The Mlawula Campfire Festival 7th Edition delivered more than music, comedy and entertainment, with the Bakkie Life off-road segment emerging as one of the major attractions of the weekend.
The festival introduced six additional activities, including the Bakkie Life off-road experience and the segment proved particularly popular.
CONVOY INTO SIPHISO CAMPSITE
The action began at Simunye Plaza, where a convoy of bakkies made its way to the Siphiso campsite. The convoy featured Mbabane Motors, NTT Toyota Eswatini, Kia Eswatini, Autofin Ford Eswatini, Standard Bank and festival participants who had registered for the off-road package.
TUG OF WAR BRINGS THE POWER
The first major challenge was the tug of war, putting some of the participating bakkies’ power to the test.
An Isuzu D-Max 1.9 LS Double Cab went head-to-head with a 2.4 GD6 Toyota Hilux, with both producing 110kW. The Hilux won comfortably before facing an Isuzu D-Max 1.9 Single Cab, which provided a tougher challenge.
The Toyota versus Toyota battle then saw a 2.4 GD6 take on a 2.8 GD6, with the latter securing an easy victory. The heavyweight division followed, with a Toyota Land Cruiser 76 Series 4.5 V8 taking on the 2.8 GD6 Hilux. After a false start and rerun, the Land Cruiser emerged victorious.
MUD PIT TESTS 4X4 ABILITY
The mud pit provided another test, with the 2025 3.0-litre Isuzu D-Max V-Cross among the first to tackle the challenging terrain. The Kia Tasman, Suzuki and other 4×4 participants also took on the mud as a water tanker was used to increase the challenge.
The Kia Tasman ultimately claimed victory, while the Suzuki Jimny surprised spectators by earning recognition as the most unexpected and bravest participant.
SHOW, AWARDS AND SUNSET DRIVE
The day’s action culminated in a show and shine, where flagship vehicles were showcased before awards were presented.
Chris Matsebula, driving the Land Cruiser 76 Series, won the tug of war, with Nduduzo Ntuli finishing runner-up. Matsebula received a camp chair and Bakkie Life goodie bag, while Ntuli received a 10-tonne jack and goodie bag.
Mbabane Motors was also recognised as the biggest supporter and sponsor, receiving an air pump and six goodie bags.
After lunch, the convoy headed through Mlawula Nature Reserve towards Magadzavane Lodge for a sunset drive, with the scenic journey captured by drone before participants returned to Siphiso for music and supper.
INDUSTRY PRAISE
“It was a well-organised and engaging experience, providing an excellent platform for networking, knowledge sharing and strengthening industry partnerships. The positive energy, quality interactions and overall execution contributed to a successful and memorable day.
“Thank you once again for the invitation and for hosting a successful event. We look forward to future engagements with Bakkie Life,” said Standard Bank’s Manager, New Business, Vehicle & Asset Finance Sharol Maziya.
“We wish to pass our profound appreciation for Bakkie Life to find it befitting that our brand be part of this prestigious event. It has been a legendary experience to be afforded the platform to showcase our Kia Tasman 2.2D AT 4WD SX which we believe it has proven beyond peradventure that it is the bakkie to be owned,” said Kia Eswatini’s Sales Executive Sandile Nkambule.
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