This weekend well-known local KZN Technical school, Meadowlands Technical high school was abuzz with activity and talent as they hosted their very first Motor Mech competition on Saturday 14 September in conjunction with the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).
Recognising the critical need for scarce skills in the country and the unemployment crisis amongst the youth, the principal of Meadowlands, Suren Naidoo, was elated at the opportunity to host the first Motor Mech show in KwaZulu and showcase the emerging talent his school and others in the area have to offer. “The MIWA/RMI Motor Mech Show has made waves in the community and showcasing the various exhibitors was of special interest to parents and people interested in the Motor field. Meadowlands Technical is the only school that is offers technical subjects in the area and our catchment area for learners is vast. We have received accolades from far and wide. The aim of this show was to open up the minds of children to see the bigger picture of the South African economy and where they could fit in and I believe we have achieved this. My fervent hope is that this programme gets bigger as we go on. Skills development is a critical need in addressing the unemployment crisis among our youth, and I am inordinately proud that we are driving this skills programme,” he says.
Twelve participants in total took part in the competition. Four participants from Meadowlands Technical, four from Clairwood Secondary School and four from Phoenix Technical school took part in the hotly contested competition. In the end it was Siyathemba Mntungwa (Clairwood) who scooped the top position followed by Mbongeni Lwazi Tshezi (Clairwood) and Yuvir Rambridge (Phoenix). Mohammed Hamid, a teacher at Clairwood was ecstatic about the excellent result from his two students saying it was the highlight of his teaching career to date.
For Siyathemba it was a great experience too. “A life changing opportunity was given to me and I cannot thank the sponsors of the event enough. This was all I’ve prayed for. I was extremely nervous at first but when I started doing the second portion of the event I calmed all my nerves,” he says. Siyathemba won a toolbox from Idemitsu, a training course from Bosch and, incredibly, was offered an apprenticeship at Diesel Electro Centre from Neren Hansraj.
Mbongeni was also offered an apprenticeship from Neren and won a toolbox from MISA. “I’ve always wanted a toolbox like the one I received. From the first time I started Automotive engineering in grade ten this was one of my dreams. I wanted a toolbox so that I could carry out services and help with brakes in my area. I would like to thank the sponsors and the school for making my dreams come true.”
Morne de Jager, MIWA Regional Representative, who arranged the show together with MIWA KZN Chairperson, Dhaya Naidoo and RMI’s Peter van Mosseveld says the weekend exceeded expectations. “We were not sure what to expect as it was our first competition in the area but we were overwhelmed with the response from the community who clearly have a love for fast and loud cars and are passionate about their young learners.” Naidoo agrees saying he was thrilled with the interest shown. “As an industry we face challenges with the quality of technicians and shortage of motor mechanics and this show demonstrated to participants why it is so important to raise the standard and level of training. As an organisation we need to support the technical schools so they can achieve their goals.”
De Jager paid tribute to Asheel Salik, Roshan Salik, Neren Hansraj, Vis Munsami, Ravi Komal, Wenzil Pillay and Suren Sewcharren who acted as judges for the competition. Vis Munsami from Bosch congratulated the organisers on such a successful event and the participants on their impressive display of skills and knowledge. He reinforced the importance of events like this in providing a valuable platform for students to gain hands-on experience, network and build their confidence to one day pursue a career in this rewarding field
De Jager also extended a huge thank you to all the sponsors and exhibitors, without which the event would not have been possible. “Our sincere thanks go to Idemitsu, Diesel Electro Centre, Bosch, MISA and MIBCO. MIBCO provided the prizes for all participants from third place – 12th place.”
In addition to the competition the Show ‘n Shine and Sound Off competitions were a huge drawcard for the crowds as were the many displays of new and classic cars and supplier exhibits.
Naidoo says, “The car shows, organised by Anand Naidoo, a member of my SGB, were well supported until the rains came. The big Rigs on display also garnered tremendous attention and were a focal point for photographers.”