In a significant step toward enhancing the efficiency, safety, and professionalism of motorsport events in South Africa – particularly in preparation for the inaugural South African Safari Rally – presented by event partner Toyota Gazoon Racing, a group of 40 marshals and officials from the Off-Road Marshal Unit (ORMU) recently participated in an intensive, hands-on training session with the rally’s organising team.

The training, held at Zwartkops Raceway near Pretoria, was all geared around equipping local motorsport officials with the latest knowledge and practical skills required to manage complex, large-scale local and international motorsport events.

Archie Rutherford, CEO of the South African Safari Rally says  the focus was firmly on preparing marshals for the South African Safari Rally. “The session at Zwartkops certainly raised 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,” he says. 

The session brought together key partners in the sport, including Edo Mossi from Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the global powerhouse behind some of the world’s most iconic motorsport events.  Mossi, a highly respected figure in international rally-raid management led the session and provided the marshals with a comprehensive overview of the operational and logistical expectations of a W2RC event, with a strong emphasis on safety protocols, seamless communication, and team coordination.

“This collaboration between ORMU, the South African Safari Rally, and ASO marks a new chapter in strengthening the country’s motorsport scene,” says Rutherford.  “With the international spotlight firmly on South Africa come May, it is essential that our officials are not only prepared, but fully confident in their ability to manage every aspect of this world-class event,” he says.

The training was structured to cover both theoretical and practical components. The classroom-style sessions simulated various scenarios that officials might encounter before, during, and after the rally. These sessions were led by Steve Harding, the event manager for the South African Safari Rally. Harding brings decades of motorsport experience and has a long-standing relationship with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Motorsport South Africa (MSA). Drawing from his extensive career in rally event management, Harding shared valuable insights into risk mitigation, team structure, stakeholder communication, and emergency response.

“My primary role is to ensure that there is proper compliance with the regulations which apply to the event from the FIM and FIA, as well as seeing that all of MSA requirements are properly dealt with. There is a vast amount of documentation that is required for an event of this stature, ranging from the Rally guide to the regulations specific to the event for both motorcycles and cars. It’s been a massive learning exercise particularly because the local championship doesn’t include bikes. For SA Safari we have to comply with two sets of regulations,” says Harding.

Practical exercises focused on real-time response and troubleshooting techniques in environments that mimic the unpredictable nature of off-road rally conditions. Officials were drilled on rapid communication, spectator management, on-site coordination, and incident reporting protocols – key components of ensuring a smooth and safe event. “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,” comments Harding.

Rutherford adds, “The South African Safari Rally is set to deliver a thrilling mix of challenging terrain and intense competition, and this demands a team of officials who are well-versed in handling every logistical and safety scenario. Thanks to this training, our marshals are now better equipped to deliver a world-class experience for both competitors and spectators.”

With less than two months to go until the start of the South African Safari Rally, the organisers are confident marshals are not only aligned with international best practices, but are also confident ambassadors of a motorsport event that will showcase South Africa’s capabilities on the global stage.

Images :  ORMU click to download

With just weeks to go, fans can follow the action on social media, meet the drivers, and get behind the scenes of this thrilling international spectacle.

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