Azim Omar
Azim is an experienced journalist and Chartered Accountant known for his analytical thinking in motor journalism. He is the SAGMJ treasurer.
Experience: 35 years
Mabuyane Mabuza
Mabuyane launched MotorMania and is the motoring specialist for Kaya FM, blending her expertise in print and radio.
Experience: 17 years
Wezile Bonani
Wezile has written for lifestyle magazines and now manages Lorenzio Productions. His motoring work includes PEFM, Bay TV CH260, and CB FM. Currently, he hosts a motoring segment on the radio show Sunday Soul Session on BayFM107.9.
Experience: 20 years
Kumbi Mtshakazi
Kumbi is a dynamic motoring journalist and host of "MorningshowSA," contributing to various platforms and shaping the motoring narrative.
Experience: 5 years
Alan Rosenmeyer
Alan turned a lifelong passion for motoring into a full-time career nine years ago with the birth of MotorMatters, now expanded into a comprehensive motor journalism platform including editing, social media, and YouTube.
Experience: 10 years
Bernard Hellberg Jr
Publishing Director at TCB Media, Bernie specialises in motoring, business, and technology content. He oversees high-quality publications and client relationships, making TCB Media a leader in inflight media.
Experience: 13 years
Riyad Jaffer
Riyad has been a key contributor to the Lenasia Times Group, focusing on motoring journalism and editorial development.
Experience: 16 years
Colin Windell
A veteran motoring writer since 1974, Colin launched Fleet magazine, which ran for 20 years. Currently, he is a freelancer for Carshop.co.za and other outlets.
Experience: 48 years
Ferdi de Vos
Ferdi de Vos brings decades of experience to the motoring world as an expert journalist and storyteller. His deep industry knowledge and compelling writing have earned him a prominent reputation in South African motoring media.
Experience: 30 years
Sisanda “Dozer” Mbete
Dozer is known for his epic road trip events and 4x4 exploits. Mbete has a particular interest for SUV’s and bakkies. He’s no stranger to the competition, and has been on the South African COTY juror panel for the past three years.
Experience: 8 years
Damian Adams
From intern to editor, Damian Adams' story reads like a well-written novel. He steadily worked his way up to Mzansi's top motoring media position, seated in the driver's chair at CAR Magazine.
Experience: 6 years
Jason Mayo
Reserve Juror - Jason Mayo’s lifelong passion for mobility, innovation, and technology has fuelled his diverse career journey. With a background in accounting and experience in media, entertainment, finance, business administration, and IT solutions, he's made a name for himself in automotive, technology, and lifestyle media. His philosophy of "let your passion do the talking" has shaped his unique storytelling style.
Experience: 7 years
Jeanette Kok-Kritzinger
Jeanette, a former racing driver and motoring journalist, set the South African Women's Land Speed Record and co-hosts the Afrikaans motoring radio show "Wiele2Wiele."
Experience: 30 years
Fanelesibonge Bengu
Fanele manages Isolezwe’s motoring content, both print and online, and started his career under the mentorship of SAGMJ juror Lindani Buthelezi.
Experience: 10 years
Jason Woosey
COTY Committee - Jason is the Motoring Editor of IOL, known for his expertise and passion for design. He has been a COTY juror for over a dozen times.
Experience: 20 years
Gugu Masuku
Gugu has experience in print and broadcast journalism, sharing his expertise through platforms like Sowetan Motoring and Ignition TV.
Experience: 7 years
Brendon Staniforth
Brendon Staniforth is a veteran motoring journalist in South Africa’s automotive industry. Renowned for his reviews and passion for cars, he serves as a 2025 COTY Juror, shaping the future of motoring journalism.
Experience: 20 years
Charles Molefe
Associate Juror - Charles Molefe, a motoring enthusiast, has contributed to Kasie FM, TopGear South Africa, and The Mail & Guardian. He shares his expertise on his blog, Gottagged.
Experience: 8 years
Justin Jacobs
Justin Jacobs has always had a deep passion for all things motoring. He knew he wanted to do something related to cars when he was a young boy. His love has gotten him 12 exhilarating years in the industry.
Experience: 12 years
Nafisa Akabor
Nafisa Akabor is a freelance technology journalist whose forte covers business and consumer tech, she has been doing this for 15 years. In the last five years, Nafisa has ventured into electric cars.
Experience: 15 years
Lerato Matebese
COTY Committee - Lerato co-founded Clipping Point Publishing, which publishes TopGear Magazine SA and Mail & Guardian Motoring. He has been a SAGMJ juror eight times.
Experience: 23 years
Francisco Nwamba
Francisco is a creative force in automotive journalism and media, known for "The Motorist" and as the host of Ignition GT. He co-founded the digital agency SoSocial South Africa.
Experience: 7 years
Melinda Ferguson
COTY Committee - Melinda writes for the Daily Maverick, hosts a motoring show on Cape Talk, and is a bestselling author and publisher.
