VDQGBSA 7th Annual General Meeting
📰 VDQGBSA Holds 7th Annual General Meeting
The Vehicle Damage Quantification Governance Body of South Africa (VDQGBSA) held its 7th Annual General Meeting on 24 June 2025 via Microsoft Teams, chaired by Youlon Naidoo. With 248 members in attendance its all-time record, the meeting met quorum and covered a range of strategic, operational, and financial topics vital to the professional body’s direction.
📚 Guest speaker Japie Nel from SAQA: Education and Designation in Focus
Guest speaker Japie Nel from SAQA emphasised the evolving role of professional bodies in the national qualification framework. He encouraged engagement with SAQA’s October 2025 conference and outlined the importance of aligning industry qualifications with labour market needs. Nel also addressed VDQGBSA’s re-registration process and the professional development of Certified Vehicle Damage Quantifiers.
🧾 Summary: VDQGBSA Chairman’s Report 2024
🌍 Industry & Economic Context
- 2024 was shaped by global instability (Ukraine war, Gaza conflict, Trump re-election) and technological shifts (AI, EV growth).
- In South Africa, the ANC–DA coalition Government of National Unity brought hope and uncertainty, with persistent economic pressure from energy, unemployment, and policy inconsistency.
🚗 Impact on Motor Body Repair Sector
- Supply chain and parts costs were affected by global factors and the rise of Chinese vehicle brands.
- Advancements in EVs and ADAS increased repair complexity and costs.
- Skilled labour shortages continued, increasing demand for professional training and upskilling.
🏛️ VDQGBSA Highlights & Achievements
- Membership growth: +14.3% (789 members by year-end)
- Designation RPL completions: 465 in total; 91 new in 2024 (+24%)
- Training: Expanded CPD modules, technical bulletins, and external CPD recognition
- Digital upgrades: Improved online registration and social media engagement
- Funding: MERSETA/INSETA funding secured for VDQ qualification support
💰 Financial Overview
- Despite cost pressures, VDQGBSA remains financially stable and sustainable (see separate financial report).
- Modest fee increase of 4.93% for 2025; registration fees reduced to boost accessibility.
🔮 Outlook for 2025
- GDP growth expected at 1.2% amid infrastructure and currency challenges.
- Increased use of AI and EV repair requirements predicted.
- Push for designation certification and standardisation across the industry.
- Strategic focus on:
- Professional designation expansion
- CPD growth (especially in AI and EVs)
- Industry alignment between MBRs and insurers
- Advocacy in national policy on skills and transformation
📌 Conclusion
Despite global and local disruptions, VDQGBSA achieved measurable growth in membership, training, digital services, and professional recognition. The organisation enters 2025 focused on professionalising the sector, enhancing member support, and adapting to the evolving demands of the motor repair and insurance ecosystem.
📘 VDQGBSA Annual Financial Summary – 2024
🧾 Overview
- The financial statements cover the 12 months ending 31 December 2024, prepared in line with Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (GRAP) and audited by HLB Barnett Chown Incorporated.
- The organisation maintained Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) status and tax exemption.
💰 Financial Performance
- Revenue increased to R2,640,938 (up from R2,034,312 in 2023), largely from increase in membership fees and professional services.
- Total expenses were R2,165,053, resulting in a net surplus of R475,885 — a strong improvement from the previous year’s surplus of R267,264.
📈 Financial Position
- Total assets at year-end amounted to R1,251,099, up from R939,364 in 2023.
- Cash and cash equivalents increased to R1,073,390, improving liquidity and operational flexibility.
- Accumulated surplus now stands at R1,031,717, reflecting consistent financial growth.
💼 Key Expenditures
- Consulting and contractor fees: R696,375
- Employee remuneration and related costs: R1,081,964
- IT support & server maintenance: R166,437
- Other expenses included travel, audits, training materials, and website hosting.
✅ Audit Opinion
- The financial statements received a clean/unqualified audit opinion.
- No material irregularities or compliance issues were found.
- The entity is confirmed as a going concern with no significant events post year end that could affect its viability.
📌 Governance Notes
- No litigation, fraud, or material changes in operations were noted.
- Directors confirmed their responsibilities and the effectiveness of internal controls.
📜 Constitutional Updates & Governance
Changes to the Constitution were adopted, including quorum clarifications and director attendance rules.
