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17 Year-old Car Designer

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Simon Moss with Lonwabo Sila
Simon Moss with Lonwabo Sila after going for a test drive in the Engen Audi S4 Production race car around Aldo Scribante race track

Lonwabo Sila has dreamt of designing a car for the past seven years and yesterday, 12 August 2015 his dream became a reality.

As part of the Reach for a Dream initiative, the 17 year-old Lonwabo spent a day at the Volkswagen Motorsport in Uitenhage to learn what being a car designer entails.

Johan Smit, Chief Designer: Volkswagen South Africa Motorsport took Lonwabo through a theory and practical session which included the process of designing a Volkswagen, computer simulations and the different design components of the car.

After a tour of the Volkswagen Motorsport facilities, Lonwabo headed over to the AutoPavilion where he put to practical use what he had learnt from Motorsport’s Chief Designer.

“I have had a very interesting day but the best part about today was actually sitting with Johan Smit and learning about how one actually goes about designing a car,” said the Grade 11 Lady Grey Arts Academy student.

A hobby which started off with innocent drawings of cartoon characters blossomed into a detailed sketchbook with various drawings of cars and now Lonwabo plans to study design after he finishes high school next year with hopes of one day being a professional car designer.

Lonwabo also had the opportunity to be test-driven in the Engen Audi S4 Production race car when racing driver, Simon Moss took him for a few speedy laps at the Aldo Scribante Race Track.

“We are very proud as Volkswagen that we have made yet another child’s dream come true and we are equally happy to partner with the Reach for a Dream Foundation in trying to inspire South Africa’s youth,” said Mike Rowe, Head of Volkswagen South Africa Motorsport.

The Reach for a Dream Foundation gives hope to South African children fighting life-threatening diseases through the fulfilment of their dreams.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.