Originally scheduled to be hosted in the coastal towns from Margate to St Michaels from April 28, the continent’s biggest biker festival will still go ahead once the necessary infrastructural repairs have been done, and services are operational.
The devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal recently and the consequent damage to roads and infrastructure has forced the decision to postpone the event.
Sikhumbuzo Mqadi, mayor of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, said the decision to delay the event was not taken lightly but considering the risks the right decision has been made. “Lives have been lost and homes and infrastructure destroyed, so we need to focus our efforts on supporting the communities and rebuilding,” says Mqadi. “
At this stage, it would be reckless to host any events, considering the state of our roads and the disruption to services. The safety of the public is our priority. Rest assured, we will work hard to prepare for the new dates when we are ready to welcome tourists to our region.”
Event organiser, Vicky Wentzel, added, “We extend our thoughts to those who have been so badly impacted by these floods. As organisers of the African Bike Week Festival – Lets Go 2022, we are assisting in the disaster relief efforts where we can together with our partners’ Bikers Unite NPO. We will be setting up collection points and donation platforms to arrange to distribute blankets, food, and other necessary items to KZN South Coast families in need.”
Wentzel said they are also appealing to all accommodation establishments that have already secured bookings from eventgoers to delay these until the new dates in August. “We understand this is hugely difficult for those in the tourism industry who have had to navigate so many challenges the past two years, but this was an unforeseen circumstance which we need to address as best we can,” she says. “Ticket sales are still ongoing for those who would like to secure their spot. We are looking forward to rebuilding and bringing the continent’s biggest biker event, African Bike Week Festival – Lets Go 2022, to the KZN South Coast in August.
To contribute towards the relief efforts, donations can be made via Howler at www.howler.co.za/africanbikeweek or to Bike Fest SA, Bank: FNB, Account: 62929501543, Ref: KZN Donations.
All funds will be distributed to local, on-the-ground charity efforts. African Bike Week Festival – Lets Go 2022 will be hosted by Ray Nkonyeni Municipality and powered by Bike Fest SA. R20 from every ticket sold will go towards charity initiatives run by Bikers Unite.
To view ticket prices and to book, visit www.howler.co.za/africanbikeweek.
