Emotions were high and talent in abundance as 20 young students – four students each from five Eastern Cape schools - battled it out on Saturday, 17 August to see who would be victorious in this year’s highly contested Motor Mech Competition. 

The schools represented included Daniel Pienaar Technical High School in Kariega, Port Rex Technical High School in East London, Newton Technical High School in Gqeberha, McCarthy Comprehensive School in Kariega and newcomer, VM Kwinana Secondary School (also heralding from Kariega).   The show is hosted in collaboration with the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud associate of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), in conjunction with Concept Crew Car Club.

The competition was whittled down to eight finalists who each had to compete in five different tests at each station. The top three contestants then competed in a final round which tested their diagnostics acumen. Huge thanks to NGK, Diesel Electric Danny’s Auto and GUD for sponsoring prizes for this section.

Competition was stiff but it was Tjaart van der Walt from Port Rex who in the end scooped top place, followed in second and third place respectively by Port Rex’s Ashley Tom and Daniel Pienaar’s Cian Stallenberg.

Tjaart walked away with an impressive toolbox from Idemitsu and fender cover from Hella.  Ashley won a tool kit from Danny’s Auto, a backpack filled with products from Spanjaard, a R250 Spur Voucher from Data Dot, Hella Fender Cover and Goodie Bag, as well as a Ferrari Model car from Goldwagen.  Cian won a drill from Diesel Electric, a Bosch Cooler Bag with goodies, a R250 Spur Voucher from Data Dot, a Hella Fender Cover and Goodie Bag, as well as a Ferrari Model car from Goldwagen.

What the winners had to say

Commenting on his win Tjaart says, “It was an incredible honour to be able to take part in the Motor Mech Show hosted at Daniel Pienaar this past weekend and I am very thrilled and grateful to have won it. Thank you so much to the organizers and judges for an amazing event and thank you to Mr. Beckmann and Mr. Bekker for helping me reach this great milestone. Special thank you to my mom who drove me up and wanted to see me compete and to my father and my 2 brothers who always help me to grow my passion for motor mechanics.”

Ashley Tom who came second says travelling on behalf of his school for the first time definitely made him a bit nervous but he trusted in his teacher Mr Bekker and was excited to experience another technical school like Daniel Pienaar.  “It was good to see not only the differences but the similarities between the two Motor Mechs. I found the competition different to the ones I have competed in, particularly with four different schools represented. I enjoyed the interaction between other technical minded learners which made the field even more competitive. The competition was tough, particularly in the second round, where the most of us weren't sure whether or not we'd make it to the following round.  I was happy to come in second overall and be able to proudly represent my school as this is my last year as a student.”

Third place Cian was also  full of praise and appreciation for the competition.  Cian gushed, “When I first heard about the Motor Mech competition, I just knew that I had to enter.  I have studied the theory for five years and have lots of practical experience from the workshop (as well as experiential learning – I work part-time).  So, I saw this as an opportunity not to be missed to demonstrate my skills and to measure my abilities.  The competition was stiff and I was humbled by my third place.  I received tremendous prizes for which I am truly grateful.  Thank you to all the wonderful sponsors.”

What the judges had to say

Reemo Swartz, RMI Regional Manager and MIWA representative in Bloemfontein, was one of the judges and commented that even though he is a competition judge at the Free State technical schools, he found the standard to be much higher at Daniel Pienaar and felt the students had done extremely well.  This view was shared by fellow judges, Lance Kettles (owner of Automotive Mechanical Services) and Stephen Botha (Operations Manager at Finn Auto Repairs). Both felt the students had performed exceptionally well and put in a great deal of effort which would bode well for next year’s competition. Daniel Pienaar teachers, Liwan Welgemoed and Paul Ludeke, also judged two of the individual sections and were very impressed with the effort and standard of the competition. Liwan Welgemoed commented, “The competition really tested the abilities of the children under various conditions.  In addition, the competition provided excellent exposure for the learners to learn to work under pressure and to the very best of their abilities.” 

Paul Ludeke, who has tremendous Dakar Rally experience added, “It was a well-organised set-up which tested the learners on relevant equipment.  The tests are a good stepping stone to measure how competent they can and must be.” 

A special thanks to Stephen Bothma and Jack Finn from Finn Auto Repairs and Lance Kettles who set up the five challenging tasks.

Entertainment Galore

The show was a resounding success with healthy competition and huge support from the trade for both the Junior Motor Mech Competition and the Women’s Workshop which was held in the morning. 

In addition to all the excitement of the competition, the “Alles-op-Wiele” show was a real showstopper.  The show featured almost 700 Classic cars which attracted huge public interest.  Pierre van Rensburg from Concept Car Crew said it was wonderful to see so many special cars from owners who had travelled long distances to be there. “All the Model T cars, for example, travelled all the way from George. Other clubs attending included those from Queenstown, the oldest car club in the country, East London Vintage and V8 clubs respectively as well as the local clubs such as EPVCC, Roadrunners, Jeffreys Bay to name just a few. The clubs from East London came through with vehicles that date back to the 50s and 60s. Another highlight were the motorsport cars on display.”  With so many highlights, it is difficult to single out the few standout vehicles.  Van Rensburg said he could not be more thankful to everyone, especially the community from Kariega, Despatch and surroundings areas and to the main sponsors, Algoa Steel, Containers 4 U, Speedy Quip and Klinicare.  “Without them, there would be no show, so I am especially grateful.”

Everyone was a winner this year with spot prizes from Afintapart, Alert Engine Parts, Battery Powerzone, Cape Parts, Finn Auto Repairs, GB Tyres, Goldwagen, Grandmark, Validtrade, Bosch, GUD, Hella, NGK/KYB, SKF Bearings, Data Dot, Safety Solutions and Webfleet.  To top it off, all the crowds were entertained by well-known DJs from Luister FM.

A word from the school principal

Mrs Kola du Toit, Principal of Daniel Pienaar Technical High School, speaks from a heart overflowing with pride, admiration and gratitude, “This was a truly magnificent weekend – unprecedented in the almost 130-year history of our school. 

“Alles-Op-Wiele” holds a dear spot in our hearts because of our special ties with Concept Crew Car Club - many of their members are old boys and supporters of Daniel Pienaar.  They also bring a touch of glamour to our home rugby matches when they bring their beautiful cars.

We feel privileged to have been able to host  the show and hope that there will be many more.

The RMI stalls and competitions added oomph to the show and the two complemented each other perfectly. It was also very interesting to see how many of our younger generation brought cars to the show and intend to bring the cars again next year.

It was also good to see that the younger ones interested in fashion and modelling thoroughly enjoyed the Miss and Mr Alles-Op-Wiele pageant.

The little ones also had the time of their lives and could even enjoy a petting zoo and a trip through the ghost house.

Heartfelt thanks to all sponsors (VW, SAB, Furnworld, Mi Casa Guest House, Containers 4 U, Algoa Steel) who made the events of Friday and Saturday possible,” she says.

A closing word – the future looks bright

Peter van Mosseveld, RMI Regional Manager in the Eastern Cape who arranges the show with MIWA member, Bridget Finn, says each year the show grows in popularity and stature and is now really becoming a highlight amongst the technical schools. “It is the best way to showcase the automotive industry and to attract upcoming and aspiring mechanics.” 

“We couldn’t find a more perfect partner than Daniel Pienaar Technical High School. They’re super passionate about technical education and supporting young talent, just like we are!” conclude Finn and Van Mosselveld.