The Mazda MX-5 has long been celebrated as one of the world’s most iconic sports cars, and in South Africa, its following has grown into a vibrant community of enthusiasts.
The Mazda MX-5 Owners Club, founded in 1991, quickly expanded into four regional branches across Cape Town, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and George, each hosting their own events and gatherings. Over time, challenges such as the departure of founding members and the impact of Covid led to a decline, but by 2022, dedicated owners rallied together to rebuild the club, electing a new committee and ratifying a fresh constitution.
Today, the club is thriving again, with a strong national presence and a culture rooted in camaraderie, technical knowledge-sharing and the sheer joy of driving. Membership offers access to monthly MX-5 events, discounted regalia, SAMCA public liability cover, and specialist advice from fellow enthusiasts. The club also maintains a growing national register of MX-5s, with nearly 330 cars listed and over 500 people registered on its website. Of these, 133 are active members, with Gauteng leading the way with 92 members.
The MX-5 Owners Club is more than just a motoring group; it is a custodian of Mazda’s design philosophy of Jinba Ittai — the harmony between driver and car, like horse and rider. This ethos is celebrated at monthly runs, annual long-distance away events, and national gatherings such as Angela’s Picnic and Cars in the Park.
This weekend, the passion for the MX-5 will be on full display as around 25 Mazda MX-5s form the Gauteng club take to the scenic routes and challenging roads of the Lowveld from Fryday 18th.
The convoy will arrive at Mazda Nelspruit on Saturday 19th, located at 49 Emnotweni Avenue, Riverside Park, Mbombela (Nelspruit), where breakfast will be served. Enthusiasts and the public alike are invited to view these fine motor cars and share in the excitement.
Video – acknowledgement: Mazda MX5 Club of SA.
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Chinese vehicle manufacturers continued to record significantly stronger growth than established OEM brands in South Africa during the second quarter of 2026, according to TransUnion's Q2 2026 Mobility Report.
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