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.

Alan Rosenmeyer is living proof of the saying, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life”. Also known as the “Man in the Hat”, Alan turned a lifelong passion into a full-time career nine years ago with the birth of MotorMatters on radio. Today it’s grown into all aspects of motoring journalism as editor of Motoring Magazine plus social media, especially on YouTube.

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.

The future of motoring journalism. With just over six years of experience on lock, Ziphorah Masethe’s career in the motoring industry started in 2016 after completing her BTech in Journalism at the Tshwane University of Technology.

Thami Masemola’s name has graced prominent print publications throughout his career, including Motor1.com (formerly WorldCarFans.com), CAR Magazine, TopCar, PiE Magazine, The Sowetan, This Day, Dunhill, Telkom, Sunday World, City Press, and FinWeek (formerly Finance Week).

Brenwin Naidu has 12 years of experience as a published motoring journalist. He’s currently the motoring section editor for Sowetan and Sunday Times Lifestyle, both under giant media house Arena Holdings.

Riyad has always loved sports and motoring, and what better way to combine the two than being a writer? He began writing motoring articles for the Criterion newspaper in the Laudium area in Pretoria in 2006. This was before he moved to the Lenasia Times Group. 

Bernard Hellberg Jr., a Publishing Director at TCB Media, boasts a 13-year tenure. Specialising in motoring content and versatile in technology, business, and travel writing, he drives TCB Media’s inflight media dominance. Collaborating with airlines and brands like Diners Club, Bidvest Premier Lounge, and SLOW Lounge.

Melinda writes about everything motoring for the Daily Maverick and has her own Saturday morning motoring show on CapeTalk. In addition, she is a best-selling author of four memoirs: Smacked, Hooked, Crashed and Bamboozled. Melinda has 13 years of experience in motor journalism.

Janine Van der Post reckons she’s had petrol running through her veins since birth. Since she was always attracted to all things motoring from a young age, she unknowingly steered herself into a motoring career. This self-proclaimed petrolhead has more than 20 years industry experience.

Fanele Bengu is an experienced and esteemed multimedia journalist working for one of the country’s leading daily newspapers, Isolezwe. He’s been telling stories for about ten years.

Francisco Nwamba dipped his toes and broke through the automotive journalism sector in 2015. This after the success of “TheMotorist”, an online car hub aimed at a new-age consumer, focusing on written content and motor video reviews.

All hail the champion. Colin Windell has been a motoring writer since 1974, making him the most experienced juror on the panel. In essence, he’s a big deal who’s seen and done it all. He started at The Star newspaper, migrating to magazines including SA Motor and Automobil before launching his title, Fleet, which ran for 20 years.

A bursary from the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists helped Lerato Matebese to break into the motor industry at the beginning of 2006. In 2007 he joined Business Day as a senior motoring writer for their weekly supplement, Motor News, a position he held for 11 years.

With a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a journalism degree would give him the tools and know-how to pursue his love of becoming a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ, allowing him to work for various motoring publications.

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.

Jeanette Kok-Kritzinger, a remarkable South African motoring journalist and former racing driver, made history in 1999, setting the Women’s Land Speed Record at 307.9 km/h. She co-hosts Wiele2Wiele with her husband Carl. Jeanette is a respected figure in the industry, known for her mastery and respect when approaching vehicles.

Associate Juror –Sheryl Goldstuck, the General Manager at World Wide Worx, handles advertising, administration, and review inquiries. She’s an accomplished author for Gadget and GadgetWheels, one of South Africa’s top online magazines, covering consumer technology, office hi-tech, motoring, and gadgets.

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.

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.

Azim Omar, a seasoned journalist with 35+ years in the industry, holds a Chartered Accountant degree, bringing analytical insight to his lifelong passion for motor journalism. He currently serves as the SAGMJ treasurer.

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.

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.

Marnus Hattingh is a seasoned journalist. He joined Die Burger newspaper in 1999 as a reporter after completing his honours degree in Journalism at Stellenbosch University. He’s been a motor journalist for the majority of his career.

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.

Gugu Masuku is an established South African motoring journalist who cut his teeth in the fast and furious realm of print and broadcast television. With a passion for all things on wheels, be it motorcycles or cars, he has shared his knowledge across some of the country’s esteemed motoring platforms, such as Sunday Times Lifestyle Motoring and Ignition TV.

Kumbi Mtshakazi is a prominent South African motoring figure and host of The Morning Show SA, providing motoring expertise. He’s a prolific contributor to apexmag.co.za, IGNITION TV, Talk Radio 702, YFM and Power 987, co-founder of Kumbi-m on Cars and a respected member of the SAGMJ.

Everything started when Jason Woosey became a South African Guild of Mobility Journalists bursar back in 2002. He then went on to establish his career in the print magazine space before joining the online world in 2010. Jason cemented himself as an industry heavyweight with more than 20 years of experience.

Mabuyane walked away from a successful career in a different sector to become a SAGMJ bursar. It’s been 17 years since she changed careers, and she’s still in love with motoring like she did all those years ago. She exudes a passion for the motoring industry.

Sibonelo is a family man with a weekly, but it’s his motoring feature that serves dynamic motoring content at a leading radio station on the continent that makes him tick. He’s been serving content on all things motoring for 15 years now.