Briefly News and Cars.co.za Celebrate the Women Driving South Africa's Motoring Industry

Briefly News has officially unveiled the 2026 edition of its Women of Wonder campaign, partnering with leading automotive marketplace Cars.co.za. This year's series, titled 'Steering the Story: Mzansi’s Women in Motoring 2026,' coincides with the nation's annual Women's Month celebrations.

The initiative aims to highlight the achievements of women who are breaking barriers in a historically male-dominated sector. By combining Briefly News' narrative expertise with Cars.co.za's industry influence, the campaign provides a high-profile platform for those excelling in boardrooms, workshops, and on the track.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Now in its fifth year, the Women of Wonder series has a history of focusing on diverse sectors. Previous installments have celebrated female entrepreneurs, construction workers, resilient single mothers, and domestic workers, continuously evolving to reflect different facets of South African life.

The 2026 focus on motoring addresses a critical gap in representation. In South Africa and across the globe, women remain significantly underrepresented in technical, leadership, and professional racing roles within the automotive world.

Meet the 2026 Trailblazers

This year's lineup includes 12 distinguished women, ranging from viral social media sensations to record-breaking competitive drivers. Among them is Kwanele Dlava, an East London-based mechanic whose workshop insights have earned her nearly 200,000 likes on TikTok.

The campaign also features youth talent like 15-year-old Emma-Rose Dowling, the first South African girl selected for the F1 Academy Discover Your Drive Programme. Joining her is 17-year-old Chloe Stuart, who made history as the first woman in half a century to win the Formula Vee Rookie Championship.

Adding to the high-speed roster is drag racer Karen Naidoo, the current record holder for Africa's fastest stock turbo Nissan GT-R. Briefly News has conducted in-depth interviews with each featured woman to document their individual journeys and the challenges they have overcome.

Where to Follow the Stories

The campaign will roll out throughout August on a dedicated landing page, supported by updates across Briefly News' social media channels and website. Readers can expect a series of profiles that track the progress of these industry leaders and the road ahead for women in motoring.

Cars.co.za continues its role as a central hub for South African motorists, providing vehicle listings and expert reviews alongside its support for this initiative. Together with Briefly News, the platform remains committed to showcasing the voices shaping the future of the local automotive scene.