Top auctioneers to compete for the prestigious SAIA Auctioneer of the Year title
Henco de Kock of Elite Auctions took overall honours at last year’s SAIA National Auction Championship
Image: Supplied
The most prestigious title on the local auctioneering calendar will be up for grabs at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg on 8 June 2026, when the country’s top auctioneers battle it out for the title of the SAIA Auctioneer of the Year.
The South African Institute of Auctioneers (SAIA) National Auction Championship has stood as the pinnacle of the profession for decades, spotlighting the skills of many of the nation’s most successful bid-callers. Much like winning an Oscar, it remains the most coveted contest on the local industry circuit.
During the competition, auctioneers will compete in front of peers and industry leaders, using their rhythmic chants to buoy the crowd and fetch the highest bids for a range of goods. In a philanthropic turn, all proceeds from the event will go to charity. The competition is graciously sponsored by the Meerkat Online Bidding Platform, the technology that powers many of the country’s most popular auctioneering services.
The event promises to be a showcase of glitz and glamour befitting such an occasion, serving as the culmination of an action-packed two-day programme that includes the SAIA Conference, Auctioneering Expo, Annual Awards, and AGM.
The itinerary features riveting talks and presentations from celebrity guests, local auctioneering legends, and motivational speakers. A particular highlight is an inspiring masterclass by Shane McCarrell, a National Auction Association International Auctioneers Championship World Champion from the United States. This year’s conference will also tackle the most pressing topics affecting the local profession, with focused sessions covering everything from compliance and digital bidding to asset categories and market trends.
Running alongside the main event, the industry expo will feature specialist suppliers across auction finance, asset sourcing, compliance services, and enabling technologies. In true SAIA tradition, where business meets camaraderie, the programme includes a competitive golf day. This allows rivalries to move from the auction floor to the fairways, presenting valuable networking and information-sharing opportunities on the course.
According to SAIA Chief Operations Officer, Sonja Styger, the entire event is aimed at uniting the auction community and showcasing the capabilities of both the auctioneers and their many suppliers. Auctioneers still have time to enter and can engage directly with the SAIA office to participate in the event or the national competition.