In the heart of Cape Town, two brothers, Moeneeb and Shameeg Fataar, have turned their childhood passion for cars and motorsport into a thriving business. What began in 1997, with a modest workshop in a garage in Primrose Park, Athlone, has grown into one of the most respected panelbeating shops in the region.
Today, Alfa Bodyworks operates out of a 5,000 square meter facility with a dedicated team of 72 employees, delivering exceptional workmanship across a variety of vehicle repair services.
Moeneeb, who entered the industry at the age of 15, and Shameeg, who joined the trade at 19, have always shared a deep enthusiasm for the motor industry. Their passion is reflected not only in their work but in their impressive personal collection of classic and exotic Italian sports cars. Building show cars has always been a hobby for the brothers, and it’s the same passion that has driven their pursuit of excellence at Alfa Bodyworks.
The shop primarily handles insurance work, boasting approvals from all major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), which is a testament to the quality of their service. Approximately 60% of their workload involves major structural repairs, with the remainder focused on minor repairs. What sets Alfa Bodyworks apart is the hands-on approach of both Moeneeb and Shameeg, who can often be found on the workshop floor, overseeing quality control and ensuring color accuracy. This commitment to quality and detail is what continues to build trust with both insurers and clients.
The brothers attribute much of their success to their team. With some staff members having been with them for over 25 years, they’ve cultivated a workforce that shares their vision and dedication. “The key to a successful team isn’t just hiring for skill, but finding people who share your passion and commitment to the business,” the Fataar brothers say. Alfa Bodyworks is also registered with MerSETA, ensuring a continuous flow of apprentices and addressing the ongoing shortage of skilled artisans in the trade through robust training programs.
One of the hallmarks of their approach has been an unwavering commitment to quality. “We believe in being involved in every aspect of the business, and never compromising on the standard of workmanship,” says Moeneeb. This philosophy is evident in the shop’s long-standing partnership with industry-leading suppliers PPG Coatings and ABS (Auto Body Spares). “PPG and ABS have been instrumental in helping us streamline costs and improve efficiency, and their technical backup service is unparalleled,” he adds.
Alfa Bodyworks has also embraced technological innovation to stay ahead in the competitive automotive repair industry. After installing PPG’s MoonWalk® system, part of the PPG Digital Ecosystem, they’ve seen noticeable improvements in productivity and efficiency. Having worked with PPG Envirobase® High Performance for over four years and joined the MoonWalk family just a year ago, the results have been outstanding.
As they look to the future, the Fataar brothers remain committed to delivering top-tier workmanship while continuing to nurture the next generation of skilled artisans. Alfa Bodyworks stands as a shining example of how passion, dedication, and innovation can transform a small venture into a leader in the automotive repair industry.