A team of passionate engineers in Bloemfontein has achieved what many thought impossible — building South Africa’s first fully home-made bakkie, designed and assembled entirely in the Free State.
The vehicle, created by Brandt BRV, is a hand-built steel bakkie that blends rugged practicality with South African ingenuity. It’s not just another model assembled from imported parts — it’s a ground-up, locally engineered machine built for the country’s toughest roads.
Steel, Sweat, and South African Grit
Founded by Stian Brandt, Brandt BRV began in a modest Bloemfontein workshop with one goal: to design and manufacture a reliable bakkie suited for local terrain and working conditions.
“We wanted to prove that South Africans can build our own vehicles — not just put together imported kits,” Brandt told reporters.
Each BRV bakkie is crafted using locally sourced steel and built by hand, panel by panel. The design focuses on durability, simplicity, and strength, making it ideal for farmers, contractors, and off-road enthusiasts who value resilience over luxury.
A True ‘Made in Mzansi’ Success Story
Unlike mass-produced global models, the Bloemfontein-built bakkie carries a unique South African identity. From the chassis to the finishing touches, everything is built by a small team of artisans trained in welding, fabrication, and assembly.
“We’re not trying to make a fancy car,” Brandt said. “We’re making something that lasts — something that speaks to South African toughness.”
The bakkie has passed the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) inspection, meaning it’s legally roadworthy and ready for use. Although production numbers remain small — around 50 to 60 units to date — demand has been steadily increasing as word spreads.
Bloemfontein’s Pride on Four Wheels
For the people of Bloemfontein, the BRV bakkie is more than a vehicle — it’s a symbol of what local innovation can achieve.
“This is proof that Bloemfontein can compete with the best,” says local mechanic Mpho Lehana, who visited the workshop. “They built something from scratch that works. That’s real engineering.”
Looking Ahead
Brandt BRV hopes to expand its operations and produce more models in the future, but scaling remains a challenge. The company is currently exploring partnerships and government incentives to boost production.
“We’re not trying to take on Toyota,” Brandt laughs. “We just want to build proudly South African vehicles that serve our communities.”
With innovation at its core and home-grown pride behind every bolt, Bloemfontein’s first home-made bakkie has set a new benchmark for South African craftsmanship — and perhaps, the start of a new local automotive era.
