Matthew Boyd

Cape Town-based content creator and mentor Matthew Boyd, 29, never imagined he would one day reach millions speaking about cars. He describes himself as shy and introverted — someone who thought he would design vehicles behind the scenes, not in front of a camera. Matthew starts his day at 5am with stock trading, which involves high-stakes decision-making. Once markets close, he shifts to content creation — editing videos for his car accessories brand, social media platforms, clients, or nonprofits. He is also a self-defence trainer for Fight Back SA, a female-led nonprofit organisation teaching women and children how to defend themselves in high-crime areas. Sober for seven years, Matthew is open about overcoming substance abuse and dedicates much of his life to helping others do the same. He co-founded Heroes Academy NPC, a 12-week mentorship programme for boys in high-risk communities, and launched Curfew Club, a legal, community-driven car enthusiast meet-up, promoting safe engagement in the Cape Town car scene. He draws inspiration from his grandfather and the investor who backed Heroes Academy. Both taught him to lead with kindness and to use success to uplift others.

National Senior Certificate (matric) — no further formal qualifications

• Sobriety – seven years of sobriety after a prolonged struggle with substance abuse stands as a defining achievement. Sobriety requires unwavering commitment, the courage to leave behind harmful relationships and environments, and the vision to pursue a better life. It is difficult — but possible — and remains a foundation for ongoing personal growth and advocacy.
• Heroes Academy NPC – founded in partnership with an investor who shared the same vision, Heroes Academy NPC is a 12-week mentorship programme designed for young boys in townships and high-crime communities. The initiative emerged from a desire to provide positive male role models for those lacking them. The NPC remains active, transforming lives through mentorship, structure and hope. It is one of the proudest achievements to date.
• Curfew Club – was created as a safe, legal alternative for car enthusiasts in Cape Town — a space where passion could be celebrated without risk or illegal activity. Every second month, the club hosts group drives that end at a designated location where attendees connect, network and share their enthusiasm. The project has helped reshape the narrative around car culture by building community with intention

I use many online figures as role models. I love finding someone who has exactly the kind of life I would like to live and following in their footsteps. I would advise everyone to find a voice on their social media that they resonate with strongly, and work with that as their guide. In terms of my personal mentors, I have a strong mentor-like connection with my grandfather, who continues to amaze me as he leads our family, even in his old age. He is an incredible example of what a great man should be — a steady protector and a kind soul. I hope that when I am old, I have as many crazy stories as he has. Another incredible mentor to me has been the woman who invested in Heroes Academy NPC. She took me under her wing and taught me how to meet people at their level. This woman is extremely wealthy, but treats those who live in townships like her brothers and sisters. She taught me the importance of discipline and vision, encouraged me to think in terms of the future and showed me how vital it is to use success and wealth to benefit those who are less fortunate.