With a fulfilling legacy of 60 years as the nation’s association of automotive journalists, the South African Guild of Mobility Journalists (SAGMJ) is pleased to commemorate its Diamond Jubilee. The London-based Guild of Motoring Writers provided the foundational principles for the founding of the SAGMJ. Robin Emslie, Barry Curtis from The Star, and Kenneth Maxwell from the Rand Daily Mail took the initiative and drafted the specifications for developing a constitution for a South African Guild using these principles. Following the final practice for the South African Grand Prix of the year in East London on December 29, 1962, a group of approximately a dozen journalists initially met.
The SAGMJ, whose first membership was by invitation only, did not officially become active until a bigger group of journalists met once more in the Grand Prix Club enclosure in East London in 1963. A new breed of multimedia mobility journalists has joined the SAGMJ as it has evolved and adapted over time to the market communications trends that are constantly changing. The Guild currently represents the nation’s automotive content producers and photographers in the print, television, and social media industries. Members of the group include editors, publishers, journalists, photographers, vloggers, bloggers, influencers, and people working in the auto business.
Over the past six decades, the SAGMJ has made significant contributions to the development of the South African automotive industry. The Guild established the country’s oldest and most prestigious car competition, the South African Car of the Year (COTY), in 1986. This annual competition has been the benchmark for local car competitions and continues to be a highly anticipated event for industry professionals and customers alike.
Several of its members’ lives have been impacted by the SAGMJ. As a result of its successful bursar program in the late 2000s, some prominent journalists went on to become well-respected industry authorities who now impart their knowledge to the next generation.
During times of trouble, like the Covid-19 outbreak, when many publications scaled back or shut down operations, the Guild also established a Benevolent Fund in the middle of the 1980s to financially aid struggling members.
Since its modest origins, the SAGMJ has come a long way and is still a vibrant and significant South African automobile sector organisation. The SAGMJ has revitalized itself over time and helped to shape the industry by adapting to new technology and business trends. The Guild is dedicated to supporting its members’ professional development, offering them chances for advancement and training, and advancing moral standards within the trade.
“As the SAGMJ celebrates its 60th birthday, we are proud to reflect on our rich history and the many accomplishments achieved over the years,”
– says Dirk Gallowitz, the Chairman of the SAGMJ.
“We invite all journalists and industry professionals to join us in celebrating our 60th birthday.
“We look forward to continuing to serve the South African automotive industry for many years to come. We are also excited to look towards the future, the challenges and opportunities ahead, remaining committed to our members and the future of mobility in South Africa.
More information about the SAGMJ’s birthday events will be published later.
