FEMI OWOEYE
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Republic of South Africa is warming up for what promises to be one of the world’s biggest celebrations of automotive technology, since invented, bringing back the memory of 12 decades ago, when for the first time, a car cruised on the soil of South Africa.
As contained in a statement released recently by the event’s organizer, SA Shows Messe Frankfurt (Pty) Ltd, the event, which holds from August 31st to September 4th 2016 at the newly reconstructed Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand, “marks the 120th anniversary of the arrival of the first car in South Africa.
“And the epoch-making event will be celebrated as one of the high points at the South African Festival of Motoring.”
The five-day event promises to be a ‘crowd pleaser’ for both auto enthusiasts and families looking for an entertaining day out.
Although the upcoming festival remains South Africa’s only official and premier auto show, it is said to have expanded its offering to feature attractions including food, fashion, kids’ entertainment and celebrity moments.
But essentially, it shall feature celebration of arrival of first car to drive on the soil of the Republic. Known as Benz Velo, a “horseless carriage”, the car, which was imported by a local businessman, John Percy Hess, arrived South Africa at the end of 1896.
And its first public demonstration took place at the Berea Park sports ground in Pretoria in front of Paul Kruger, the President of the Transvaal Republic.
Notwithstanding, lovers of exotic auto machines shall also be opportune to test-drive their dream cars around the newly revamped, iconic South African race circuit in addition to witnessing unveils of new automotive models, with sneak previews of the latest introductions to the South African market.
Watch out for Motoring World International’s more detailed preview and coverage of the South African historica event, SA Festival of Motoring.
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