JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 19 May 2026 – A much-loved fixture on the country’s motoring calendar is gearing up for another chapter as the 43rd annual Angela’s Picnic prepares to take over Riversands Farm Village on Sunday, 24 May 2026.
Powered by Stellantis South Africa, the event has long been more than a casual weekend gathering. It is a living, breathing showcase of automotive heritage, enthusiast culture, and community spirit, all anchored by a meaningful purpose: raising funds for Greendale House Palliative and Hospice Care.
Founded in the 1980s by the late Angela Heinz, Angela’s Picnic has evolved into one of South Africa’s most recognisable grassroots motoring events. What began as a simple community meet has grown into a diverse celebration of vehicles spanning generations, drawing car clubs, collectors, families, and curious visitors from across the country into a shared space where chrome, carbon, and conversation collide.
Over the decades, the event has raised more than R1 million for hospice and palliative care services, directly supporting the compassionate work carried out by Greendale House for patients and their families. That legacy of giving remains central to its identity, ensuring that every polished bonnet and restored badge contributes to something far more enduring than automotive admiration alone.
Paul Williams, National Chairman of the Alfa Romeo Owners Association and one of the event organisers, describes Angela’s Picnic as a rare bridge between enthusiast culture and public engagement. He notes that its longevity is rooted in its ability to stay relevant while remaining true to its founding purpose, bringing together motoring communities in a way that feels both informal and deeply impactful.
For Stellantis South Africa, the event also serves as a strategic and human connection point with local motorists. Charl Timms, Commercial Director for Stellantis South Africa, highlights the importance of engaging directly with customers in environments that feel authentic rather than transactional. The brand’s presence underscores a commitment not only to product visibility but also to community participation and social contribution.
Visitors this year can expect a broad Stellantis showcase spanning multiple brands, including Alfa Romeo, Citroën, FIAT, Jeep®, Opel and PEUGEOT. Together, they represent a cross-section of design philosophies and mobility solutions, from heritage icons to modern interpretations of efficiency and performance.
Alongside the manufacturer displays, car clubs from across South Africa will bring their own carefully curated line-ups, offering a rolling timeline of automotive evolution. Among the expected highlights are enduring favourites such as the Citroën DS, FIAT 500, PEUGEOT 405 and the legendary Opel Superboss, each carrying its own cultural and engineering significance.
Despite the scale of the gathering, the spirit of Angela’s Picnic remains deliberately accessible. Entry is free, with visitors encouraged to make voluntary donations at the gate in support of Greendale House. The atmosphere is designed to be relaxed and family-friendly, complemented by food vendors, live entertainment, and a dedicated children’s play area. The only strict rule on the day is simple and safety-focused: no gas or open braai fires will be permitted on site.
As engines cool and conversations spark under the Midrand sky, Angela’s Picnic continues to do what it has always done best. It turns a shared love of cars into a shared act of care, proving that the road from automotive passion to community impact can be both short and profoundly meaningful.
