Since 1986, the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists has held the esteemed Car of the Year competition. 2026 will see the 40th iteration of the competition hosted alongside Old Mutual Insure as the title sponsor.
The 2026 running of the competition will kick off in November 2025. An enormously experienced Jury comprising 25 jurors and three trainees will score the finalists over two test days at the end of Q1 2026.
Colin Windell has been involved with COTY since 1986 and has an astonishing 49 years of industry experience. Collectively, our Jury boasts more than 500 years’ experience.
The Jury has a fantastic spread of experience, including influencers, writers, and broadcasters. The wealth of knowledge spread across new energy, tech, two- or four-wheeled vehicles, economy runs, and time trials is superb – a key element in finding automotive excellence.
The Jury in alphabetical order:
- Alan Rosenmeyer
- Azim Omar
- Bernard Hellberg Jr
- Brendon Staniforth
- Colin Windell
- Edward Makwana
- Fanele Bengu
- Ferde De Vos
- Francisco Nwamba
- Janine van der Post
- Jason Woosey
- Jeanette Kok-Kritzinger
- Kumbi Mtshakazi
- Lawrence Smith
- Liana Reiners
- Mabuyane Mabuza
- Marnus Hattingh
- Melinda Ferguson
- Nicky Furniss
- Sean Nurse
- Sheryl Goldstuck
- Sibonelo Myeni
- Thami Masemola
- Wezile Bonani
- Ziphora Masethe
Our associate jurors:
- Aphiwe Mzimande
- Brandon Jacobs
- Charles Molefe
“The 2026 South African Car of the Year sponsored by Old Mutual Insure marks an important and exciting milestone in the life of this prestigious competition,” said Thami Masemola, Chairman of SA Car of the Year. “That is because it will have been 40 years since the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists established the competition. As such, the Jury that represents COTY in 2026 takes up a special place in our history, and is expected to respond to it in that same vigorous manner. All Jury members are respected, experienced members of the South African motoring media from diverse backgrounds. They bring their knowledge, energy and experience to the competition. Their highly informed votes will ultimately determine which deserving car wins the coveted prize.”
We are proud to continue our partnership with the South African Car of the Year competition, a prestigious platform that showcases the innovation, excellence, and resilience of our local motoring industry,” says Presodhini Naicker, Executive: Marketing & Communication at Old Mutual Insure. “This sponsorship reflects our commitment to supporting progress and celebrating the ingenuity that drives South Africa forward.”