Experience: 13 years
Lawrence Smith
Lawrence Smith, Editor at rideanddrive.co.za and CEO at Motoring Solutions, is a prominent figure in the motoring industry. He's an accomplished writer and provides content for IGNITION TV on DStv, Metro FM, and YFM. A proud member of the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists, Lawrence's experience and dedication shape South Africa's motoring journalism, earning him respect and influence.
Experience: 12 years
Sean Nurse
Sean, an AutoTrader writer and video creator, started his career as a SAGMJ bursary recipient.
Experience: 10 years
Juliet McGuire
Juliet McGuire is a content producer and presenter of videos for Ignition TV and Gumtree. She has more than 14 years of experience. She is also a freelance writer for AA Traveller, Women's Health, Men's Health, and Modern Luxe, to name a few.
Experience: 14 years
Carl Wepener
Carl Wepener’s love of motoring was sparked at the tender age of 4. His fondest memory is driving old Fordson tractors with his brother. His passion now spawns an incredible 22 years of experience.
Experience: 22 years
Sheryl Goldstuck
Sheryl Goldstuck serves as General Manager at World Wide Worx, contributing to Gadget and GadgetWheels. She is a prominent figure in consumer technology and motoring media.
Experience: 20 years
Rebaneilwe Semakane
Associate Juror - Rebaneilwe Semakane, an independent motoring journalist with 3+ years' experience, contributes to Ignition TV, SAfm, and PowerFM. She specializes in motoring and journalism, aiming to inspire women of colour to excel. As an award-winning journalist and 2023/24 Cars Awards Judge, she's a diversity role model in motoring journalism, respected for her industry impact and commitment.
Experience: 4 years
Dirk Gallowitz
Dirk started his freelance motoring journalism career in the mid-eighties reviewing trucks – something that naturally progressed from his weekend job as an advanced driving instructor focused on post-driver training on links and super links, which were introduced to the industry when he started.
Experience: 36 years
Sibonelo Myeni
COTY Committee - Sibonelo’s iMoto Media enhances financial literacy and motoring knowledge through indigenous languages, reaching millions of South Africans.
Experience: 15 years
Nicky Furniss
Associate Juror - Nicky Furniss is an experienced editor and journalist with a strong background in media, currently serving as Senior Editor at TCB Media. She has contributed to various notable publications throughout her career.
Experience: 15 years
Ziphorah Masethe
Ziphorah Masethe has 7 years of experience in motoring journalism, starting her career in 2016 after earning a BTech in Journalism. She is considered a rising star in the industry.
Experience: 7 years
Brenwin Naidu
COTY Committee - Brenwin is the motoring editor for Sowetan and Sunday Times Lifestyle, known for his award-winning journalism and recognition on the Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans list.
Experience: 12 years
Thami Masemola
COTY Chairman - Thami Masemola is a writer and founder of IN4RIDE. He is a trailblazer in motoring journalism and has won multiple awards for his diverse contributions to the field.
Experience: 22 years
Phuti Mpyane
Phuti Mpyane, former editor of Cars In Action and director at Vanquish Media, is a prominent motoring journalist in South Africa's automotive industry.
Experience: 15 years
Ian McLaren
Not only does he carry the most famous last names in the motoring industry, but Ian McLaren is also a keen motoring writer. He was fortunate enough to have been mentored by some of the finest motoring journalists this industry has seen, including John Bentley, Mike Monk and Anthony Doman.
Experience: 24 years
Brandon Jacobs
Associate Juror - Brandon Jacobs, Founder of SnapChange Media, is a versatile automotive journalist, photographer, and videographer creating dynamic motoring content.
Experience: 5 years
Marnus Hattingh
Marnus Hattingh has over 23 years of experience in motoring journalism. He is the motoring editor of Afrikaans titles at Media24 and co-authored Zanzibar Zen, showcasing his diverse talents.
Experience: 23 years
Edward Makwana
Associate Juror - Edward Makwana has held prominent roles such as Group PR & Brand Officer at Tshwaledi Investments and Product Communications Manager for BMW South Africa. He currently contributes to YourLuxury Africa, Leadership Magazine, Forbes Africa, and Skyways Magazine.
Experience: 20 years
Vann van Staden
Vann van Staden, a dedicated motor and lifestyle journalist with over a decade of experience, launched APEX in 2021 to challenge gender stereotypes in the male-dominated automotive industry. APEX empowers aspiring writers and blends automotive excitement with lifestyle elements. She was recognized as one of the M&G 200 Young South Africans in 2022.
Experience: 10 years
Liana Reiners
Liana Reiners is a skilled motoring journalist with extensive experience in automotive reporting and reviews. Her passion for cars and her sharp editorial skills make her a respected voice in the industry.
Experience: 22 years
Janine van der Post
Janine has been leading News24 Motoring since 2019 and is dedicated to promoting fairness, honesty, and female representation in the motoring industry.
Experience: 20 years