BY Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
Brenwin Naidu, Sunday Times Motoring and Sowetan Motoring supplements Editor is a decorated motoring journalist and editor and a World Car Awards juror – one of three South African journalists currently serving on that global panel. His accolades include the Steve Dlamini Award for Excellence in Motoring Journalism (2017) and was named on the Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans list (2021).
What was the very first car you drove and please describe the feeling?
It was a black Peugeot 307 1.6 automatic, which belonged to my aunt Cheryl. With a fresh learner’s license and my dad in the passenger seat, we set off on a very short drive in the suburb. My focus was on keeping the car within the lines, maintaining my speed, and negotiating traffic. After this, I went for proper driving lessons with a very patient West Rand instructor named Maynaard.
How did you become a motoring journalist and when did your career begin?
My journalism career began in 2011 as a cadet reporter at Caxton Community Newspapers. I also freelanced for Sports Focus, Ride & Drive, and In4Ride. In 2012 I joined the Surf4Group, producing content for Motormag (a digital magazine) and Surf4Cars (a listings website).
I joined Times Media (now Arena Holdings) in July 2014 as the online editor for the IgnitionLIVE motoring website. In 2015, I was appointed editor of the re-launched Sunday Times Motoring supplement. A year later, Sowetan Motoring supplement was also added to my portfolio.
Was it easy to break through? What were the major challenges for you?
When I started, online media was not taken as seriously. Working for a growing digital platform then, there were certain… perceptions and it took time to develop a credible reputation. Gatekeeping was stricter. One could not wrangle onto launch lists and test car schedules as easily as is seemingly done nowadays.
Once, a PR person at a prestigious German manufacturer explained why the doors of the brand would not be opened to me. They were eventually opened – five years into my career. My mission was always to let my work speak for itself and learn from the best.
My late uncle, Morgan Naidu – a respected motoring media journalist, editor, publisher and television producer who worked until he lost the battle to cancer in 2012 – was a great inspiration behind my desire to make a mark in motoring journalism. I also had mentors such as Lerato Matebese, Mabuyane Mabuza, Thami Masemola, Phuti Mpyane, Bruce Fraser and Wynter Murdoch.
What was the very first motoring launch you attended and what stood out about it?
In 2011 Chevrolet invited me to join the “lifestyle” rotation launch of Orlando. The focus was less on the vehicle and more on pampering experiences. We had a brief interaction with the car, followed by a very, very long lunch.
What item do you take from the hotel from launches?
I have far too many complimentary hotel nail and sewing kits under my bathroom sink. They come in handy.
Describe your journey to becoming a COTY jury member. What unique qualities do you bring to COTY?
I was an SAGMJ member from 2012 to 2018, but never participated in Car of the Year. In 2022 when Mabuyane Mabuza was appointed chairperson of the COTY committee, she began canvassing former members, in a bid to get the competition back on the map, restoring legitimacy following certain controversies that mired the organisation.
Initially, I was reluctant but saw the bigger picture of a transparent, diverse and well-functioning SAGMJ that is recognised as a credible industry body. As a full-time motoring journalist with 13 years of experience, I bring experience as a World Car Awards juror to my role.
What do you look for in the Car of The Year and name two favourite finalists that have what it takes to become this year’s winner.
From my perspective, a relevant COTY needs to be largely within reach for most consumers.
So does that mean we should give it to the least expensive finalist by default? Well, if that car elevates standards in its class to a considerable extent, then victory should not be dismissed. This year I want to see something with an even more affordable starting price clinch the title. Allow me to keep my predictions mum for now
