Meet AutoBuddy – Your Road Safety Buddy.

You’ll soon be seeing him at store openings, community events, exhibitions, schools and family days across South Africa. Whether he’s handing out high fives, posing for selfies or showing off his dance moves, AutoBuddy is there for one reason – to make road safety fun for the whole family.

Because while he loves to make people smile, he also has an important job to do.

AutoBuddy helps children learn simple road safety habits through games, interactive activities, and plenty of laughter. At the same time, he reminds parents that keeping a vehicle properly maintained is one of the simplest ways to help protect the people who matter the most.

“AutoBuddy is all about making road safety approachable,” says Krystle Stewien, Marketing Manager at AutoZone. “Children learn best when they’re having fun, and AutoBuddy gives us a wonderful way to share important safety messages while creating memorable experiences for families. We hope he’ll become a familiar face in communities across South Africa.”

Every time AutoBuddy makes an appearance, he’ll be helping spread a simple message – safer roads start with all of us. Whether that’s buckling up, crossing the road safely, or making sure your vehicle is in good condition, every small action makes a difference.

So, if you see a new friendly buddy at your next AutoZone event, be sure to stop by, say hello, snap a selfie and join the fun. AutoBuddy can’t wait to meet you!

For the team at AutoZone Potch, the award is not just about selling parts. It’s about the relationships built over years with workshops, fleet owners, mechanics, students, farmers, taxi operators and everyday motorists who walk through the doors needing help, advice or simply the right part at the right time.  

Branch Manager, Jackie Smith, says the recognition belongs to everyone who helped build the branch into what it is today.  

“I would like to sincerely thank everyone for this incredible recognition. Receiving the Best of Potch certificate for Best Motor Spares Shop is truly an honour.  

This achievement would not have been possible without our loyal customers, dedicated staff, suppliers, friends and family, who continue to support us every day.  

We are proud to serve the Potchefstroom community, and this recognition motivates us to keep delivering the best service, quality parts and support to all our customers. 

Thank you for believing in us, and for making this achievement possible. 

To every customer who voted, supported, recommended and trusted the branch over the years, thank you for making AutoZone Potchefstroom part of the community’s success.  

From Classic Car Friday through to the final King of the Hill shootouts, the 2026 event delivered exceptional performances across every category. 
 

Classic Car Friday Winner: 

Classic Conqueror:  

Ian Schofield took top honours in his March 77B Formula Atlantic, claiming his second Classic Car Friday victory with a time of 40.881 seconds.  

King of the Hill Champions:  

Modified Saloon Cars: 

Pieter Zeelie secured back-to-back victories and his third overall win in the Toyota MR2 with a time of 37.216 seconds.  

Single Seaters, Sports Cars and Prototypes: 

Robert Wolk secured his second title with a 25.024 second run in the Gould GR55.  

Road Cars and Supercars: 

Clinton Weston took a second consecutive title and set a new class record of 42.527 seconds in the Mercedes AMG GT 63 E Performance.  

2026 Class Winners:  

Class Car Friday Winners: 

• H1: Greig Smith – Austin 7 SS Special  

• H2: Peter Macpherson – Ford GT40 

• H3: Jandre Bezuidenhout – Porsche 944 Turbo Cup  

• H4: Enzo Kuun – Ferrari 348  

• H5: Silvio Scribante – Ford Escort Mk1 

• H6: James Temple – Shelby Daytona Coupe  

• H7: Dawie Joubert – Lotus Elise  

• H8: Mike McLoughlin – Porsche 911 GT3 Cup  

• H9: Ian Schofield – March 77B 

• H10: Franco Scribante – Chevron B19 

Road Cars and Supercars: 

• A1: Rory Atkinson – Volkswagen Golf GTI 

• A3: Leyton Fourie – BMW M2 

• A4: Cristiano Verolini – BMW M4 

• A6: Gordon Nicholson – Audi R8 V10 Plus 

• A7: Garth Mackintosh – McLaren 720S 

• A8: Clint Weston – Mercedes AMG GT 63 S E Performance  

Modified Saloon Cars:  

• B2: Graeme Nathan – Volkswagen Polo GTI SupaCup 

• B4: Pieter Zeelie – Toyota MR2  

• B5: Silvio Scribante – Audi RS3  

• B7: Ricardo Giannoccaro – Lamborghini Huracan GT3  

• B9: Janus Janse van Rensburg – Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio 

• B10: Jared Rossouw – Volkswagen Golf  

Single Seaters, Sports Cars and Prototypes:  

• C1: Devin Robertson – Radical Pro Sport  

• C2: Ian Schofield – Mygale Formula Ford  

• C3: Robert Wolk – Gould GR55 

• C4: Connor Kilbride – Ligier JS53 Evo2 

• C6: Johan Bekker – Ariel Atom  

AutoZone was proud to be part of the Simola Hillclimb as the sponsor of the Victory Lane, celebrating alongside drivers and teams throughout the weekend.  

We look forward to seeing what the 2027 climb has in store.  

The Pathways Program recognises that many young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, face barriers that make entering the world of work or further study extremely difficult. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the program meets each person where they are, combining practical skills development with digital skills training, psychosocial support, counselling, and ongoing follow-up support even after the formal sessions end. Barriers such as lack of transport, food insecurity, and limited exposure to opportunities are actively addressed with support structures that help participants stay present and engaged throughout the program.

In September 2025, three young people began their learnership with AutoZone as part of this program, with their journey set to run through to August 2026. While still ongoing, their progress has been really encouraging.

One of the youths is based at our Randburg branch and has settled in very well. Supported by a team that has really embraced his development, he continues to grow in confidence and capability.

At our Benoni branch, two of the youths have also found their feet in the automotive industry. Their positive attitudes and consistency have made them a welcome part of the team, and their progress so far has been encouraging.

Recently, AutoZone’s Marketing Manager, Krystle Stewien attended a Kids Haven event where she had the opportunity to engage with the young people from the program.

“What an amazing afternoon. The young people in the Pathways Program are incredible. They stepped out of their comfort zones, engaging with business professionals, asking well thought out questions, and confidently sharing their skills and passions. It was inspiring to watch these young people.”

Events like this highlight just how much potential exists when young people are given the opportunity to be seen and heard. One young participant’s passion for photography has already opened the door to future collaborations at AutoZone events. There are also plans to explore mentorship opportunities for some of the youth who have recently stepped into the working world.

Ilka Stein, Manager: Youth and Skills Development at Kids Haven says “We become what we know, so opening doors and exposing your people to different opportunities is a crucial stepping stone.”

This partnership continues to be a meaningful one, not only in supporting young people, but in reminding us of the value of patience, encouragement, and simply creating opportunities and space for growth.