, depending on the model derivative, handled by a 12.9" touchscreen or a larger 15.6" version — the biggest offered inside a series production Mazda. As to be expected, an array of enhanced driver assistance and safety features are also available, but the extent of these available locally will be confirmed closer to launch. Under the bonnet, those of you expecting the option of mild-hybrid powertrains might be disappointed to hear the new CX-5 will initially only be available in South Africa with Mazda's 132kW/242Nm naturally aspirated 2.5 l four-cylinder petrol engine with SkyActiv technology. It comes meshed to a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. 'The next-generation CX-5 marks a significant milestone for Mazda globally,' said Mazda South Africa marketing and communications head Deolinda Da Costa. 'While we look forward to introducing it locally, we're equally committed to delivering outstanding value and features with our current line-up.'
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
New Mazda CX-5 penned-in for South Africa in second half of 2026
Initially, the CX-5 will only be powered by the normally aspirated 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine. All-new third generation CX-5 will debuting on local soil in the second half of 2026. Image: Mazda Arriving next year as one of its key local markets models, Mazda South Africa has provided select first details of the all-new generation CX-5 revealed globally earlier this month. Details Approved back in January, the third generation CX-5 will make its arrival in the second half of next year, powered by the revised normally aspirated 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine. Although offered with mild-hybrid assistance in Europe, Mazda Southern Africa's Head of Marketing and Communications, Deolinda Da Costa, confirmed that while the unit remains on the cards, initially, only the non-electrified petrol will be offered in a similar capacity to Australia and North America. Despite appearing shorter than the outgoing model, the new CX-5 gains all the various dimensional fronts. Image: Mazda In these markets, the free-breathing petrol will produce 132kW/242Nm and come mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, with all-wheel-drive being standard from the start. ALSO READ: Wait over: South Africa-bound, all-new Mazda CX-5 officially debuts No longer available is the entry-level 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G or the 2.2-litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel engine. 'We're confident in the value our current CX-5 provides. [However], the next-generation CX-5 marks a significant milestone for Mazda globally,' Da Costa said in a statement. Interior has been redesigned comparatively radically from the outgoing CX-5. Image: Mazda 'While we look forward to introducing it locally, we're equally committed to delivering outstanding value and features with our current line-up'. Longer and wider than the current, outgoing model, the CX-5 introduces a brand-new interior, and while specification will only be announced next year, items expected include Head-Up Display, the new infotainment system measuring 12.9-inches or 15.6-inches, the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and significantly revised safety and driver assistance system. More soon At the same time, Da Costa stated that the current five-year/unlimited km warranty and service plan will be retained for the new CX-5. 'From a Mazda perspective, we have seen a shift in where we position our vehicles in the South African market,' Hiroshima's CEO for South Africa, Craig Roberts, told Moneyweb in a podcast in January. As mentioned, more details will only be announced once into 2026. ALSO READ: Next Mazda CX-5 spied again as company commits to South Africa
