AUTOFORUM

Port Rex hosts Motor Mech Show and launch of Project Dineo

Jun 24, 2025 Port Rex Technical High School, MIWA Motor Mech Show, Andries van der Walt, Ruben Barkhuizen, Boaz Wild, Simangile Mohoyana, Project Dineo, Teresa Spenser Higgs,

Port Rex hosts Motor Mech Show and launch of Project Dineo

Port Rex Technical High School hosted the fourth annual MIWA Motor Mech Show – one of the Eastern Cape’s standout Youth Month events – and the official launch of Project Dineo, a bold new youth development initiative led by the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).

At the heart of the day, was the Motor Mech Junior Mechanic Competition, where learners showcased their technical skills in a high-stakes showdown. Taking top honours was Andries van der Walt, with Ruben Barkhuizen placing second and Boaz Wild finishing a close third – all three proudly representing Port Rex. It was an exciting, closely fought contest that highlighted the school’s exceptional calibre of young learners. Andries walked away with a toolbox from Idemitsu as did the highest-scoring young lady of the day, Simangile Mohoyana.

Ruben and Boaz were also given a toolbox courtesy of the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA). All participants received goodie bags from MISA and Moto Health Care. There to spur the boys on and offer his congratulations was no other than Tjaart van der Walt, a MIWA brand ambassador and twin brother to this year’s winner. Tjaart took first place at the Kariega Motor Mech show in 2024 and second at the East London show that same year. He shared his journey with the young competitors, inspiring the next generation of MIWA’s Junior Motor Mech participants.

Now in its fourth year, the Motor Mech Show, organised by the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the RMI, has become a vibrant celebration of opportunity, talent, and teamwork. The event brings together technical schools, local workshops, suppliers, and the wider community to create a powerful platform for youth empowerment. “This event continues to grow from strength to strength,” says Teresa Spenser Higgs, MIWA NEC, RMI board member and chairperson of the RMI Eastern Cape. “Every year we see the impact it has on students, parents, and industry partners alike. It’s the perfect mix of entertainment and education, showcasing real opportunities in the automotive sector and drawing young talent into our workshops.”

Peter van Mosseveld, RMI Regional Manager and Consumer Affairs Specialist for the Eastern Cape, added that this year’s event brought several exciting new elements to the table, including free career aptitude testing for Grade 9+ learners and the highly anticipated launch of Project Dineo, marking a transformative step for the sector. A partnership between the RMI, merSETA, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator and the Presidency, the project will support 100 talented young South Africans per year for the next three years—prioritising women, persons with disabilities, and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“‘Dineo’ means ‘gift’ in Sotho, and that’s exactly what this project represents – a gift of opportunity to our youth, our industry, and our nation,” said Ipeleng Mabusela, CEO of the RMI. “Through mentorship, apprenticeships, and short skills programmes, we are building the next generation of artisans while tackling critical challenges like youth unemployment and gender participation.” Project Dineo offers a comprehensive, practical pathway for young people entering the automotive sector. At the launch, eleven technical study grants from the RMI were awarded to Motor Mech participants, including Tjaart van der Walt. The recipients will receive training through top public TVET colleges and accredited providers, complemented by structured Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements with RMI member employers.

Adding depth to the day was Pumza Gaqa, one of the competition judges and a respected voice in the industry. “The Motor Mech Junior Skills Competition showcased impressive talent and dedication. What stood out most was how confidently learners approached both the theory and practical aspects, demonstrating a strong understanding of the subject matter and the ability to apply it under pressure,” she said.

Gaqa believes strongly in the power of events like these: “These competitions inspire and motivate young people to pursue careers in the automotive field, helping to address the talent gap and build a skilled workforce for the future.”

To the many young people who may not yet know about opportunities in the motor industry, Gaqa has this advice, “Trades like motor mechanics offer exciting and rewarding career paths, with strong job security, specialisation options, and even entrepreneurial potential.” As a woman in the automotive industry, she also had a special message for aspiring young girls. “Follow your passion and do your thing, girl! Don’t be intimidated by a room full of men, or even a room full of people who don’t look like you. If you learn as much as you can and do good work, people will have no choice but to respect you.”

She added that initiatives like Motor Mech are crucial to breaking stereotypes. “By giving girls hands-on experience, they see they can work with tools and machines. A supportive environment where they can ask questions without judgment builds confidence in their abilities and opens the door to non-traditional but deeply rewarding career paths.”

Mark Hammond, Port Rex Department Head, summed it up perfectly: “Today is a day I will never forget. The opportunities made, the lives we have impacted, and all the relationships started behind the scenes – combined with all the excitement of the day – have made all efforts over the past few years worthwhile.”

Mabusela concluded, “We are honoured to support these young people and especially proud that the Eastern Cape hosted this national launch. With over 890 RMI member businesses in the region—many of them small but high-impact employers—we are perfectly placed to lead the charge.”

In addition to the competition and launch, spectators were treated to a host of other activities including the SAICE Bridge Building Challenge, an Interschool Sports Derby between Port Rex and Hudson Park High School, and industry exhibits featuring hands-on tech demos and career information. “Opportunities where schools and the private automotive sector collaborate are rare and incredibly powerful,” said Ettiene Theron, Principal of Port Rex. “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.”

Van Mosseveld added, “Events like this show what’s possible when education and industry work hand-in-hand. Project Dineo, launched here today, is a game-changer. It opens real doors for youth who might otherwise be left behind.” As the sun set on a day filled with competition, career guidance, and celebration, one message rang clear: the future of South Africa’s automotive industry lies in the hands of its youth—and with initiatives like the MIWA Motor Mech Competition and Project Dineo, that future looks exceptionally bright.