‘Don’t want to go formal’However, Mabusela said compliance costs were causing mechanics and consumers to cut corners. RMI has a programme that supports informal business, but the CEO explained that informal businesses were reluctant to formalise due to regulations. Declining workforceAdding to the problem was the sharp decline in skilled workers in the automotive industry over the last 10 years. In 2014, the country had 19 506 skilled workers in the industry, which had declined to 13 468 by 2024. He stressed that the shortage of skilled workers resulted in longer repair times and higher repair costs.