Dakar 2026 tough on South African participants
The 2026 Dakar Rally delivered one of the most thrilling and competitive editions of the world’s toughest off‑road endurance race.
- Industry News
- 19 January 2026
Audi South Africa announced the appointment of Mulalo Makungo (Ratshikhopha) as its new National Sales Operations Manager.
She has over ten years’ experience in the automotive industry and worked with the Barloworld and McCarthy Groups at Head Office level and across various other brands in the automotive sector, including BMW, General Motors, Burchmores and Traders Online.
More recently, Mulalo held the position of Business Manager for the Volkswagen Brand since 2017. During her career, she has gained a firm understanding of and appreciation for the Dealer retail environment and the Used Car business.
She has also completed her International Management Development Programme through the Volkswagen Group as part of her professional training and development on a global level. Mulalo, who was born and raised in Johannesburg, holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Financial Accounting from the University of Cape Town and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.

In her new role and reporting directly to the Head of Retail and Planning at Audi South Africa (Asif Hoosen), she assumes responsibility for all sales operational topics together with the Rental, Government and Fleet sales portfolios.
“We believe that Mulalo brings great passion, energy and experience within various retail backgrounds in order to drive new sales opportunities at Audi South Africa. We are excited to have her on board at the Four Rings and wish her all the best in her new role,” says Asif.
The 2026 Dakar Rally delivered one of the most thrilling and competitive editions of the world’s toughest off‑road endurance race.
Volvo Cars has partnered with type specialists Dalton Maag to develop Centum, a bespoke typeface crafted specifically for the in‑car environment.
Time to enter is running out for prospective participants in the 16th Simola Hillclimb, which will be held in the Knysna region later this year from 30 April to 3 May.