Peter Matika, Senior Reporter
MECHANICS from across Bulawayo put their technical expertise, diagnostic skills and knowledge of automotive lubricants to the test, with Conquerors emerging as the overall winners of the second edition of the Caltex Havoline Makanika Challenge held in the city yesterday.
The competition brought together vehicle technicians in a spirited contest that tested their understanding of engine performance, vehicle maintenance and lubrication solutions.
Conquerors claimed the top prize, followed by P and R in second place, Grease Monkeys in third, Engineering Academy in fourth and Nissan Clover Leaf in fifth, rounding off a competition that placed technical knowledge and practical automotive skills at the centre of the spotlight.
The atmosphere was charged with excitement and healthy competition as Bulawayo mechanics showcased their technical expertise, diagnostic precision and knowledge of automotive. The event celebrated the skill and innovation of local automotive technicians while underscoring the importance of proper vehicle maintenance, quality lubricants and continuous technical development in improving engine performance and durability.
The event also provided an opportunity for Caltex Braford Lubricants to celebrate 20 years of distributing the Caltex brand in Zimbabwe.
Caltex Braford Lubricants Marketing Executive, Mrs Sindisiwe Zinyuke, said the Makanika Challenge was part of the company’s efforts to engage mechanics, strengthen industry relationships and promote a better understanding of quality lubricants and their role in vehicle performance.
She said the competition offered technicians a platform to demonstrate their abilities while deepening their appreciation of lubrication technologies that contribute to engine protection, durability and reliable performance.
The challenge also highlighted the importance of continuous technical development in an industry where correct product selection, routine maintenance and proper lubrication can make a significant difference to the lifespan and operating costs of vehicles.
“Caltex Braford Lubricants is a division of Braford Investments (Private) Limited, a Zimbabwean company incorporated in January 2003. It is the official distributor of Caltex-branded lubricants in the country under a distributorship licence from Astron Energy (Pty) Ltd,” said Mrs Zinyuke.
Over the past two decades, the company has developed a distribution network supported by three warehouses in Bulawayo, Hwange and Harare, serving customers in mining, agriculture, manufacturing, transport, railways, construction and retail.
Its product portfolio includes lubricants formulated with ISOSYN and Deposit Shield technologies, designed to help protect critical engine components against wear, support equipment durability and minimise operating costs.
Beyond supplying products, Caltex Braford Lubricants provides technical support through lubrication engineers who offer training and tailored solutions aimed at improving equipment performance, reducing maintenance expenses and extending machinery lifespan.
The support includes proactive lubrication management and condition monitoring, helping customers identify potential equipment problems and make informed maintenance decisions.
Mrs Zinyuke said the company’s two-decade journey had also been marked by recognition within the Astron Energy distribution network across the Southern African Development Community region.
In 2022, Caltex Braford Lubricants received the Caltex Top Distributor of the Year award and a Business Excellence award after becoming the first Caltex distributor to reach three million litres in sales.
The company also received a Chevron certificate recognising growth of more than 300 percent between 2019 and 2023, alongside Astron Energy awards for operational excellence and a second-place ranking in 2024.
Its achievements continued in 2025, when it received several accolades, including the Five Million Club Award, Distributor of the Year Award, Export Distributor Award, Operational Excellence
Award, Annual Volume Growth Award, Annual Volume Target Award and Marketing Award.
The recognition reflects the company’s growth within the distribution network as it continues serving customers whose operations depend on reliable lubrication and equipment performance.
The Caltex brand, owned by Chevron, supplies petroleum products and lubricants designed for different operating conditions and customer requirements.
Mrs Zinyuke said the company remained committed to supporting the communities in which it operates while maintaining high health, environmental and safety standards.
Guided by its motto, “Zero harm is possible”, Caltex Braford Lubricants continues to emphasise safety and responsible operations alongside product quality and customer support.
