Excitement is mounting as Phoenix Technical School, a technical school in KwaZulu-Natal, prepares to host the second Motor Mech competition in the region. Scheduled for Saturday, 16 August 2025, the event is being hosted in partnership with the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), an association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).
The Motor Mech initiative forms part of MIWA’s broader national drive to raise awareness of the career opportunities available in the automotive aftermarket sector and to encourage skills development among South Africa’s youth. With TVET Month and Women’s Month also being celebrated in August, the timing could not be more fitting.
This year’s competition will welcome entrants from Phoenix as well as from neighbouring schools, Meadowlands Technical High School and Clairwood Secondary School, strengthening collaboration across technical institutions in the province.
Commenting on the collaboration, Daniel Vallihu, Head of Technical Studies and Engineering Graphics and Design at Phoenix says, “Hosting the Motor Mech show at Phoenix Technical School is a tremendous honour and privilege. We're thrilled to collaborate with renowned organisations like Toyota Japan, World Skills South Africa, Merseta, and now MIWA. This partnership offers our learners an exceptional opportunity to showcase their talents and skills in the Motor Mech Competition 2025.”
He said by welcoming MIWA, RMI, and motor industry stakeholders, Phoenix bridges the gap between education, industry, and skills training. “This collaboration empowers our learners, teachers, and the community by exposing them to advanced technology in the motor industry. It also provides our students with valuable on-the-job training at various dealership companies.
As South Africa needs critical skills and competencies, this partnership with MIWA is a step in the right direction. It will help build a better future for our learners, enabling them to become successful technicians or entrepreneurs. I'd like to extend my gratitude to MIWA and its associates for this collaboration. I look forward to a long-lasting relationship in education and skills training, as skills truly drive the world forward,” says Vallihu.
Morne de Jager, MIWA Regional Representative concurs noting, “Motor Mech events have proven incredibly successful in towns like Worcester, Kariega, East London, George, and Bloemfontein. These competitions are more than just exciting contests - they serve as valuable platforms to highlight the talent pipeline entering our sector and demonstrate the real-world application of technical skills learned in school. We want young people to see that this industry is full of possibility and purpose. We are passionate about training and mentorship, and about building a sustainable future for the sector.”
De Jager, who is organising the event with MIWA KZN Chairperson Dhaya Naidoo, says attendees can look forward to a fun, family-friendly day. Alongside the Junior Motor Mech competition, there will be an impressive display of vehicles from local dealers and car clubs, informative exhibitions from MIWA, representation from the other constituent RMI associations, and interactive displays outlining career pathways in the motor industry. A dedicated kiddies area, food stalls, refreshments, and lucky draws throughout the day will ensure entertainment for all ages.
The event will take place at Phoenix Technical Secondary School, 15 Phoenix Highway, Greenbury, Phoenix. Gates open at 09:00 and close at 14:00. Entry is R10 for adults and children under 12 free.
“By working together with technical schools, industry partners, and communities, we can change perceptions of the motor industry and help more young South Africans - especially women - see themselves as future technicians, workshop owners, engineers, and innovators,” concludes Naidoo.
