The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) has unveiled a fresh and dynamic team for the 2025 Car of the Year (COTY) competition, which is proudly sponsored by Old Mutual Insure. As one of the most prestigious and long-standing automotive awards in South Africa, the COTY competition plays a pivotal role in recognising excellence within the local automotive industry. With over five decades of tradition behind it, the competition’s integrity and credibility rely on a dedicated and highly skilled panel of media professionals, and the newly announced COTY Committee promises to uphold these values.
A New Era of Expertise and Diversity
The 2025 COTY Committee is headed by Thami Masemola, who also serves as the Vice Chairman of the SAGMJ. Masemola, an influential voice in the automotive journalism sphere, brings extensive experience to the role, further cementing his reputation as a leader in the industry. He expressed his pride in the diverse and distinguished team that will work alongside him. “I am extremely proud to be working with such a distinguished and diverse group as my COTY Committee colleagues,” said Masemola. “They represent some of our very best and are absolutely up to the task of delivering a credible and fair competition.”
The COTY Committee includes six esteemed members, all of whom are respected automotive journalists from various reputable South African media outlets. Together, they represent an impressive array of publications, radio stations, and platforms. The full list of committee members is as follows:
- Thami Masemola – IN4RIDE, Radio 2000, Power 987
- Lerato Matebese – Top Gear SA, Mail & Guardian
- Melinda Ferguson – Daily Maverick, Cape Talk
- Jason Woosey – IOL
- Brenwin Naidu – Sowetan, Times Live, Sunday Times
- Sibonelo Myeni – Imoto Media, Ukhozi FM
These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and a wide range of perspectives to the table, ensuring that the judging process will be comprehensive, fair, and representative of South Africa’s diverse automotive landscape.
A Renewed Commitment to Excellence
For the third consecutive year, Old Mutual Insure has thrown its unwavering support behind the COTY competition. Jerry Anthonyrajah, the Chief Commercial Officer of Old Mutual Insure, reiterated the company’s commitment to fostering excellence in the local automotive industry. “The SA Car of the Year sets a benchmark for excellence in the automotive industry, and we’re excited to see this year’s committee, which consists of some of South Africa’s top automotive journalists, bring their expertise and passion to recognise the very best in motoring.”
The partnership between Old Mutual Insure and the SAGMJ underscores the importance of the COTY competition as a platform for recognising innovation and quality in South Africa’s automotive market.
A Rigorous Process and a Competitive Field
With over 50 new vehicles set to debut in South Africa between January and December 2024, the competition for the coveted COTY title will be fierce. The COTY Committee, alongside the broader SAGMJ Jury pool, will be responsible for narrowing down the field and selecting the finalists, all of whom must pass a stringent series of evaluations before being crowned as winners in their respective categories.
The process towards selecting the 2025 COTY winner is already underway, and the stakes are higher than ever. Jury members will soon vote for the finalist vehicles, with extensive testing set to take place in March 2025. During this period, the finalists will undergo a series of rigorous assessments, ensuring that the most deserving car takes home the prestigious title.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 competition promises to be a thrilling one, with the reigning COTY champion, the BMW 7 Series, set to be succeeded by a new winner. As the countdown to the testing days begins, industry experts and enthusiasts alike will be eagerly watching to see which car rises to the top of South Africa’s competitive automotive market.
SAGMJ Chairperson, Mabuyane Mabuza, expressed confidence in the new COTY Committee’s ability to manage this significant event. “The 2025 COTY Committee consists of members with impeccable credentials and experience,” he said. “I’m confident that the 2025 COTY is in good hands.”
With the combination of expert judges, rigorous testing, and the continued support of Old Mutual Insure, the 2025 South African Car of the Year competition promises to be an exciting and pivotal moment in the local automotive industry, one that celebrates the very best in innovation, design, and performance.
Stay tuned for further announcements as the 2025 COTY competition unfolds.
