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AASA appoints Minesh Bhagaloo as head of public relations
The Automobile Association of South Africa has appointed Minesh Bhagaloo as Head of Public Relations and Advocacy, effective 19 January 2026, as the organisation strengthens its focus on mobility, consumer engagement, and road-safety advocacy.
The appointment brings together journalism, corporate communications, and automotive industry experience, reflecting the AASA’s intent to sharpen its public voice during a period of organisational change and growth.
Journalism and automotive communications background
Minesh Bhagaloo holds an Honours degree in Journalism and Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand. He spent almost a decade as a senior journalist with Independent Media Group’s national motoring titles before moving into the automotive sector.
He later led Product Communications at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa and went on to serve as Communications Director at Ford South Africa, where he oversaw major product, corporate, and corporate social responsibility milestones.
Strengthening advocacy and public engagement
In his new role, Bhagaloo will be responsible for leading public relations and advocacy initiatives as the AASA expands its broader mobility mandate and engages more directly with South African motorists.
Minesh Bhagaloo: "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."
Supporting the next chapter of the AASA
The AASA said the appointment supports its ongoing efforts to reinforce its advocacy role while refreshing its brand and value proposition for members and the wider public.
Bobby Ramagwede, Chief Executive Officer, the Automobile Association of South Africa: "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’ve 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."
