SIDVOKODVO – The Swazi Rally, where motorcyclists convene to do all things bike-related, is turning 29 years old in this year’s edition. The 29th edition of the Swazi Rally was launched yesterday by the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Moses Vilakati at Riders Ranch in Sidvokodvo.
Speaking during the launch, Minister Vilakati expressed an immense appreciation for the Rally’s contribution to the Eswatini economy. “We are excited once again that the Swazi Rally is up and going this year. This will now be their 29th edition where we are looking at over 5000 bikers. We want it to be bigger because it attracts lots of bikers from all over SADC and some actually come outside of the SADC region – so this is very exciting,” remarked Minister Vilakati.
He added that the Swazi Rally is one of the key events which promote tourism in the country. “As we have explained over a few months that all the activities that will stimulate tourism should be allowed to proceed this year. This is one of those activities which we believe it can make a huge impact to the tourism sector,” added Minister Vilakati.
Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, Swazi Rally Director Carlos Paiva revealed that “Most of the benefits of the Swazi Rally have got nothing with what happens here, its about what happens in Eswatini. So when we start at the border, everybody leaves road tax at the border, everybody has put fuel in the vehicles whether its motorcycles or motor cars , everybody has to eat so the eateries, everybody has to sleep – there’s hotels and guest houses, they’ve got to buy things to take back home – it could be umgcwembe or lihiya.”
The 19th edition of the Swazi Rally will be held at the Rider’s Ranch in Sidvokodvo.
