With just two weeks to go, South Africa is preparing to make motorsport history from 18 to 22 May as it hosts its first-ever round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) – the prestigious SA Safari Rally. This landmark event not only signifies a major milestone for South African motorsport, but also places Africa firmly on the global Rally-Raid map.
Traversing some of the country’s most rugged and breathtaking landscapes, the rally will be a true test of endurance, navigation, and technical skill, attracting global competitors, elite factory teams, and top-tier talent.
“This is more than just a race,” says Gillian Dykes, FIM Africa Director and a member of the FIM Cross Country Commission. “It’s a showcase of Africa’s natural beauty, our organisational capacity, and the immense pool of 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 are set to 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,” says Vic Maharaj, CEO of Motorsport South Africa. “It’s 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 at large.”
Hosting a round of the W2RC opens enormous opportunities for the continent. As Dykes notes, “Africa is one of the few regions with the vast open terrain necessary for events of this magnitude. The success of this rally could inspire other FIM Africa nations to host world championship events – be it sand races, Bajas, or even circuit racing. The dream? A transnational rally-raid event crossing two or three African countries. The potential is real.”
Organiser Archie Rutherford confirms preparations are on track. “We’re building this to world-class standards – logistics, route planning, safety, and media included. The response from both public and private sectors has been phenomenal.”
Perhaps most exciting is the rally’s accessibility for African riders. “Expense is the main hurdle,” Dykes explains. “Competing in Morocco, Abu Dhabi, or South America is often out of reach. Hosting the rally in South Africa eliminates huge costs like travel, accommodation, and bike rental. Riders gain crucial experience and, if they meet performance and safety standards, they’re one step closer to Dakar.”
The rally’s global importance is underscored by the confirmed attendance of FIM President Jorge Viegas and the FIM Africa President, both of whom will be on hand to witness the action. “Having the FIM President attend shows how much this event matters,” says Dykes. “It’s a vote of confidence in African motorsport and all the local organisers, officials, and volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes.”
And the message from their presence? “That we matter,” Dykes affirms. “It recognises the effort put in by Motorsport South Africa and proves our riders are being prepared to compete at the highest international level.”
Dykes is particularly excited about the upcoming Continental Training Session between 14–15 May, 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. “It’s about raising the bar across the continent. If our officials are trained well, they take that knowledge home, and the ripple effect elevates African motorsport as a whole,” she says.
Looking ahead, she sees huge potential – but also challenges – in developing Rally-Raid in South Africa. “We’d 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 government and the private sector.”
Africa, she insists, is a critical growth area for the FIM. “We’re talking job creation, new products and training – motorsport can be a catalyst.”
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DOCHERTY Michael – Rally 2 – Credit ASO 
N Cavigliasso -V Pertegar Chalenger – Credit ASO 
ARCHIE RUTHERFORD – CEO SARRC 
Dakar 2023 Gillian Dykes with Svetlana NAZAROVA, Commission of Circuit Racing Coordinator 
Gillian Dykes member of the CTT Commission and a Bureau member within FIM 
Vic Maharaj CEO Motorsport SA
Issued for MSA and SA Safari Rally by Cathy Findley PR