Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) is taking its partnership with Comic Con Africa to new gear, introducing a first-of-its-kind vehicle cosplay competition to the 2026 event.
Returning as the official headline sponsor through The Toyota Gaming Engine (TTGE), Toyota’s presence at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from 24 to 27 September 2026 aims to merge South Africa’s vibrant maker and gaming cultures with automotive design.
A First for Vehicle Cosplay in SA
The headline attraction for TTGE’s 2026 lineup is the TTGE Cosplay Competition, a category dedicated entirely to vehicle-inspired cosplay.
Entrants are challenged to build and design original costumes inspired by any Toyota model. Interpretations can range from literal vehicle recreations to humanoid, futuristic, or heavily stylized builds.
Participation is open to individuals aged 18 and older who hold a valid Comic Con Africa ticket. Teams of up to four people are also permitted. Interested builders can register online at with entries closing on 25 September. Every participant will receive a downloadable Starter Pack equipped with official brand assets, color guidelines, and build references.
Judging Criteria and Prizes
The live finale will take place on the Comic Con Africa main stage on Saturday, 26 September, from 15:00 to 15:30, with contestant check-in at 14:30 at the TTGE stand.
A joint judging panel consisting of TTGE representatives, Comic Con Africa organizers, and a professional cosplayer will evaluate contestants across five equally weighted categories:
- Creativity and originality
- Toyota interpretation
- Craftsmanship
- Innovation and resourcefulness
- Stage presence
The judging framework focuses on ingenuity rather than production budget, explicitly encouraging the use of recycled, DIY, and accessible materials.
Prize Breakdown:
- First Place: R10 000 in cash, a GAZOO Racing driving experience for two at Zwartkops Raceway, and weekend passes to Comic Con Africa 2027 for the winner and two guests.
- Second Place: R3 000 eGift24 voucher plus 2027 weekend passes.
- Third Place: R1 500 eGift24 voucher plus 2027 weekend passes.
On-Floor Activations: Hilux Transformers and Precision Drifting
Beyond the cosplay runway, Toyota is rolling out interactive experiences across the four-day festival:
- Load The Hilux: A physical adaptation of the TTGE mini-game will sit in the food court area. Attendees will compete against the clock to load oversized cargo into a full-size Toyota Hilux for daily prizes.
- Hilux Transformer Mascot: A custom-built Hilux transformer character will roam the venue floors. Visitors who photograph the character, tag TTGE, or submit naming suggestions stand to win a share of R15 000 in eGift vouchers.
- Drift X Activation: A gymkhana-style precision driving track where professional drivers will showcase the dynamic handling and agility of Toyota’s GR performance models.
- Free-to-Play Gaming Stand: The TTGE stand will host daily sim-racing on Gran Turismo 7 full-motion rigs, console gaming (Street Fighter, EA FC, Brawlhalla), and mobile titles (Clash Royale, Subway Surfers), complete with daily “Beat The Pro” challenges and leaderboards.
Expanding Beyond the Gaming Screen
Speaking on the initiative, Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors, highlighted the evolution of their platform.
“Through The Toyota Gaming Engine we have spent years investing in South Africa’s gaming community, and this year we are extending that to its makers and builders,” said Crompton.
“Comic Con Africa is one of the few places in South Africa where gaming, creativity and fandom meet at scale and our role there has always been to open the door wider. A brand cosplay category has not been done here before. It is a genuine creative challenge, and we are looking forward to seeing what South Africans build.”
