We give everything character, even our cars. And just like we protect what we love with car insurance, we also celebrate it. So, in honour of Heritage Day, we’re exploring where our unique Mzansi flair shines brightest. 

 

RELATED: CAR MODIFICATIONS SEEN IN SA; FUNNY SOUTH AFRICAN DRIVING LAWS

 

What’s in a Name? Mzansi’s Car Nicknaming Culture 

From taxis to hatchbacks to droptops, South Africans rarely call a car by its “proper” manufacturer name. Instead, we invent names that tell stories, poke fun, or capture the essence of the car. It’s a tradition that’s been passed down, and every nickname carries a little piece of our culture. 

 

Gusheshe Meaning and Local Legend 

Ask any petrolhead about “Gusheshe” and they’ll probably break into a grin. This nickname belongs to the BMW 325iS (E30), a legend in SA’s spinning and drifting scene. Revered as the king of doughnuts, the Gusheshe is an icon that represents township pride, adrenaline, and a whole lot of tyre smoke. 

 

Names of Cars in South Africa That Tell a Story 

  • Tjor / Itransi: Everyday slang for “car,” but you’ll only hear it on local roads. 
  • Skedonk / Skorokoro: Those old faithfuls that make more noise than movement. You drive them with the radio up so you don’t hear the rattles. 
  • Slahla: Our proudly South African word for convertibles. “Slahla” means “to throw away,” as in throwing away the roof. 

 

Mzansi Cars and the Sound of “Vrr Phaa!” 

No nickname list would be complete without the Vrr Phaa! If you’ve ever heard a VW Golf GTI change gears, you know exactly what it means. That sharp “whoosh-bang” between shifts is music to Mzansi ears. Today, “Vrr Phaa!” is used for most performance cars with dual-clutch gearboxes. 

 

Honourable Mentions 

Not every nickname is mainstream, but they’re still worth a nod. 

  • Molo Fish: Ford Cortina 
  • Anaconda: Mercedes-Benz S-Class (long and sleek) 
  • Zola Budd: Toyota Corolla (because it just keeps running) 
  • Starter Pack: VW Polo (the go-to first car for many) 
  • Tony Yengeni: Mercedes ML-Class (named after the politician) 
  • Caracara: VW Golf, inspired by the hit song

 

Why South Africans Love Giving Cars Nicknames 

Cars in SA are part of the family, part of our communities, and part of our stories. Giving them nicknames makes them memorable, relatable, and uniquely ours.

 

Protecting the Cars We Love 

No matter the drive, every car deserves protection. At dotsure.co.za, we offer car insurance that goes beyond the basics to keep you covered. 

Contact us today to find out how we can help you protect the car you love!