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AA CEO Bobby Ramagwede challenges carmakers on South African safety standards
via The Citizen4 min read
Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of the Automobile Association of South Africa AASA, has launched a campaign to improve new car safety standards in the country. He questions why the lives of South African motorists, particularly first-time buyers of entry-level cars, are valued less than those in other countries. The AA, in collaboration with the Global New Car Assessment Programme GNCAP, conducts safety tests on popular locally sold cars, revealing low ratings such as a "zero star" for the Hyundai Grand i10 and two stars for the Toyota Corolla Cross base model, with a minimum of three stars considered a passing grade. Carmakers in South Africa argue their vehicles meet homologation requirements, but GNCAP disagrees. Ramagwede's career spans various industries, including banking and healthcare administration, before he was appointed CEO of the AA. He advocates for a "delayed gratification" mindset to address issues like infrastructure maintenance. The AA, established in 1930, has over 270,000 members and is part of the African component of the FIA. Ramagwede notes that some manufacturers, like Volkswagen Group Africa, have already upgraded safety standards for their entry-level models due to the campaign.
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The trial of 62 individuals accused in connection with the deadly July 2021 unrest in KwaZulu-Natal KZN has been postponed after several defendants were left without legal representation. The case resumed in the Durban High Court on Monday, July 20, 2026, but proceedings could not begin as attorneys for some accused withdrew. The court ordered the affected accused to apply for legal aid immediately. The National Prosecuting Authority NPA spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, stated that the State was ready to proceed with five witnesses available to testify. The matter has been postponed to July 27, 2026, for Legal Aid to provide an update on appointing legal representatives. The accused face charges including incitement to commit public violence, incitement to commit terrorism, conspiracy to commit public violence, conspiracy to commit murder, terrorism, sedition, and public violence. The July 2021 riots, which resulted in over 350 deaths in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, were triggered by the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma for contempt of court. The unrest led to the closure of shops and factories, with an estimated economic cost exceeding R50 billion. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, former president Jacob Zuma's daughter, also faces charges of incitement to commit terrorism and public violence, to which she has pleaded not guilty. The State alleges she used her X account to incite violence and looting. A social media law expert testified in November that Zuma-Sambudla's posts w
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