By Siphesihle Dlamini
The full programme of the Swazi Rally Motoring and Entertainment event has been revealed through exclusive files shared by the rally’s management with this publication.
The Swazi Rally, which is set to be held at Riders Ranch, Sidvokodvo on September 1-3, is an annual motorbiking event which draws crowds of bikers from all over the continent. The rally was founded in 1993 with the vision of creating a seamless event for the biking community of Southern Africa. It is one of the oldest and biggest rallies in Eswatini and has made a name for itself over the years. The event which was first held at the Somhlolo National Stadium with just a few hundred bikers but now has grown tremendously attracting over 10,000 bikers and non-bikers from all over Southern Africa and beyond.
To celebrate its 30th Anniversary, the rally is giving away a Suzuki Boulevard M109R worth E300 000. Buying the event’s ticket guarantees participation in the lucky draw for the ‘Win A Bike’ competition. The rally is also set to be more environmentally friendly this year through its partnership with Top Notch and Eric Slabbert to efficiently dispose and recycle waste gathered from the event. Festivals tend to generate a lot of waste which adds up to 53,000 tonnes of waste each year in Africa alone. This partnership promotes environmentally responsible fun.
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According to Swazi Rally Communications Officer Mpumalanga Zwane, the first day of the rally, September 1, will be kickstarted by live performances and entertainment from South African Oscar Mbo, Dr Victor, and other local DJs. Local acts featured include AyaCity, Trend Twins, Supa CDQ, and Tilungu, among others. The first day will be fun packed with games, competitions, and the crowning of Miss Swazi Rally.
She further added that the second day commences with a mass ride where bikers will get together, forming a convoy touring around the country and appreciating the beauty of Eswatini before ending the ride back at Riders Ranch. This will be followed by a range of activities at the motorsport arena. Various motoring competitions will be held such as drifting, spinning, tyre throwing, drag racing, stunt riding and more. From 6 pm, there will be a concourse where the finest motorbikes will be put on display and judged for prize giving. The day will not be short of live entertainment and prizes to be won.
Day three will start with a church service at 6 am. Bikers will get ready to return home. Some will stay to witness the annual Reed Dance on Monday. This is accommodated by allowing campers to stay on until September 4.
