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

Nicky Furniss

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

Ferdi de Vos

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

Brendon Staniforth

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

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

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

Liana Reiners

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

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

Brandon Jacobs

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

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

Wezile Bonani

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

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

Edward Makwana

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

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

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

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

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

Sean Nurse

Sean Nurse

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

Experience: 10 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

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

Charles Molefe

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

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

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

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

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

Phuti Mpyane

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

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

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

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

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