For the first time since its inception, the Motor Industry Workshop Association’s (MIWA) celebrated Motor Mech competition will take place in the Free State, taking place at the Martie Du Plessis School.
Set to take place on 1 May, the competition will form part of the much-loved Cars in the Park, hosted annually by the OFS Veteran Car Club. The inclusion of Motor Mech adds a dynamic new dimension to the event, blending heritage motoring with the future of the automotive industry.
For years, the Motor Mech competition has played a critical role in identifying and nurturing emerging technical skills among school learners across South Africa.
“The competition gives learners hands-on exposure to real-world workshop environments, allowing them to develop and demonstrate technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a passion for the trade,” says Dewald Ranft, MIWA National Chairperson based in Bloemfontein.
He adds, “The Free State debut is particularly significant. While the competition has built a strong footprint in other regions, bringing it to the province opens the door for a new pool of learners to showcase their abilities, gain exposure, and explore career opportunities within the automotive sector.”
Importantly, the event is not just about competition - it is about inspiration.
“We are really looking forward to this competition. It is a wonderful opportunity for our learners to showcase their skills, knowledge and talents, and to measure themselves against their peers,” says Jan Claassen, Deputy Principal: Skills at Dr Böhmer School of Skills. “For learners from LSEN schools, it is especially meaningful. It shows that textbook knowledge is not always the most important part of learning, while also giving the industry valuable insight into the capabilities of these learners and encouraging greater industry involvement in schools such as ours.”
“Young participants are given the chance to demonstrate their technical aptitude, problem-solving skills and passion for the trade in front of industry professionals, educators and the broader public,” adds Ranft.
With learners from two technical schools in the Bloemfontein area - Dr Bohmer Technical High School and Louis Botha Technical High School - already confirmed to participate, Jonathan Stanfley, MIWA Regional Representative, says, “We would like to encourage as many other schools with technical learners to also participate in this inaugural Free State event.”
In addition to the competition, the SpannerTorque Pavilion will run alongside the competition showcasing a wide array of suppliers in the sector. “This gives learners the chance to interact with industry professionals, ask questions, and see the diverse career opportunities the automotive industry has to offer,” says Stanfley.
Set within the vibrant, family-friendly Cars in the Park event, Motor Mech’s Free State debut offers a unique platform where young talent, industry leaders, and motoring enthusiasts come together. The competition not only highlights the skills of tomorrow’s technicians but also reinforces the importance of developing the next generation to support South Africa’s automotive sector.
As the automotive sector continues to evolve, initiatives like Motor Mech remain vital in building a pipeline of skilled artisans. By expanding into the Free State, MIWA is not only growing the competition’s reach but also strengthening its commitment to developing the next generation of technicians.
The message is clear. The future of the automotive aftermarket industry lies in the hands of young talent and on 1 May, the Free State will get a front-row seat to that future.