The sound of engines and the energy of young ambition will collide at full throttle as the 2025 Motor Mech Show takes over Port Rex Technical High School in East London on Saturday, 21 June. Now in its fourth year, this flagship Youth Month event, proudly hosted by the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA)—an association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI)—continues to expand its reach, purpose, and impact.
“This event continues to grow from strength to strength, and every year we see the impact it has on students, parents, and industry partners alike,” says Teresa Spenser Higgs, RMI Eastern Cape Chairperson. “It’s the perfect mix of entertainment and education, showcasing real opportunities in the automotive sector and drawing young talent into our workshops.”
Real Skills. Real Opportunities. Real Futures.
At its heart, the Motor Mech Show is a bridge between education and industry—where learners engage directly with the world of automotive technology, and where future technicians, engineers, and innovators take their first steps toward meaningful careers.
Peter van Mosseveld, RMI Regional Manager and Consumer Affairs Specialist for the Eastern Cape, highlights the growing diversity and inclusivity of the show. “From the ever-popular Motor Mech Junior Mechanic competition to new, engaging features like the Interschools Sports Derby Day between Hudson Park High School and Port Rex, the 2025 event promises both fun and forward momentum,” he says.
Other additions include a Kiddies’ Area hosted by the Interact Clubs of the participating schools—proceeds from which will support youth-led community initiatives—and the SAICE Bridge Building Competition, a hands-on STEM challenge designed to ignite the minds of budding young engineers.
Testing the Talent Pool
In a meaningful move to guide youth into the trades, MIWA and Port Rex will also be offering free career aptitude testing to learners in Grade 9 and above, from 17 to 21 June. This valuable initiative is aimed at helping young people discover where their strengths lie, while steering them towards career pathways that match both passion and skill. Pre-booking is essential (email: [email protected]).
“This is how we connect the dots for young people,” says van Mosseveld. “We’re not just showcasing the industry—we’re actively welcoming them into it.”
Education Meets Industry in Action
Port Rex Technical High School stands at the centre of this dynamic partnership between education and enterprise. “Opportunities where schools and the private automotive sector collaborate are rare and incredibly powerful,” says Principal Ettiene Theron. “Motor Mech gives learners a real springboard into the industry: their skills are on display, employers are watching, and top performers often walk straight into apprenticeship offers.”
With its unique curriculum offering both theory and practical experience, Port Rex ensures that matriculants graduate with an N3 qualification, opening the door directly to N4 mechanical engineering studies or apprenticeships.
Tim Kirby, Director of Sport and Coding and Robotics educator at Port Rex, notes that this blended model is more than just academic. “Events like Motor Mech help learners connect what they learn in the classroom to what they can do in the real world. It’s a life-changing moment for many—where a technical education becomes a ticket to a future they hadn’t imagined.”
Launching Project Dineo: A New Chapter in Youth Empowerment
In a landmark announcement, the official launch of Project Dineo will also take place at this year’s show. This bold new youth development initiative, powered by the RMI and funded by merSETA, aims to uplift young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including women and persons with disabilities, by providing access to artisan training and industry pathways.
“This project is a game-changer,” says van Mosseveld. “It opens real doors for young people who might otherwise have been left out of the conversation. Through Project Dineo, we’re turning potential into purpose.”
A Day Not to Be Missed
Running from 09:00 to 14:00 at Port Rex Technical High School, this year’s Motor Mech Show will also feature:
- Automotive workshop displays
- Prize giveaways
- A lively hospitality zone
- A fun-filled kiddies area, complete with the Shongololo train
- The merSETA career bus, offering on-site career advice and info
Entry is R20 per adult, while children under 12 enter free when accompanied by an adult.
