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RMI staff members

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Over the past few months a number of individuals have joined the RMI or moved into new positions within the RMI. We get to know them better.

  1. Jacques Viljoen – Labour Director and Company Secretary Designate

What was your most recent position prior to joining the RMI / your new position?

I was the Free State and Northern Cape Regional Manager.

What qualifications do you hold and where did you study?

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from North-West University and a post graduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDip) from the University of the Free State. I am currently enrolled for a Master in Business Administration (MBA) at Henley Business School, University of Reading, UK.

Where were you born, and where did you grow up?

I was born in Odendaalsrus, Free State and grew up in Bothaville, Free State.

What appeals to you about your new appointment?

I enjoy learning new things and look forward to being exposed to new parts of the retail motor industry, whilst adding value to our membership.

What motivates and inspires you?

My wife has been a massive motivator and inspiration to me. More recently, our newborn son motivates me to keep working to do better.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy collecting seeds and propagating them at my home. I have grown more than 300 trees from seeds, from various species. I have an arrangement with a friend who lives on a smallholding to where I move all my bigger trees. It started as a hobby but seems to be “growing”into something bigger.

2. Reemo Swartz – Regional Manager and MIWA Associational Representative, Free State and Northern Cape

What was your most recent position prior to joining the RMI / your new position?

I was a representative for the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) in the Free State and Northern Cape.

What qualifications do you hold and where did you study?

Grade 12.

Where were you born, and where did you grow up?

I was born and bred in Kimberley.

What appeals to you about your new appointment?

With 13 years’ experience in the motor industry, knowing now that I will be part of or have an impact on decisions made in the industry is what gets me going and I am loving every minute of it.

What motivates and inspires you?

My family. Honestly speaking, I do not think I would be where I am today without their prayers and my father’s inspiration.

What are your hobbies?

Cycling and anything to do with motorsport, this includes just standing and staring at engine bays.

3. Aphelele Tapile – Industrial Relations Specialist (Johannesburg)

What was your most recent position prior to joining the RMI?

Before I joined the RMI in April this year, I worked as a senior Industrial Relations Consultant at Labournet.

What qualifications do you hold and where did you study?

BSoc.Sci Law from Rhodes University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Labour Law from the University of Johannesburg.

Where were you born, and where did you grow up?

East London, Eastern Cape.

What appeals to you about your new appointment?

I look forward to continuing to grow in my field and the specialisation into the motor industry as well as understanding the RMI as a whole including all its various affiliates.

What motivates and inspires you?

Constantly challenging myself, reaching for higher heights, smashing personal goals and making my family proud.

What are your hobbies?

Reading, shopping, trying out new restaurants and just hanging out with friends.