Excitement is building for the first-ever Tiger Tech Festival at Daniel Pienaar Technical High School in Kariega (Eastern Cape) on Saturday, 28 October 2023.
Hosted by the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud associate of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), in conjunction with Daniel Pienaar Technical High School, arrangements for the Tiger Tech Festival are in full swing.
One of the highlights of the festival will be the inclusion of The Motor Mech Show which is geared not only at showcasing the industry, but also at the promotion of future careers within the sector.
Pieter Niemand, national Director of MIWA says that in addition to the competition, which always attracts a big crowd, there will be displays from suppliers of parts,new vehicle displays and workshops, as well as plenty of competitions. “There will even be a vehicle workshop for the ladies,” says Niemand.
Over the years, the Motor Mech Show has grown in popularity in the Eastern Cape as it highlights the industry’s potential for future young employees. Teresa Spenser Higgs, MIWA Eastern Cape Vice Regional Chairperson and Chairperson of RMI Eastern Cape says that the competition is already firmly established as an annual
event at Port Rex in East London and it is wonderful to expand the concept to Daniel Pienaar Technical High School.
“We are so excited to be partnering with this amazing school which not only is the oldest technical school in South Africa, but also the only one in South Africa to offer motorsport as a school sport. We know we have tremendous talent in this school and are looking forward to seeing how the learners achieve in our competitions,” says Peter Van Mosseveld, RMI Regional Manager and MIWA Association Representative in the Eastern Cape.
Kola du Toit, Principal of Daniel Pienaar Technical High School agrees, “Our learners fondly refer to one of the streams in our Mechanical Technology Department as ‘Motor’.” Learners, under the very capable guidance of well-qualified,
highly-experienced teachers, learn about components of a vehicle, as well as the servicing of engines. They are exposed to diagnostic systems so as to remain abreast with developments in the motor industry. This subject comprises theoretical
and practical components and Mr Paul Ludeke, an enthusiastic Automotive teacher at our school, gleans international experience by rendering his services as a mechanic at the Dakar Rallies. He shares his knowledge and experience with our learners and colleagues, and this is of immeasurable value.”
Mrs Du Toit says the school is also very fortunate to have the support from nearby Volkswagen under the watchful eye of Ashwin Harri (who also supports with the placement of apprentices). The Eastern Cape is a great place for youngsters looking for a career in the automotive arena. Higgs notes that just nearby, the East London economy is largely based on the motor industry with the Mercedes Benz South Africa production plant based in East London and, of course, Volkswagen based in both Kariega and Port Elizabeth. “We are also fortunate to have The Automotive Learning Academy in East London at which students in the motor industry can now do their trade qualifications locally. This is definitely an avenue for students who are interested in pursuing a career within the motor industry.”
The Tiger Tech Fest will be open from 08:00 till 23:00. The Motor Mech competition is scheduled to start at 10:00. Mrs Du Toit says her Tigers have pulled out all the stops. In addition, there will be stalls, children’s entertainment, food and beverage options, live entertainment, plus a very large screen for the Rugby World Cup Final. “Our Tigers will definitely bring the vibe,” she says hereby encouraging all locals to diarise the 28th now. Entry fee is only R10 per person (children under the age of 13 enter for free).