✅ Confirmation of Board Member nominations
Nine board member nominations were confirmed:
- Aldo Edwin Botha
- Stephen Edward Kessell
- Youlon Etienne Naidoo (Chairmen)
- Thokozile Constance Mahlangu
- Zayd Ahmed Bhamjee
- Rithesh Sewbhujjan (Vice Chairmen)
- Tim Wichman
- Zakes Sondyazi
- Stephan Olivier
🤝 Closing Remarks
Youlon Naidoo closed the meeting by thanking members and volunteer board directors for their continued dedication. He reaffirmed VDQGBSA’s mission to uphold professionalism, expand learning pathways, and strengthen its role as a SAQA-recognised body in the motor repair and insurance industry.
Exciting Opportunity: Obtain
Your VDQ Qualification –Absolutely Free!!!!
Dear VDQGBSA Members,
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to obtain the Occupational Certificate: Vehicle Damage Quantifier Qualification (SAQA QUAL ID: 99507): FREE OF CHARGE (Terms and Conditions apply).
VDQGBSA has secured funding from MERSETA to offer our members the opportunity to obtain this prestigious qualification through a statutory Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. We have partnered with Industry Training and Consulting (ITC) to deliver this project.
Limited Funding Available – Apply Now!
Due to limited funding, we encourage all eligible members to apply as soon as possible!
Provisional Closing data for applications will be 30th July 2025
Who Can Apply?
To be considered, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
✔ Be a paid-up member of VDQGBSA
✔ Be a South African citizen with a valid RSA ID
✔ Be 19 years or older
✔ Have at least 3 years of vehicle damage quantification experience as an Assessor or Estimator, with proof of experience
What is the Process?
If selected, you will have to:
✅ Sign a Leaner Agreement with VDQ
✅ Submit application documents.
Required Documents for Registration:
📌 Certified colour copy of your valid RSA ID (Card ID both Sides of ID)
📌 Certified proof of your VDQ-related work experience as Assessor or Estimator (Service Letter on employer letterhead or affidavit)
RPL Qualification in Nutshell:
- Step 1: The candidate evaluates himself against the Curriculum Criteria (Knowledge and Work Experience)
- Step 2: In a POE all evidence of a candidate is gathered and assessed to determine if the candidate may proceed with the VDQ – RPL Process.
- Step 3: A teams meeting “Verification Interview” is arranged and the candidate and RPL Advisor complete the Evaluation / Interview Checklists.
- Step 4: The “Diagnostic Instrument” is then sent on-line to the candidate to complete and send back. Possible Skill Gaps in terms of the Curriculum Criteria are identified. If a candidate hasn’t got any Gaps, the QCTO is informed, and the EISA Readiness process is completed by them and a SOR (Statement of Results) is issued to the candidate.
- Step 5: Candidates with gaps are assisted by ITC to close the gaps and prepare them for EISA and EISA Readiness.
- Step 6: ITC completes the VDQ – RPL Application for the candidate, the MerSeta issues a serial number and date, and the candidate goes to a QCTO Accredited Assessment Centre (ITC is accredited to do the EISA)
- Step 7: The candidate gets 3 attempts at the EISA and if successful, receives the VDQ Qualification.
NB!!!: VDQGBSA Certification:
Members that obtain the Qualification will be legible and automatically registered as Certified Vehicle Damage Quantifier and Professional Members of the VDQGBSA.
This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your career and gain formal recognition for your skills.
📩 Apply now to secure your place!
For more information or to apply, contact us at: vdqcertification@vdqgbsa.co.za
Important Notice for Members – CPD & Membership Compliance
To maintain your Member status with VDQGBSA, please take note of the following important requirements:
🔹 Professional Members: CPD Compliance Deadline
All professional members are required to obtain a minimum of 30 CPD points by 31 December 2025.
✅ Log into your membership portal to check your current CPD status, or email: info@vdqgbsa.co.za for assistance.
🔹 Membership Fee Deadline
Ensure your annual membership fees are paid before 31 July 2025.
Members who fail to make payment by the due date will be placed “Not in Good Standing” and will incur an administration fee to reinstate their membership.
🚫 Important Consequence
Professional Members not in good standing will forfeit their VDQ Certification and will be required to reapply or complete the RPL Qualification Process to regain professional recognition.
