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
Mail & Guardian
11 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
Ford Tourneo Sport and Titanium X to challenge Hyundai and Mercedes's dominance in MPV segment
Ford extended the range of its multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) Tourneo this week by bringing in the Sport and Titanium X variants. The Hyundai Staria dominates the MPV segment, with 37% of the share, followed by Mercedes-Benz which takes 32% with its V-Class and Vito models. Ford only holds 6% of the market with the Tourneo Trend and Active variants, but is hopeful that the two new variants will help it get a bigger piece of the pie, while offering consumers an alternative to the bigger SUVs. At the media launch on Tuesday, we were offered both derivatives to drive around KwaZulu-Natal. The models have the same engine and drivetrain. A single-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 125kW of power and maximum torque of 390Nm, so the differences are cosmetic. The Titanium X offers a slightly more luxurious experience with leather seats all around and heated front seats, a chrome-accent grille and 19-inch alloy wheels. The Sport gets more design features on the exterior, with rear splash guards and sports stripes along the hood, and comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, but customers do have the option of getting 19-inch wheels. What we liked To begin with, it's lovely to see big MPVs get classy and sporty designs. The exterior of both variants were nothing overwhelming but the sport stripes on the Sport variant caught the eye. Our journey began at King Shaka International Airport. We moved around the bendy roads of La Mercy, which eventually led to a stop in Hillcrest, and I must say that, for a huge vehicle like this, it was very smooth and refined. It handled the bends easily and the gear changes were as smooth as butter. We then moved along the N3 and caught the M4 towards uMhlanga and Ballito. This is not a performance vehicle by any means, but at no point did it feel like the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine was struggling to move the vehicle. The car also places you at a very high and commanding level, but due to the shorter wheelbase in these two variants, compared to the Trend and Active, you don't necessarily feel as if you are driving an eight-seater minibus. The layout of both was also pleasing. Ford has given a ton of storage space to both front and backseat passengers. Surprisingly, the glovebox can fit a laptop in it. The second row of seats are adjustable and can be moved to face forward or backwards in case the six back seat passengers decide to have a party. It also has fixed seatbelts, so when adjusting those seats, the belt will remain in place. The 13-inch infotainment display and digital cluster adds to the interior and is extremely user friendly. Overall, it's just a very comfortable experience for both the driver and passengers and offers an enormous amount of space. What we didn't like For starters, the gear shifter has been moved to the right-hand column of the steering. Normally, a Ford's indicator is located there. The indicator has been moved to the left side. I like consistency with brands and, although this is a small issue that you can get used to, it's slightly annoying at first as you keep knocking the gear shifter when trying to indicate. The only other thing that I felt Ford could have included was an electric tailgate. The tailgate is quite heavy and, with the amount of technology included in the vehicle, this should have been added. Pricing and verdict Ford has priced the Tourneo Sport at R1 218 000 and the Tourneo Titanium X at R1 264 000. These are definitely reasonable prices for the amount of space, the comfort and the high-quality drive you will experience in both derivatives. It comes in at a similar price to the Hyundai Staria Luxury, but it also offers those consumers who might look at a Ford Everest a fresh alternative. However, consumers who want more features, like ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof, will have to wait for the luxe pack Ford is set to offer with these variants by the end of the year — at an extra cost. Both variants come with a six-year/90 000km Ford Optional Service Plan, four-year/120 000km Ford warranty, four-year/unlimited distance roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty.
The Herald
13 hours ago
- The Herald
Tata returns to South Africa with four new models
After a six-year hiatus, Indian carmaker Tata is making a comeback in South Africa with a new line-up of vehicles unveiled in Johannesburg on Tuesday. Imported and distributed by Motus Holdings and aimed at competing with the wave of Chinese manufacturers entering the market, Tata's four-strong model range combines contemporary styling with modern technology and safety features. Covering everything from compact hatchbacks to SUVs, it's a clear step forward from the days of the much-maligned Indica. The models will be available at any of Tata's 40 dealerships nationwide from September. Tiago The Tiago (pictured above) is an entry-level compact hatchback offered in four variants. Measuring 3,767mm long, it is powered by a 1.2 l four-cylinder petrol engine producing 63kW and 113Nm, sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual or AMT transmission. Standard features include ABS with EBD, corner stability control and dual airbags. Inside, buyers get a choice of a 7" or 10.25" touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, reverse camera, wireless connectivity and a cooled glove box.
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux crews on rally-raid podium in Parys
Saood Variawa and co-driver Francois Cazalet win their maiden race in the Free State. Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa (TGRSA) tackled the critical South African Rally-Raid Championship (SARRC) double-header in Parys this past weekend and the Toyota Hilux GR racing bakkie managed to hold off the challenge from the Ford Ranger. While the results from Round 2 of the season remain under review, the team bagged a double-podium in Round 3, including a maiden victory for Saood Variawa and Francois Cazalet. The race weekend saw competitors descend upon the Free State town of Parys, on the banks of the Vaal River. With the Designated Service Points (DSP) and Race HQ at the Stonehenge Lodge, the crews faced two full rounds of the national championship, with a total race distance of nearly 800km. Each round offered a full complement of points, making the double-header a pivotal weekend in the championship battle. ALSO READ: Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux must take the fight to Ford Ranger Toyota Hilux crews fight bravely Despite the added pressure, TGRSA's two Toyota Hilux GR IMT EVO crews fought bravely throughout the weekend. The results of Friday's second round remain under review, but even so the team had two cars in podium contention throughout the weekend. On Saturday, however, there were no questions asked: TGRSA had not only achieved an overall win thanks to Variawa and co-driver Cazalet, but added a third-place finish courtesy to Guy Botterill and co-driver Oriol Mena. The pair held the hard-charging crews behind them at bay to secure a second podium position for the team. The terrain around Parys proved to be every bit as tough as expected, with a surprising amount of deep water and mud, despite the mid-winter race weekend. The weather was kind, however, with moderate temperatures and light wind. But out on the stages, the action was as hot as ever, and TGRSA was right at the sharp end throughout the race weekend. ALSO READ: Close call makes Lategan more determined to win Dakar Rally Team boss chuffed 'It was a tough weekend for sure,' said TGRSA team principal Shameer Variawa after the race. 'Tactically our crews had to preserve the cars for Round 3, but they not only managed to finish strongly on Round 2, they also secured a double podium the very next day. For the team, there was a huge amount of pressure to ensure the cars were fully prepared for both days – but this is familiar territory to us thanks to our participation in the Dakar Rally, and in the end, we are ecstatic with the confirmed results.' Round 4 takes place at the Louvain Guest Farm near George in the Western Cape. This is a new race on the calendar and takes place on 19 and 20 September.
