Johannesburg, 2 December 2025 – GWM South Africa celebrated its 18th anniversary with an occasion that felt less like a corporate milestone and more like a vibrant family reunion. Hosted at Syringa Park in Muldersdrift, the inaugural FAM FEST transformed the sprawling outdoor space into a colourful, high-energy celebration of music, movement, and shared experience—an event designed to honour the customers, partners, dealers, and communities that have shaped the brand’s journey since 2007.
What unfolded was a full-day festival that radiated joy, unity, and the unmistakable spirit of a brand that has become deeply woven into the lives of South Africans.
A Convoy That Set the Tone
The festivities began with a moment that encapsulated the heart of the GWM community. The GWM Owners Club and Haval Ladies arrived at Syringa Park in a spirited convoy, rolling in with confidence, pride, and unmistakable camaraderie. Their entrance created a wave of excitement and provided a visual reminder of the loyalty and shared identity that has grown around the brand over nearly two decades.
More than just an arrival, the convoy symbolised what GWM has always championed: people first. The vehicles were the connection point—but the community was the story.
A Festival Alive with Discovery
Once inside Syringa Park, guests entered a world crafted for curiosity and connection. The park buzzed with activity, from food stalls offering local favourites to interactive installations where families could engage, play, and explore. Every corner presented something new—photo moments that captured memories, friendly games that sparked laughter, and experiences designed to bring people together.
The dedicated kids’ zone became a hub of imagination, where bright colours, creative play areas and hands-on activities kept younger festivalgoers immersed for hours. It was a reminder that family has always been at the core of GWM’s identity.
Adults enjoyed their own blend of fun and exploration, including a 4×4 instructor-led driving experience that showcased GWM’s latest models in action. These demonstrations reinforced the brand’s commitment to performance, safety, and innovation, illustrating how its vehicles are designed to elevate everyday life, not merely get people from point A to B.
A Musical Celebration of South Africa’s Spirit
Music pulsed through the festival from morning to evening, carrying the rhythms and stories of South Africa’s diverse cultural tapestry.
MiCasa set the stage with crowd favourites like “These Streets,” drawing festivalgoers into warm, feel-good energy.
Kamo Mphela ignited the dancefloor with her electrifying performance of “Dallie,” while Karen Zoid delivered nostalgia with her beloved classic “Aeroplane Jane.”
Jo Black and Justin Zulu offered heartfelt sing-along moments, and the spirited Mapantsula Movement gave the day a touch of cultural depth and heritage.
To close, Oscar Mbo brought deep house grooves to the evening, sending festivalgoers home with the day’s energy still buzzing in the air.
Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation
Beyond the entertainment, FAM FEST served as a celebration of GWM’s evolution in South Africa. Since entering the market in 2007, the brand has redefined what mobility can look like for the modern South African driver—introducing bold design, advanced technology, and lifestyle-focused vehicles that resonate with local needs and aspirations.
The festival paid tribute to the communities that helped GWM grow into a trusted household name. Among its standout successes, the Haval Jolion remains a favourite, recording more than 3 000 sales in the first quarter of 2025 alone, underscoring its growing popularity in a highly competitive market.
“This was more than a party,” said Conrad Gronewald, Chief Operations Officer at GWM South Africa. “It was a celebration of trust, connection and shared value. FAM FEST reflects our commitment to family, fun, and lifestyle, while also looking forward to the next chapter of GWM in South Africa—one that will continue to innovate, create memorable experiences, and bring people together.”
Gratitude for the Past, Vision for the Future
As the sun set and the festival lights dimmed over Syringa Park, the message left behind was clear: GWM’s next decade will be defined by deeper customer relationships and an unwavering dedication to offering mobility solutions that evolve with the South African lifestyle.
Floyd Ramabulana, Head of Marketing at GWM South Africa, captured the sentiment perfectly. “FAM FEST is a reminder that our story is written with our customers. Every family that arrived today, every GWM owner in the convoys, every child that played in the kids’ zone, and every person who sang along to the music is part of our journey. As we step into this new decade, we remain committed to building vehicles and experiences that reflect the lifestyles, aspirations and growing needs of South Africans.”
After 18 years of growth, innovation, and meaningful connection, FAM FEST didn’t just mark an anniversary—it set the stage for an exciting new chapter driven by community, inspired by lifestyle, and powered by GWM’s passion for progress.
