Times Of Swaziland: NO SWAZI RALLY THIS YEAR

NO SWAZI RALLY THIS YEAR
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BY DUDU DUBE on 23/04/2020 07:01:00


SIDVOKODVO- ‘We had to take a responsible decision.’  This was said by Swazi
Rally co-founder Carlos Paiva during a meeting that was held at Riders Ranch.
He officially shared that there will be no rally this year. He shared the news
in the presence of the Minster of Tourism and Environmental affairs Moses
Vilakati. He said they had to cancel the rally  as the Prime Minister, Ambrose
Mnadvulo Dlamini declared a national emergency due to the COVID-19 outbreak..
“Swazi Rally is a national event and after many consultations with the various
stake holders and partners within the Swazi Rally committee, it has been decided
that a postponement of the event is in order in light of the current COVID-19
pandemic,” he said
It is worth noting that the committee has proposed dates for next year, which
are August 27 to 29 2021.
“Next year we are going to have a blast, we pray that our country is protected
from this virus,” he added.  Minister Vilakati also shared that Swazi Rally
has grown in leaps and bounds over the years.
The rally attracts over 10 000 people in one weekend supporting the mandate of
the Ministry which is to increase tourist numbers from 1.3 million to 2 million.
“They have been hosting the rally successfully for the past 26 years and it
owes its popularity largely to the fact that it is the only major biking event
in Eswatini. It also takes place in conjunction with other tourism events such
as the Umhlanga Reed dance and Eswatini International Trade Fair in the same
week. This provides tourists with a diverse offering of experiences and ensures
that as a country, we achieve our goal to have more than a one night stay in the
country,” he said.
He went on to share his excitement as he was looking forward to next year.
“I attended last year’s event and it was epic. I promised myself I would
ride also, but next year I am definitelty  attending, having fun is also
important,” he added.
It is worth noting that the motorcycle fraternity is growing in Eswatini and the
rally is rated among the top three best rallies in the region.
“We all need to adhere to the health precautions; we need to wash our hands
frequently. Cover our nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or
flexed elbow, most importantly we need to stay home,” said the minister.
More information about the next rally will be shared on this publication.