…Helps women get into lucrative farming
BY DELISA THWALA
MANZINI– Swazi Rally is an annual biker’s event held at Riders Ranch in Sidvokodvo, Eswatini. In its 30 years of existence, the event has changed a number of lives.
This was revealed by the organizer and founder, Carlos Paiva, with the help of his wife Sonia and a dedicated team that began the Swazi Rally 30 years ago back in 1993.
“Social Responsibility plays a key role in the Swazi Rally before and after the event takes place. In recent years, the team has been involved with local house-building projects for the elderly, disabled and those suffering from long-term conditions.
“They have also assisted in providing clothing, food and childcare to local communities. Swazi Rally continues to help those in need across Eswatini annually,” he said
Swazi Rally is situated at Riders Ranch in Sidvokodvo, a town in central Eswatini, south of Manzini. Riders Ranch boasts great biking facilities not only for the rally but for other events too.
Fortunately, Riders Ranch caters for on and off-road riders making it a fun place for all riders. The first Swazi Rally at Riders Ranch was held in a shed which had no walls situated where the hall is now a permanent structure.
According to Paiva toilets had to be hired and water was shipped in with water tanks. From humble beginnings, the venue has grown in leaps and bounds all under the supervision of the owner Carlos.
“Now the facilities include a larger hall tiled and ceiling on top, more ablution facilities and a professional drag strip and skid pad. Out of the initial attendees a few have never missed a Swazi Rally. They have seen the trees that were planted growing over the years and they now claim ownership of those trees,” he said.
Having their site has enabled them to develop even further. The journey to the site comprises picturesque scenery along meandering roads with lots of twists and turns. With the hike in attendance each year, the Paiva Family has been forced to increase their camping facilities to allow more bikers to attend. This large biking event attracts bikers from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Mozambique and Eswatini who cram the entire site for a weekend of fun.
