Brendon Jordaan Wins Ford South Africa Skills Contest
The Gqeberha-based technician will now represent South Africa at an upcoming international competition in Bangkok.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Car Maintenance
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Brendon Jordaan has won the 2026 Ford South Africa Service Engineering & Operations Skills Contest for the second consecutive year. He outperformed seven other finalists selected from a pool of 540 participants to secure his spot in the international finals.
Why it matters
The annual competition aims to strengthen technical competency and reward disciplined diagnostic processes across the Ford dealer network. This commitment to expertise ensures consistent vehicle quality and customer satisfaction within the South African market.
Jordaan received R20 000 in prize money, with runners-up Stefan Van Der Merwe and Noel Els receiving R10 000 and R5 000 respectively. The competition involved eight finalists chosen from 540 technicians who participated in the broader selection process.
The players
Brendon Jordaan
He is a skilled automotive technician who has won the national Ford service competition for two years in a row.
Stefan Van Der Merwe
He is an automotive technician based in Welkom who placed second in the national skills competition.
Noel Els
He is an automotive technician based in Bethlehem who secured third place in the national skills event.
Ford South Africa
It is the local division of the global vehicle manufacturer that oversees the dealer network and technical training programmes.
The details
Technicians at the Ford Technical Training Centre in Silverton performed practical diagnostic assessments on complex customer concerns using prescribed workshop procedures. The event was observed by eight apprentices enrolled in the three-year Ford Automotive Technician Apprentice Scholarship Programme.
Timeline
The 2026 Ford South Africa Skills Contest took place in 2026.
Brendon Jordaan won the previous technician contest in 2025.
The international competition in Bangkok is scheduled for 11 and 12 November 2026.
A new apprentice cohort is expected to join the programme in 2027.
Roadmap
This competition reflects the automotive industry's increasing focus on highly trained technicians to manage the diagnostic requirements of modern vehicle fleets. By investing in talent development, the manufacturer maintains a competitive edge in service quality against rival brands.
This initiative helps ensure that local customers receive expert diagnostic care and efficient repair services at their dealerships. Owners can expect more reliable vehicle maintenance as dealers continue to prioritise high-level technical training and standardised procedures.
The takeaway
Technical excellence in the automotive sector requires a commitment to consistent diagnostic processes and ongoing professional development. Technicians who engage in these structured programmes are better equipped to handle the complex repair challenges faced by modern drivers.
What happens next
Brendon Jordaan will travel to represent South Africa at the International Markets Group Technician Skills Competition in Bangkok, held on 11 and 12 November 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Car Maintenance practices and industry standards in South Africa.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business Fleet Africa.
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