Martin Erwee, a sales executive at East Rand Toyota in Boksburg and a Rynfield resident, once again scooped the prestigious Honorary Knight of the Year award at the 2026 Toyota South Africa Knights Investiture ceremony.

Toyota Knights represent an elite group of salespeople who are valuable assets to their dealerships and to Toyota SA.
Not only do they contribute significantly to the profitability and viability of their dealerships, but they also promote the image of the salesperson and set aspirational standards for other Toyota salespeople.

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Held at the glitzy Palace of the Lost City this year, these annual awards remain a nerve-racking affair for Erwee, despite him being no stranger to the limelight at Toyota.

Erwee has worked for East Rand Toyota for 35 years, has been awarded Automark Knight 31 times, and is the most knighted Automark Knight in history.

“This year was my 22nd time being awarded Knight of the Year winner and second year being named Honorary Knight of the Year, which is a new category introduced two years ago.”

Throughout the years, along with the Knight accolades, Erwee remains embedded in community organisations in need, including The Salvation Army Benoni, Delmas Animal Shelter, Aruka, The Urban Ruins, St Francis Care Centre, We are South Africans, as well as feeding schemes and organisations looking after the welfare of the elderly.

“Firstly, I want to thank my loyal clients for their incredible support and trust in me, backing me and being part of this journey.
“Last but not least, thank you to my family for their unwavering support.

“I’m very honoured to have won this most prestigious Toyota award and am still on cloud 99!
“Words alone can’t describe the feeling, and even after 31 years as a Knight and 22 wins, it still feels like the first time every year,” said an emotional Erwee.

East Rand Toyota dealer principal Corne de Witt is exceptionally proud.
“It’s an absolute privilege to have Martin as an employee. His dedication and perseverance in delivering the highest-quality service and products are unmatched.

“Martin is the one person you can count on, and nothing is ever too much effort. He will always go the extra mile!
“Well done, Martin. You are an example to all of us.”

He explained that the Knights Programme represents an elite group of sales professionals who are an asset to both their dealership and Toyota SA, and who make a significant contribution to the viability of others within their dealership by way of profitability, growth, and development.
Knights display the values of integrity, courage, honour, compassion, loyalty and respect.

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