GQEBERHA – What started with fixing bicycles for his mountain-biking teammates at Grey High School has grown into a career working on motor vehicles — and now Gqeberha mechanic, Daniel Meyburgh, is heading for the national artisan awards.
The automotive mechanic is one of two Eastern Cape finalists in the 2026 South African National Artisan Awards (SANAA), alongside Masixole Vutela of King Hintsa TVET College.
An alumnus of Port Elizabeth TVET College, Meyburgh is affiliated with Magic Auto Sales and Service. Vutela is listed under Vutela Trading Enterprise.
This year’s national awards ceremony will take place on 5 September under the theme “Changing Artisanal Identity and Status”. The programme recognises artisans across trades including automotive, engineering, construction, electrical, plumbing and mechanical disciplines.
From bicycles to motor vehicles
Meyburgh matriculated from Grey High School in 2020, where he was part of the school’s first mountain-biking team.
It was also where his passion for working with anything on wheels began. He became the person his teammates turned to when their bicycles needed repairs.
“I was always happy to assist fellow team members with their bicycles,” he said.
That interest developed into a career at Magic Auto, where he started working in 2021. Through the company, he began studying at Port Elizabeth TVET College in 2022 and said he qualified at the end of 2025.
A love of motor cars was the main inspiration behind his choice of trade.
“I enjoy problem solving, especially when I can find a solution to complex engineering projects. I love innovation, which makes working on vehicles so rewarding,” he said.
Finding solutions in the workshop
Working on complex tasks has become one of the highlights of his career.
Taking the lead in the workshop and finding solutions to challenging problems are among his biggest achievements, he said. A passion for track days, autocross and road rallies has given him an opportunity to put his knowledge of engines, suspension and braking systems to use.
Representing the Eastern Cape at the national awards is a proud moment for the Gqeberha artisan. “Mechanics is my passion, and to be a finalist in a ceremony such as this means my passions have paid off.”
For young people considering an artisan career, the advice is simple: choose something you enjoy.
“Make sure you are interested in anything you take on. Be sure that it is something you enjoy doing, and it will never feel like work,” he said.
Meyburgh will join the other SANAA 2026 finalists at the national awards ceremony on 5 September.
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