Our newest feature is all about introducing the members of our Regional Committees. This month, we’re focusing on the Western Cape.
The Committee’s director, Deon Goch, who is also our MIWA National Vice Chairman, says that his passion for cars started when he was just five years old – not surprising, since his uncle, Nicky, was a qualified automotive engineer. He has always been especially interested in engines, earning his qualification as an automotive engineer in the 1990s. Joining a company that built and developed race car engines was a dream come true, and he considers himself privileged to have worked on exciting projects for many manufacturers. Now 35 years into his career, he still relishes the challenges that are present in the industry and loves helping others get to grips with them. He is especially enthusiastic about encouraging youth to enter the industry and supporting knowledge exchange between workshop owners.
Eric van der Merwe, our Vice Chairman, and also owner of Lynx Motorsport, developed his love of high-end luxury vehicles when he moved into the BMW department of Avondale Motors, after completing his apprenticeship. He later had an opportunity to work on a 930 Turbo Porsche, which ignited his passion for the marque. He went on to establish Gamatech Auto, which specialised in German vehicles; then sold the business and moved to Cape Town in 2004, setting up Lynx Motorsport with its focus on Porsche. As a technology enthusiast, Eric is excited by the opportunities unfolding in the industry and hopes to see more young people taking advantage of them.
Our Training Representative, Charles Baxter, is the proud owner of Baxter Auto Service which this year celebrated its 50th anniversary, Charles started as an apprentice in 1974 and completed his trade test in 1978. He has been a MIWA member since 2000. His passion is training students when he is not busy supervising the overall daily operation of his workshop. When not at work, Charles’ favourite pastime is listening to music and playing instruments like his bass guitar.
Rodney Jacobs, co-owner and director of Auto Electrical Dynamics, has been a member of MIWA for 10 years, racking up a total of 39 years in the industry. Occupied by marketing, sales and management of the company, his downtime includes gardening and caravanning. He is also a member of the international police and serves on the Board of Trustees at his residential estate.
Owner and director of MJ Mechanical Repairs, Johan Nel, has spent more than 27 years as a mechanic and joined MIWA two years ago. His hobbies include motor racing and mountain biking.
Gerard Haslam, managing director of Automax Bosch Car Service, describes himself as a “jack of all trades”, taking care of all aspects of the business, from client liaison to major diagnostic headaches. As someone who loves learning, he enjoys the various challenges that each new day presents, and maintains that as long as you are hungry to learn, industry members will always have the capacity to succeed at what they put their minds to. Gerard has been working in the industry for 40 years, and a member of MIWA for 17.
Ian Herbst of Motor Corp SA has a 23-year track record in the industry, predominantly working at dealerships before setting up his own shop a year ago. He counts racing, motorcycles, boats, mountain biking, camping and fishing among his hobbies.
Rugby-lover Riaan van Zyl is the director of Riaans Auto Repairs. A 28-year veteran of the industry, when he isn’t managing the company and undertaking training, he enjoys mountain biking and spending time with friends and family.
Steve Griffin Wintle, owner of Steves Auto Services has been in the industry for 28 years and a proud MIWA member for the last 15 years. He is integrally involved with all aspects of the business from technical to diagnostics, machine work, fabrication to fault finding and the list goes on. When not at his workshop he enjoys fishing, water sports and racing – specifically cars, bikes and quads.