It’s all systems go for the much-awaited Motor Mech show which is happening this Saturday, 15 June, at the Port Rex Technical High School in East London just in time to celebrate Youth Day. Organised in collaboration with the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), this year’s show promises to be a real nail biter.
Nothing raises the ante more than a dose of health competition and for the first time ever top students intent on keeping the trophy in East London will have to rival it out with other top contestants from Daniel Pienaar Technical High School in Kariega who will be sending a strong team to the show.
Daniel Pienaar Principal, Kola du Toit says they are really looking forward to the competition and visiting Port Rex. “We are also very thankful to the RMI and MIWA for their support,” she says. Du Toit says her students are definitely inspired by their Mechanical Technology teachers, Francois Vermaak, Head of Motorsport, who won the FIA trophy last year, and also Paul Ludeke, who has been to The Dakar three times as a mechanic. “We are hoping they will have a few tricks up their sleeve.”
Teresa Spenser Higgs, MIWA Regional Vice Chairperson for the Eastern Cape says this is exactly the kind of competition the show needs to showcase and attract upcoming and aspiring mechanics, and to demonstrate how passionate our industry is about training and drawing young talent into the sector. “We are serious about fostering future careers in the automotive industry and it is a privilege to be collaborating once again with Port Rex Technical High School on this event,” she says.
Spenser Higgs, who arranges the show with fellow MIWA Training Representative Cliffie Jacobs and Peter Van Mosseveld, RMI MIWA Representative for Eastern Cape, says they will once again be proudly supported by RMI sister associations, TEPA and NADA and ARA, who will also take part in the event, displaying their parts, accessories and new vehicle offerings respectively. This year we are delighted to have the local SPCA on board. They will be managing the Kiddies area for us and all funds raised in that area will go to the SPCA for the incredible work they do. We are also delighted to have young 16-year old “DJ MJ” compering for us during the day,” she says.
Jason Bekker, a Mechanical Technology Educator at Port Rex Technical High School concludes by encouraging as many locals and young people from the community to pop in and see for themselves what the exciting automotive world of work is really like. “There will be no shortage of passion, energy and a feast of activities, displays and competitions. East London needs your support so we look forward to seeing as many people as possible.
Doors open at 09:00 until 14:00 at Port Rex Technical High School, 55 Chamberlain Road in Vincent and entry is only R20 per adult. Kids u/12 free if accompanied by an adult.
