In a significant step toward enhancing the efficiency and preparedness of motorsport events in South Africa, and specifically the inaugural South African Safari Rally, brought to you by Toyota Gazoo Racing, 40 marshals and officials from the Off-Road Marshal Unit (ORMU) joined forces with the event organising team for a comprehensive training session.
Hosted at Zwartkops Raceway near Pretoria in March 2025, this training exercise equipped officials with the latest skills and knowledge required to manage large-scale local and international motorsport events such as the South African Safari Rally. This landmark event, which takes place from 18 to 24 May 2025 at Sun City, forms Round 3 of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), and is the first W2RC event to be held in Southern Africa.
“The South African Safari Rally, which is set to deliver a thrilling mix of challenging terrain and intense competition, requires officials who are well-versed in handling a variety of logistical and safety concerns. The marshal training session at Zwartkops will certainly raise the bar for motorsport event standards, ensuring that officials are fully prepared, both for the South African Safari Rally when the international spotlight is on South Africa, and also for our local racing series,” said Archie Rutherford, CEO of the South African Safari Rally.
“This collaboration between ORMU, the South African Safari Rally, and ASO marks a new chapter in strengthening the country’s motorsport scene, with our marshals now better equipped to deliver a world-class experience for competitors and spectators alike,” Rutherford said.
The training was conducted under the expert guidance of Edo Mossi from the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), a globally recognised figure in motorsport event management. Mossi provided the marshals with an in-depth overview of what to expect during the upcoming South African Safari Rally, emphasizing the importance of coordination, safety, and effective communication among officials. His session offered insights into the specific challenges posed by the event and the strategic approach required to ensure smooth operations throughout.
Theoretical training covered a range of scenarios that officials might face during the event. Leading this portion of the session was Steve Harding, the highly experienced event manager for the South African Safari Rally, who has a long-standing association with the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile). Harding, who is also closely tied to Motorsport South Africa (MSA), shared valuable lessons from his extensive career in managing motorsport events. Practical training was also conducted, focusing on critical aspects such as timekeeping, safety protocols, and the management of control points.
“This training was crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the South African Safari Rally. We’re focusing on building a strong team of marshals who are not only well-informed but also capable of thinking on their feet and handling high-pressure situations,” Harding said. The emphasis on teamwork, communication, and quick decision-making resonated with the attendees, many of whom will play a pivotal role in upcoming international and local motorsport competitions.
“The marshals who participated in this training session will be well-equipped to take on their vital roles, contributing to the success of the South African Safari Rally and ensuring the safety of all involved,” Harding added.
Furthermore, the people who attended this valuable training will be sharing the world-class skills and experience gained through this initiative by training others in the field. In the process, they will help upskill a wider network of motorsport marshals and officials that are a crucial component of any motorsport event.
The closing date for South African Safari Rally entries is 30 April 2025.
