Sherwin-Williams and BodyShop News Africa Support the Next Generation of Automotive Journalists
BodyShop News Africa will once again host its Student Journalist Program at Automechanika Johannesburg 2026, taking place from 27 to 29 October at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. The initiative is designed to provide emerging journalism talent with invaluable real-world experience at one of the automotive aftermarket industry’s most significant regional events.
This year’s programme is made possible through the support of Sherwin-Williams, which has joined as the official sponsor for the first time. By backing the initiative, Sherwin-Williams is helping bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice, creating opportunities for students to engage directly with industry leaders, companies and innovators while experiencing the fast-paced environment of live event reporting.
Throughout the three-day exhibition, participating journalism students will work closely with the BodyShop News Africa editorial team. Their responsibilities will include interviewing exhibitors, reporting on new technologies, documenting key industry trends and producing content that highlights developments across the collision repair, body and paint, workshop and automotive aftermarket sectors.
The programme is structured to provide practical editorial experience while helping students strengthen essential journalism skills such as professional interviewing, research, deadline-driven writing and industry-focused storytelling. By immersing participants in a live trade show environment, the initiative offers a valuable opportunity to build confidence and gain first-hand exposure to specialist reporting.
For BodyShop News Africa, the Student Journalist Program forms part of its broader commitment to fostering the future of automotive journalism. The publication believes that the automotive aftermarket industry deserves informed, accurate and engaging coverage, and that nurturing new talent is essential to ensuring the sector’s stories continue to be told with professionalism and purpose.
For Sherwin-Williams, the sponsorship reflects a strong commitment to skills development, mentorship and industry growth. Supporting the programme demonstrates the company’s investment not only in the automotive refinish and aftermarket sectors, but also in the future professionals who will help communicate the industry's innovations, challenges and successes.
Students selected for the programme will leave Automechanika Johannesburg with valuable achievements that can support their future careers. Participants will have the opportunity to earn published article bylines, gain a deeper understanding of the automotive aftermarket industry and receive letters of endorsement that can strengthen future employment opportunities.
Beyond these tangible benefits, students will also gain a unique perspective on an industry that continues to evolve through technological advancement, changing business models and ongoing innovation. By experiencing the event from a journalist’s viewpoint, participants will develop a deeper appreciation for the people, businesses and technologies driving the sector forward.
With Sherwin-Williams joining as a key partner, BodyShop News Africa is proud to continue investing in the future voices of automotive journalism, ensuring that the next generation of reporters has the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute meaningfully to one of Africa’s most dynamic industries.
