New appointment announced by the AASA

The Automobile Association of South Africa (AASA) has appointed Minesh Bhagaloo as its new Head of Public Relations and Advocacy, bringing a career spanning more than two decades in journalism and communications to the organisation.

26minesh1

Holding an Honours degree in Journalism and Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand, Minesh spent almost a decade as a senior journalist with Independent Media Group’s national motoring titles before moving into the automotive industry.

He later led Product Communications at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa and, during the latter part of the past decade, served as Communications Director at Ford South Africa, where he oversaw a number of critical product, corporate and CSR milestones.

“They say that the only constant is change. Joining the Automobile Association of South Africa has presented an opportunity to merge a variety of skills acquired over the years in the various roles I’ve been entrusted with.

“The AASA is in an invigorating phase, with innovation and growth being key facets of this exciting next chapter. We need to bring this to life for the South African consumer and motorist through showcasing this broader mobility and advocacy journey,” says Minesh.

“We are thrilled to welcome Minesh to the AASA family, with his wealth of experience well poised to help turn the page on the next chapter of almost a century of the AASA leading consumer and road safety advocacy.

“Our mandate is clear: safer vehicles, safer roads and safer mobility for all South Africans. Alongside this, we have recently rejuvenated our brand and comprehensively refreshed our broader value proposition. The next chapter is a dynamic one, and we look forward to taking South Africans along this journey with us,” says Bobby Ramagwede, CEO of the AASA.

More Industry News stories

The Toyota Starlet goes from zero to hero

The Toyota Starlet goes from zero to hero

The Toyota Starlet has improved from zero to a four-star rating for adult occupant protection in Global NCAP's latest #SaferCarsForAfrica crash test results. This follows a safety upgrade to make six airbags a standard fit.

  • 3 September 2026
Vehicle sales - the winning streak continues

Vehicle sales - the winning streak continues

South Africa's new vehicle market sustained strong momentum in August 2026, with aggregate sales increasing by 11,4% year-on-year to 57 898 units, says the Automotive Business Councill | naamsa.

  • 2 September 2026
NADA positive about double digit growth

NADA positive about double digit growth

South Africa’s new-vehicle market maintained its momentum in August, with aggregate sales of 57 898 units representing an increase of 11.4% compared with the same month last year.

  • 2 September 2026