If you expect warranty service, you're going to disappoint yourself. If you would pay triple the money for the same tank, I'm sure some suppliers would warranty them.

I got into this hobby expecting things to break. When they don't it's a nice surprise, when they do, it sharpens my modelling and electrical skills.

Maintain enough spare parts and follow the advice of your fellow forum members and you'll be a happy tanker. Does Mato ship to South Africa? He might if you put a large enough order together. What fun is it when the only tank you have is broken down? That's why we all have 3 or more! Buy another tank or two from Mato, a couple of smoke and sound kits, airsoft units and metal accessories and you'll be set for years of fun. If someone else ships to you, say our Aussie friends, the Brits or the Germans and shipping is reasonable, buy from them too.