History

The need for some form of association to represent local motoring journalists became apparent in the early sixties, at a time when the motorcar was becoming freely available after a long period of shortages and when motorsport began its slow climb to the remarkable popularity it enjoyed.

These two events brought about increased awareness on the part of newspapers and journaled the importance of motoring news. Thus, it enhanced opportunities for motoring journalists to make a worthwhile living and display their skills and knowledge.

The two prime movers behind the Guild’s foundation were Barry Curtis, Motor editor of The Star, and Kenneth Maxwell, who wrote under the by-line of Camshaft of the Rand Daily Mail. Both were members of the London-based Guild of Motoring Writers.

Motorsport, and the South African Grand Prix in particular, has always been a significant factor in the Guild’s existence. The first gathering of what was to become the Guild took place on 29 December 1962 in the Grand Prix Club enclosure at East London after the final practice session for the year’s South African Grand Prix.

The dozen or so journalists present agreed that they should establish some form of organisation. The desire was to create an organisation that could speak for the profession of motoring writers. Specifically, to represent them in negotiations with management if necessary, to act as a liaison organisation with the motor industry, help in the betterment of working conditions, and be a medium for the organisation of social occasions connected with motoring.

On 29 December 1963, a more extensive gathering of journalists covering the South African Grand Prix took place in the Grand Prix Club enclosure in East London.

Initially, membership was by invitation only. Those eligible for membership as full members were required to write or broadcast regularly for the press or radio or be specialist motoring photographers. The Guild then established an associate membership category to allow people to join who were not regular writers or who had connections with the motor industry.

Early in 1964, a gathering took place in the Press Box after a meeting at the Kyalami circuit where an Ad hoc committee was formed with Barry Curtis as chairman. This committee agreed upon the draft constitution, and invitations were extended to eligible people to become members. A provision in the constitution for postal ballots proved most helpful in those early days. The Ad hoc committee could conduct polls to obtain the thinking of members all over the country and obtain agreement for actions taken.

The objectives formulated in the original constitution were:

• To safeguard the interest of motoring journalists.
• To strive to enhance their status and to improve their working conditions.
• To encourage safety on the roads, motorsport and motoring generally.
• To assist in the dissemination of information on motoring affairs.
• To provide a medium for social gatherings associated with motoring.

The first occasion where the Guild made headline news took place in July 1965 when it named John Love the Motor Sportsman of the Year and presented him with a mounted steering wheel. The Motor Sportsman of the Year awards has been awarded for many years and recognised some of the top names in local motor racing.

Another important event was the Tiger’s Tail Press Box opening at Kyalami, which happened in October 1966. This presentation by Esso was a notable recognition of the growing importance of the Guild. The Guild found itself the proud owner of a well-equipped press room, which was immeasurably better than the somewhat crude facilities previously available. 

The first Annual General Meeting took place at Sturrock Park in Johannesburg on 31 December 1967, a day before the Grand Prix at Kyalami. There were nineteen members present. In terms of the unwritten agreement that the chairmanship should alternate between representatives of the English and Afrikaans newspapers, Sieg van Niekerk of Die Transvaler was elected the Guild’s second chairman.

By the middle of 1968, membership had risen to 48, with the list showing the members divided into the designations of writers, photographers, commentators, and associates. The list was circulated to the motor industry, forming the first link of what has grown to be a solid and healthy relationship with the Industry.

The second Annual General Meeting took place at the Kyalami Ranch on the eve of the 1969 Grand Prix. The members made an essential addition to the constitution to cover members’ behaviour and permit disciplining any member who has breached the high standard of professional conduct and behaviour required of Guild members.