Cue the trumpets – We’ve joined the International Van of the Year jury!

April 23, 2025

We’re thrilled to announce that Charleen Clarke, editorial director of FOCUS, has been invited to join the prestigious International Van of the Year (IVOTY) jury! This marks a historic moment, as for the first time in the competition’s 34 years, a South African – and indeed an African – has been invited to take part in this globally significant panel of experts.

The IVOTY award has been presented annually since 1991 and is widely regarded as the pinnacle accolade in the light commercial vehicle sector. Each year, a panel of esteemed European automotive journalists selects the winner based on key criteria such as innovation, efficiency, environmental performance, and overall contribution to the industry. Charleen’s invitation to join this esteemed group of professionals is a monumental achievement, not just for her, but for the African automotive industry as a whole.

Charleen was also recently invited to join the International Pickup Award jury.

Jarlath Sweeney, Chairperson of the IVOTY jury, commented on the significance of Charleen’s inclusion: “The inclusion of Charleen Clarke on the International Van of the Year jury is not only a groundbreaking milestone for the competition, but also a reflection of the increasing prominence of African expertise in the global commercial vehicle sector. Charleen’s deep knowledge of the African market, coupled with her editorial leadership at FOCUS, makes her an ideal addition to the jury. Her inclusion highlights the growing influence of Africa in the automotive world, and we are excited to have her join us in shaping the future of the van industry.”

Charleen herself has expressed her excitement at this prestigious opportunity: “I am truly honoured to join the International Van of the Year jury. This is a historic moment, not just for me, but for the entire African automotive industry. Africa’s unique needs and opportunities are becoming more recognised globally, and I look forward to bringing these insights to the table. FOCUS has always been at the forefront of covering commercial vehicles in Africa, and to represent the continent on such a global stage is an immense privilege.”

At FOCUS, we have long been the authoritative voice in commercial vehicle journalism across Africa, offering in-depth analysis, unparalleled insights, and expert opinions on the vehicles shaping the continent’s transport landscape. Charleen’s selection to the IVOTY jury reinforces our commitment to being the leading source of commercial vehicle knowledge for the African market, and we couldn’t be prouder of this historic achievement.

Here’s to an exciting future, as we continue to drive African expertise onto the global stage!