Safari Rally to offer African riders exciting opportunities
South Africa is preparing to make motorsport history from May 18 to 22 as it hosts its first round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), the prestigious SA Safari Rally.
This landmark event signifies a significant milestone for South African motorsport and places Africa on the global Rally-Raid map.
The rally, traversing some of the country's most rugged and breathtaking landscapes, will test the endurance, navigation, and technical skills of global competitors, elite factory teams, and top-tier talent.
'This is more than a race,' said Gillian Dykes, FIM Africa director and a member of the FIM Cross Country Commission.
'It showcases Africa's natural beauty, our organisational capacity, and the local talent. For many African riders, this event could be their long-awaited gateway to Dakar, without the financial and logistical barriers of competing abroad.'
Confirmed in the bike category are homegrown talents such as Dwain Barnard, Mauritz Meiring, Ruan Burger, and Carien Teessen, who will compete against international stars like Ricky Brabec, Skyler Howes, Adrien van Beveren, and world champion Ross Branch from Botswana.
The presence of factory giants like Honda, KTM, and Hero ensures South Africa will witness Rally-Raid action of the highest calibre.
'This rally is a game-changer,' said Vic Maharaj, CEO of Motorsport South Africa.
'It is not only a chance for African riders to earn valuable W2RC points and Dakar eligibility – it's also a major boost for local tourism, investment, and the motorsport industry.'
Organiser Archie Rutherford confirmed preparations are on track.
'We are building this to world-class standards – logistics, route planning, safety, and including the media. The response from both public and private sectors has been phenomenal.'
The confirmed attendance of FIM president Jorge Viegas and the FIM Africa president underscores the rally's global importance.
'Having the FIM president attend shows how much this event matters. It is a vote of confidence in African motorsport and local organisers, officials, and volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes,' said Dykes.
Dykes is excited about the upcoming Continental Training Session between May 14 and 15, which will precede the Safari Rally.
This two-day technical seminar, led by Argentina's Andres Zalazar from the FIM Technical Commission, is targeted at FIM Africa and MSA officials and will focus on machine compliance, safety gear, and environmental responsibility.
'We need a formal commission, proper collaboration with FIA's car division, and strong sponsorship. This kind of motorsport is expensive, and it needs buy-in from the government and the private sector.'
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