2026 Conference Content Program
The organiser reserves the right to amend the content.
| COMPANY / ASSOCIATION | Venue | Tuesday 27/10/2026 Times | Wednesday 28/10/2026 Times | Thursday 29/10/2026 Times |
| GOLDWAGEN | Exhibition restaurant | 07:30 - 10:00 | ||
| CILT SA | Lotus | 08:00 - 16:00 | 08:00 - 16:00 | |
| ARA TALKS | Exhibition restaurant | 11:30 - 16:00 | ||
| GLOBAL ONE SA | Gallagher 1 & 2 | 08:00 - 13:00 | ||
| ARA NEC MEETING | TBC | |||
| AUTOMOTIVE INCUBATOR LAUNCH | Gallagher 1 | 12:30 - 14:00 | ||
| VIP Lounge / Business Lounge / Africa buyers | Upstairs Hall 2 | 09:00 - 16:30 | 09:00 - 16:30 | 09:00 - 16:30 |
| CEO Breakfast | Exhibition restaurant | 07:30 - 10:00 | ||
| Exhibitor welcome function | Exhibition restaurant | 16:30 - 22:00 | ||
| Happy hour | Exhibition restaurant | 16:00 - 17:00 | 16:00 - 17:00 |
2026 Conferences
CILT Conference: Driving Regional Transformation
In collaboration with CILTSA, CILT Namibia, and CILT Zimbabwe, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Conference will be a regional powerhouse event.
DATE
Wednesday, 28 & 29 October 2026
VENUE
Lotus
Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand
CONFERENCE
08:00 - 16:00
Bridging Borders for an African Future
Transport Corridors: Connecting an African Future
What's really happening along the Trans-Kalahari, North-South, Maputo and Walvis Bay corridors? We'll dig into border delays, non-tariff barriers, the real progress (and gaps) of Non Stop Border Posts, and how PPPs and blended finance can unlock corridor infrastructure at scale.
Harmonisation: Aligning Standards, Rules and Systems Across Borders
From vehicle standards and roadworthiness rules to customs documentation and single-window trade systems, this session tackles the friction that slows regional trade down, including where SADC, COMESA and EAC frameworks pull in different directions, and what the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Services means in practice.
Safety & Security: Protecting People, Cargo and Corridors
A candid conversation on reducing road fatalities, combating cargo theft and hijacking, tightening fleet compliance, and building the cross-border trust between operators, regulators and law enforcement that keeps freight, and people, safe.
Education, Training and Skills Development for a Future-Ready Workforce
Closing the skills gap for new energy vehicle and digital logistics careers, strengthening TVET and artisan pipelines, and what it will really take to attract more youth and women into logistics, transport and automotive careers.
This is where policy meets practice, and where the people shaping Africa's transport future are in the room, working through it together.
Register Here to AttendARA CENTRAL REGION TECH-TALK CONFERENCE
ABOUT THE ARA TECH-TALK SERIES
Practical technical insight, skills development, future-mobility awareness, business best practice and meaningful industry networking for South Africa's remanufacturing sector.
DATE
Wednesday, 28 October 2026
VENUE
Exhibition Restaurant
Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand
CONFERENCE
12:00 - 15:00
Networking: 15:00 - 16:00
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
THE DAY AT A GLANCE
11:30 - REGISTRATION & ARRIVAL - Welcome and delegate check-in
12:00 - Mr. CHRISTO VAN DER WALT (IN MEMORIAM OF PROF. AT VON WIELLIGH) - Engine Problems Due to Poor-Quality Diesel Fuel
12:45 - GARY KAISER - BOSCH SOUTH AFRICA - The Future of Diesel Fuel Injection
13:20 - ANDREW DU PLESSIS - MAHLE AFTERMARKET SA - Digitalisation in the Aftermarket, E-Mobility and Sustainability in Trade & Workshops
13:50 - REFRESHMENT BREAK - Brief comfort and networking break
14:05 - LEWIS BROWN | UNITED KINGDOM - Global Industry Trends & Repair Solutions
14:35 - KESHAL SOOKRAJ | DENSO - DENSO Introduction, Authorised Testing Equipment, Technical Training, G4.5 i-ART Technology & Dealer Auditing
14:50 - CLOSING REMARKS - Key takeaways and transition to networking
15:00 - NETWORKING SESSION - Connect with speakers, suppliers and industry colleagues
Click Here to Download the Programme
Global One Automotive Southern Africa
DATE
Wednesday, 28 October 2026
VENUE
Gallagher 1 & 2
Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand
CONFERENCE
08:00 - 13:00
AGENDA
08h00 – Registration & Breakfast
09h00 – GLOBAL ONE Southern Africa | Mr. Janne Rouhunkoski
09h20 – MAHLE Aftermarket SA | Mr. Andrew Du Plessis
09h40 EUROL SA Mr. | Gerhard Maritz
10h00 RIGHT TO REPAIR SA | Mrs. Kate Elliott
10h20 SKF Vehicle Aftermarket SA | Mr. Heinrich Stoltz
10h40 Coffee Break
11h00 VALEO SA | Mr. Conraad Denysschen
11h20 – TOPMOTIVE | Mr. Vanja Sikuljak
11h40 – Closing Remarks | Mr. Janne Rouhunkoski
12h00 – Lunch
Live Action Content Happening at Automechanika Johannesburg 2026!
WATCH A CAR COME TO LIFE
Backdraft Cobra will supply the parts and components for a live car assembly demonstration. Visitors can watch a car take shape from the chassis up, with components such as control arms, hubs, brakes, shock absorbers, steering and wheels assembled and taken apart during the show.
Rhino Linings: Experience Their Coatings First-Hand
Rhino Linings will showcase its range of coating solutions on its stand, featuring a specially customised trailer displaying different coatings. The trailer will also serve as a refreshment station, offering complimentary bottled water to all show visitors.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore and handle a variety of tactile samples, experiencing the different coatings first-hand.
Body Shop / Sherwin Williams Journalist Program
Developing the Next Generation of Automotive Journalists At Automechanika Johannesburg 2026
BodyShop News Africa is proud to once again present its Student Journalist Program. The initiative gives journalism students from tertiary institutions the opportunity to work alongside the BodyShop News Africa editorial team, interviewing exhibitors, reporting on industry innovations and gaining valuable real-world experience at one of Africa's leading automotive aftermarket events.
This year's program is made possible through the generous support of Sherwin Williams, whose commitment reflects a shared vision of developing future talent and strengthening automotive journalism. As the industry evolves through new vehicle technologies, changing repair methods and rapid digital transformation, informed journalism has never been more important.
The program offers students first-hand exposure to the people, ideas and innovations shaping the aftermarket while helping them build confidence and practical reporting skills. Each participant will leave with published articles and a letter of endorsement to enhance their professional portfolio.