Sherwin-Williams – investing in future skills
Sherwin-Williams remains committed to building a stronger automotive refinishing industry through ongoing investment in skills development, technical training and professional education. Through its network of technical specialists, training centres and industry partnerships, the company supports the growth of refinish technicians, distributors and body shop professionals across the globe.
In South Africa, this commitment extends to customer-site training, distributor development programmes and collaboration with European technical teams to share expertise, innovation and best practices throughout the industry.
Demonstrating its commitment to developing future talent, Sherwin-Williams has sponsored the BodyShop News Africa Mediaroom at Automechanika Johannesburg. The initiative provides aspiring journalists with an opportunity to gain valuable hands-on reporting experience while covering one of Africa’s leading automotive aftermarket events.
Meet the students reporting from the BodyShop News Africa Mediaroom at Automechanika today:
Zebrena Ralph
Zebrena Ralph is a journalism and Media Studies student with practical experience in news reporting, feature writing, interviewing and digital storytelling. She is currently completing her Honours degree in Journalism at Wits University, having completed a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Media Studies and Anthropology in 2025.
Hannah Brown
Hannah Brown is a multimedia journalist, photographer and researcher whose work focuses on human rights, climate change and accountability journalism. She has covered breaking news and interned with organisations including UNFPA, Save the Children (CUBIC) and UNICEF. Based in Johannesburg, Hannah is currently pursuing an Honours degree in Journalism and Media Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. She also holds a First-Class BA in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography from the University of the Arts London.
Kamogelo Maphefo Lesabe
Kamogelo Maphefo Lesabe is a journalist and news anchor at Voice of Wits Radio Station. She completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Media Studies and Psychology and is currently studying towards her Honours degree in Journalism and Media Studies.
Visitors and readers can follow the students’ coverage from the show floor throughout the event. Be sure to return tomorrow to meet the University of Johannesburg students who will be reporting from the final day of Automechanika Johannesburg on 29 October.
