Concern over ‘Mantshwabisi’ status

The iconic event, commonly called 'Mantshwabisi', was the first time in more than 30-years hosted outside country's borders last year, when it was held in Upington in Northern Cape. It was deemed unviable to hold the competition in Botswana at a time when authorities had placed travel restrictions and a ban on sports activities. The TDR was cancelled in 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The race forms round three of the Botswana Motor Sport (BMS) Championship and the SA Cross-country Championship Series (SACCS). Mantshwabisi was expected to return to Botswana after Botswana Motor Sport (BMS) president, Kagiso Modibedi gave an assurance last year.

BMS is in the middle of a five-year agreement involving SACCS, SPEDU and Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) to host the race in Selebi-Phikwe. The contract in its fourth year and with two editions already cancelled, fears are growing Botswana could have lost the hosting rights to the neighbouring country. As per the SACCS 2022 season calendar, the TDR has been lined up for Upington once again from June 24-26, 2022. This will be the second consecutive time the iconic race is held outside the country.