A former racing driver and motoring journalist, Jeanette set the South African Women’s Land Speed Record and co-hosts the Afrikaans motoring radio show Wiele2Wiele.

Bernard Hellberg Jr is the Publishing Director at TCB Media, specialising in motoring, business, and technology content. He oversees premium publications and client relationships across the inflight and specialist media space.

COTY Committee Member – Sibonelo Myeni is the founder of iMoto Media and a contributor to Ukhozi FM. As a COTY 2026 Committee member, he plays a key role in broadening motoring education and accessibility through indigenous languages.

Sheryl Goldstuck is the General Manager at World Wide Worx and a contributor to Gadget and GadgetWheels. She is a leading voice in consumer technology and motoring media.

Fanele Bengu manages Isolezwe’s motoring content across print and digital platforms. He began his career under the mentorship of respected SAGMJ juror Lindani Buthelezi.

Marnus Hattingh is the motoring editor for Afrikaans titles at Media24 and has over two decades of industry experience. He is also the co-author of Zanzibar Zen.

Mabuyane Mabuza launched MotorMania and serves as the motoring specialist for Kaya FM, blending expertise across print, digital, and radio platforms.

COTY Committee Member – Jason Woosey is the Motoring Editor of IOL and a respected authority on automotive design and innovation. As a COTY 2026 Committee member, he brings deep editorial and industry experience to the judging process.

Janine has led News24 Motoring since 2019 and is committed to promoting fairness, honesty, and increased female representation within the motoring industry.

Sean Nurse is an AutoTrader writer and video creator who began his career as a SAGMJ bursary recipient and continues to build his presence across digital motoring platforms.

A motoring writer since 1974, Colin Windell launched Fleet magazine, which ran successfully for 20 years. He currently freelances for Carshop.co.za and other automotive platforms.

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.

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.

COTY Chairman – For the second year running, Thami Masemola returns as COTY Chairman. He is the founder of IN4RIDE and a respected voice on Radio 2000 and Power 987. A trailblazer in motoring journalism, Thami provides strategic leadership and oversight to the Car of the Year programme.

Lawrence Smith is the Editor of rideanddrive.co.za and CEO of Motoring Solutions. He is actively involved in motoring media production, advertorial content, and automotive event coverage across digital and broadcast platforms.

Alan turned a lifelong passion for motoring into a full-time career with the launch of MotorMatters, which has grown into a comprehensive motoring journalism platform spanning editorial, social media, and video content.

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

COTY Committee Member – Melinda Ferguson is a journalist and editor contributing to City Press and Cape Talk. As a COTY 2026 Committee member, she brings a strong consumer, lifestyle, and media perspective to the judging panel.

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.

Ziphora Masethe began her motoring journalism career in 2016 after earning a BTech in Journalism and is recognised as a rising talent in the industry.

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

Francisco Nwamba is a creative force in automotive journalism, best known for The Motorist and as host of Ignition GT. He is also the co-founder of digital agency SoSocial South Africa.

Azim is an experienced journalist and Chartered Accountant known for his analytical thinking in motor journalism. He serves as the SAGMJ treasurer and brings strong financial and industry insight to the jury.

Kumbi is a dynamic motoring journalist and host of MorningshowSA, contributing across multiple platforms while shaping contemporary motoring conversations.

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.