Port Rex Technical High School, East London – June 2025
Against the spirited backdrop of Youth Month, the fourth annual MIWA Motor Mech Show roared to life at Port Rex Technical High School this past weekend. More than just a competition, the event served as a vibrant celebration of skill, promise, and purpose — shining a spotlight on the future of South Africa’s automotive industry and launching Project Dineo, a transformative new youth development initiative from the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).
At the heart of the festivities was the fiercely contested Motor Mech Junior Mechanic Competition, where talented learners showcased their technical prowess under pressure. Claiming top honours was Andries van der Walt, with Ruben Barkhuizen and Boaz Wild finishing a close second and third, respectively — all proudly representing their home turf of Port Rex. In recognition of their achievements, each of the top three received toolboxes sponsored by MISA and Idemitsu, while the highest-performing young woman, Simangile Mohoyana, was also honoured with a prize, reinforcing MIWA’s commitment to recognising excellence across the board.
Fuelled by excitement and pride, Andries received a special cheer from his twin brother, Tjaart van der Walt — a fellow Motor Mech champion and MIWA brand ambassador. Tjaart’s own accomplishments, including first place at the Kariega Motor Mech Show and runner-up in East London in 2024, served as an inspiring reminder of how platforms like Motor Mech can catalyse real industry opportunities for young South Africans.
A Celebration of Talent and Teamwork
Organised by the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), an association under the RMI umbrella, the Motor Mech Show has evolved into one of the Eastern Cape’s standout Youth Month events. Over its four-year history, the event has brought together technical schools, local workshops, and community partners in a shared mission to inspire, educate, and uplift.
“This event continues to grow from strength to strength,” said Teresa Spenser Higgs, MIWA NEC, RMI Board Member, and Chairperson of the RMI Eastern Cape. “Every year, it makes a bigger impact — not just on students, but on families and employers. It’s a perfect blend of entertainment, education, and empowerment.”
This year’s show went a step further, introducing free career aptitude testing for Grade 9 and older learners, and marking the national launch of Project Dineo — a bold new initiative designed to reshape youth opportunity in the motor industry.
Introducing Project Dineo: A Gift of Opportunity
A partnership between the RMI, merSETA, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, and the Presidency, Project Dineo will support 100 young South Africans per year for the next three years, with a deliberate focus on women, youth from disadvantaged communities, and persons with disabilities.
“‘Dineo’ means ‘gift’ in Sotho — and that’s what this initiative truly represents,” said Ipeleng Mabusela, CEO of the RMI. “Through structured apprenticeships, short skills programmes, and mentorship, we are offering our youth a gift of purpose, a chance to grow, and a pathway into meaningful work.”
As part of the launch, eleven Motor Mech participants — including Tjaart van der Walt — were awarded technical study grants from the RMI. These learners will receive formal training through top public TVET colleges and accredited providers, along with Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements at participating RMI member workshops.
Building Confidence, Breaking Stereotypes
Among those judging the competition was respected industry professional Pumza Gaqa, who praised the learners’ poise, technical acumen, and ability to think on their feet.
“What impressed me most was the confidence these students brought to both the theory and practical aspects of the challenge,” she said. “Events like these are key to demystifying the industry and helping learners envision a future in it.”
As a woman in the motor industry, Gaqa also had words of encouragement for girls considering careers in automotive trades. “Don’t be intimidated by who’s in the room. Let your passion drive you, and your work will speak for itself. Girls belong in this industry — and we need more of them.”
She added that programmes like Motor Mech and Project Dineo are vital to nurturing young talent, creating inclusive spaces, and ensuring that learners see themselves reflected in every aspect of the sector.
More Than a Competition
The day was packed with more than just technical challenges. Visitors enjoyed the SAICE Bridge Building Challenge, an Interschool Sports Derby between Port Rex and Hudson Park High School, and engaging industry exhibits that provided hands-on technology demos and career advice.
“Opportunities where schools and the private sector collaborate at this scale are incredibly powerful,” said Ettiene Theron, Principal of Port Rex. “Motor Mech is more than an event – it’s a springboard. Learners don’t just gain exposure; they gain access.”
RMI’s Peter van Mosseveld echoed the sentiment. “When education and industry align, real change happens. Project Dineo is a game-changer – one that opens doors for youth who may otherwise have been left out of the picture.”
As the sun set over a day filled with inspiration, innovation, and opportunity, the message from East London was loud and clear: the future of South Africa’s automotive industry is not only in good hands — it’s in the making.
With initiatives like the MIWA Motor Mech Show and Project Dineo, the sector is not just nurturing skilled artisans but also driving a more inclusive, empowered, and hopeful tomorrow.
