

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
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 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 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 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 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 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
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
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 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 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, 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
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
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
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 has experience in print and broadcast journalism, sharing his expertise through platforms like Sowetan Motoring and Ignition TV.
Experience: 7 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

Sean Nurse
Sean, an AutoTrader writer and video creator, started his career as a SAGMJ bursary recipient.
Experience: 10 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

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
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
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 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
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 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, 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
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 launched MotorMania and is the motoring specialist for Kaya FM, blending her expertise in print and radio.
Experience: 17 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

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