Meet Tshidi Malebana, one of 20 judges for the 2023/24 iteration of the #CarsAwards! After a long day of judging 3 categories at the Gerotek Test Facility in Gauteng, we were keen to hear about Tshidi’s experience! Take a look!
The Cars.co.za Consumer Awards is now in its 7th iteration and with South Africa’s most comprehensive and authoritative motoring awards programme reaching its zenith, we saw no less than 20 judges descending on the Gerotek Testing Facility in Gauteng to put all 39 finalists through their paces.
More than this, all 39 finalists also went on public display at the Mall Of Africa in Midrand this weekend to give the public the opportunity to see the cars in the metal and to engage with the judges.
Earlier this year, a pool of 65 semi-finalist vehicles in 13 categories were chosen by Cars.co.za’s respected, highly knowledgable and experienced editorial team. The team put all the semi-finalists through a rigorous scoring process based on “Filters of Eligibility” and “Pillars of Success” to arrive at 39 finalists represented in 13 categories (3 vehicles per category).
The physical testing of all 39 finalists is a major component in the #CarsAwards programme with judges from all walks of life and varying professional backgrounds convening to cast their critical eyes and minds on the contenders.
The scores from all 20 judges represent 50% of the final result while the remaining 50% is determined by the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey that includes feedback from thousands of vehicle owners, based on their experiences of their vehicles and the service they receive (less than four years old and serviced through franchised outlets).
The winners in each category as well as the coveted Brand Of The Year Award will be announced in early 2024.
Click here for more information on the #CarsAwards
Tshidi Malebana: What’s it like to be a #CarsAwards Judge?
We asked #CarsAwards judge, Tshidi Malebana, a few questions to learn more about what she thought about the testing process for the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. Here’s what she had to say!
1. Introduce yourself and briefly tell us what you do for a living.
Hey Fam! My name is Matshedisho Malebana, also known as Tshidi. I work as an Accounting Clerk at an accounting firm and I am also a part-time independent motoring journalist. I love cars and I love to laugh!
2. How many #CarsAwards have you judged and what does it mean to you to be chosen as a judge?
The #CarsAwards was my first opportunity to judge and being selected as a judge was one of the highlights of 2023. I am honoured to have worked alongside Hannes, Ciro, Ashley, etc. They are true legends of the South African motoring industry.
3. What #CarsAwards categories did you judge?
Entry-Level Hatch, Entry-Level Crossover and Family Car
4. You’ve just returned from extensive testing at Gerotek, how was it? Briefly tell us about your experience!
It was a different experience. Gerotek offers a unique array of facilities for testing a vehicle’s entire performance in a controlled environment in a short time. Putting similar cars back-to-back on the same terrain reveals significant differences! It was tiring but I’m not complaining.
5. The #CarsAwards is regarded as the most respected motoring awards programme in South Africa. In your opinion, what makes the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards unique?
Consumers are involved and there is a wide selection of judges!
6. What test obstacles at Gerotek did you find to be the most illuminating in terms of testing the finalists and why?
The wet obstacle proved how well the car would do on wet roads, hill climbs exposed some vehicles’ power deficiencies and the suspension track revealed a car’s weaknesses very clearly.
7. Out of all the cars you tested, what car stood out the most for you and why?
Suzuki Swift. The car has style, it’s a best-seller and it’s a pure joy to drive. It’s a fun car that offers great value for money!
8. What cars do you think will win in each category (share your predictions with us) and importantly what car brand do you think will win the Brand Of The Year Award and why?
Entry-Level Hatchback – Suzuki Swift
Budget Hatchback – Renault Clio
Compact Hatchback – VW Polo
Entry-Level Crossover – Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
Compact Family Car -Haval Jolion S Super Luxury
Family Car – Kia Sportage
Premium Crossover – BMW X1
Executive SUV – Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d
Premium SUV – Land Rover Defender
Adventure SUV – Ford Everest Wildtrak
Leisure Double Cab Bakkie – Ford Ranger Raptor
Performance Car – Honda Civic Type R
Electric Vehicle – Volvo XC40 Twin Motor
Brand of the Year – BMW: They have five finalists in the different categories.
9. If you attended the Cars.co.za #CarsAwards Roadshow at Mall Of Africa, tell us what you enjoyed most about the experience!
Being able to interact with the public and hear some of their questions about all the finalists was interesting and fun.
10. Give us 3 words that capture the essence of the 2023/24 #CarsAwards.
Efficient. Big. Indisputable.
Related Content
2023/24 CarsAwards – The Finalists
Cars.co.za Consumer Awards — Tough Testing, The Consumer Wins!
Brendon Staniforth – What’s It Like Being a #CarsAwards Judge?
Rebaneilwe Semakane – What’s It Like Being a #CarsAwards Judge?
