TopGear South Africa is set to bring the local motoring world together once again, with the return of the TopGear South Africa Magazine Awards in 2026. Taking place on 11 February in Johannesburg, the prestigious event will celebrate the cars, brands and individuals that have played a defining role in shaping South Africa’s automotive landscape over the past year.
Now firmly established as a standout fixture on the local motoring calendar, the Awards promise an evening that blends credibility with character. It is a gathering where industry heavyweights, motorsport icons and automotive innovators come together not only to reflect on the year that was, but to cast an informed eye toward what lies ahead in 2026. For attendees, it is as much about the conversations and connections as it is about the accolades themselves.
The 2026 edition marks the third time the TopGear South Africa Magazine Awards have been staged, and their growing reputation is no accident. Unlike more traditional awards evenings, this event has carved out its own space by recognising excellence across the full breadth of the motoring arena. From headline vehicles and established brands to people, moments and achievements that do not always fit neatly into conventional categories, the Awards focus on genuine impact rather than box ticking. The result is a ceremony that feels relevant, reflective and refreshingly in tune with the industry it celebrates.
Adding to the experience on the night will be a dedicated showcase of iconic motorsport legends, complete with a selection of special machinery on display. This immersive element reinforces the Awards’ wider ambition: to honour not only what is new and cutting edge, but also the heritage and passion that continue to fuel South Africa’s motoring culture.
Once again, the TopGear South Africa Magazine Awards are proudly powered by WesBank, South Africa’s leading asset-based finance provider. The renewed partnership underscores a shared commitment to the automotive ecosystem and its ongoing evolution. According to Lebo Gaoaketse, Marketing Director for WesBank, the collaboration is a natural fit. He notes that the Awards provide a platform to celebrate the innovation and excellence defining the industry, while highlighting the benchmarks of quality and progress that continue to move the country forward.
Entertainment and personality remain central to the Awards experience. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by acclaimed South African comedian and TopGear South Africa Star in a Reasonably Priced Car presenter, Jason Goliath, whose wit and presence have become synonymous with the brand’s local success. On the red carpet, he will be joined by Ziphorah Masethe, Ignition TV host and long-standing member of the motoring press. Together, they are set to deliver a dynamic and engaging lead-up to the main event, combining industry insight with energy, humour and unmistakable flair.
True to TopGear South Africa’s ethos, the Awards are not a simple repeat of past categories or winners. Each year’s honours are shaped by what truly stood out, ensuring that no two ceremonies are ever the same. While familiar benchmarks such as Performance Car of the Year, 4×4 of the Year and EV of the Year will feature, they will be joined by reimagined and unconventional categories that reflect the industry’s shifting priorities and emerging trends. All of it will be delivered in TopGear South Africa’s unmistakable style, balancing premium polish with an underlying sense of fun.
As Avon Middleton, Publisher of TopGear South Africa, explains, the purpose of the Awards is clear. They exist to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary. While the format and focus evolve alongside the industry itself, the essence of the evening remains unchanged: a premium event that never loses sight of enjoyment, authenticity and passion for all things automotive.
The official list of categories and winners will be revealed once the Awards evening concludes on 11 February 2026. Until then, anticipation is already building for what promises to be another defining night for South Africa’s motoring industry.
