Janine van der Post

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

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

Jason Woosey

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

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

Fanelesibonge Bengu

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

Jeanette Kok-Kritzinger

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

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

Bernard Hellberg Jr

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

Kumbi Mtshakazi

Kumbi Mtshakazi

Kumbi is a dynamic motoring journalist and host of “MorningshowSA,” contributing to various platforms and shaping the motoring narrative.

Experience: 5 years

Sheryl Goldstuck

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

Marnus Hattingh

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

Colin Windell

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

Riyad Jaffer

Riyad Jaffer

Riyad has been a key contributor to the Lenasia Times Group, focusing on motoring journalism and editorial development.

Experience: 16 years

Azim Omar

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

Vann van Staden

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

Francisco Nwamba

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

Sisanda “Dozer” Mbete

Dozer is known for his epic road trip events and 4×4 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

Rebaneilwe Semakane

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

Lerato Matebese

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

Mabuyane Mabuza

Mabuyane Mabuza

Mabuyane launched MotorMania and is the motoring specialist for Kaya FM, blending her expertise in print and radio.

Experience: 17 years

Thami Masemola

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

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

Alan Rosenmeyer

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

Ziphorah Masethe

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

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

Melinda Ferguson

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

Sean Nurse

Sean Nurse

Sean, an AutoTrader writer and video creator, started his career as a SAGMJ bursary recipient.

Experience: 10 years

Gugu Masuku

Gugu Masuku

Gugu has experience in print and broadcast journalism, sharing his expertise through platforms like Sowetan Motoring and Ignition TV.

Experience: 7 years

Lawrence Smith

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

Sibonelo Myeni

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