Focus Media (Kigali)
Francine Batamuriza
1 November 2007
Rally, the top spots were taken by foreign-based drivers, mainly in Subarus, whereas the Rwandan Mitsubishis and Peugeots lagged far behind. It is a good illustration of one of the main problems the sport is experiencing: getting hold of adequate vehicles.
The Huye rally, also named Memorial Claude Gakwaya, was won, for the third time in a row, by Belgium-born and Rwandan national, Rudy Cantanhede, navigated by Israel David, in their Subaru Impreza STI. Second came Martin and Pol Villemure, in a Subaru Impreza GT.
John Murengezi navigated by Claude Isidori in a Mitsubishi Evo III finished on eighth, whereas the last place went to Claude Kwizera and Innocent Butera in a Peugeot 205.
Edmond Kazungu, for his part, finished tenth. A long-time rally driver and winner of the 97 and 98 championships, he explained that his poor performance was due to lack of an adequate car.
"I have not participated in rally since 2000, because my car is very old. I am trying to get a new one, but that is not easy. Even now I am only participating to remind my fans that I am still in the race," he said.
He added that Rwandan companies don't like to sponsor rallies, so drivers have to work hard to get their own cars. "You cannot win from someone in a Subaru when you are driving an old corolla," he remarked dryly.
The rally was organized by the Rwandan Automobile Club (RAC) in memory of the late Claude Gakwaya, the rally ace who passed away in 1986. He was Rwanda's flag bearer in several championships within the Great Lakes region, and was also named the Rwandan millennium champion by BBC in 2000 for the hard work he did in elevating the sport in the country.
"He got a millennium title simply because, despite the fact that he drove a Volkswagen which was quite inadequate for rally, he was a brilliant driver and a rally star in Rwanda," explained Christian Gakwaya, son of the great sportsman and the organizing secretary of the competition. "He stood at the cradle of rally in the country, and participated in different regional championships. We will never forget him," Gakwaya said.
A lot of foreigners
Dismus Kayibanda the president of RAC, recalled that rally started in 1967, mainly driven by foreigners and a small number of nationals, among whom Claude Gakwaya.
"Before 1994, the sport was popular in Rwanda. We restarted in 1996 with a European, Serge Evrard, as the president of the federation - Europeans are far better than us in this sport. Even today we have a big number of foreigners in rally, but many of them have the Rwandan nationality", Kayibanda said.
He added that between 1996 and 1999, the sport was growing only at a slow pace. "It was impossible at that time to organize a race without inviting drivers from neighboring countries, because the number of Rwandans in rally was very small. And although there is no minimum number of participants for a competition to take place, you cannot organize one for five people," the RAC president indicated.
Kayibanda remarked that the numbers have now increased, and since 2000 Rwanda is among the seven African countries which are allowed to organize and host the African championship. These countries are South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. This marked the great improvement for the sport.
"The support from President Paul Kagame has greatly contributed to Rwanda remaining on the list of countries organizing the African championship. He sponsors us in everything we need. This ensures good preparations of the competition, hence more credibility towards the African rally association," Kayibanda said.
He indicated that the ministry of sports also helps the federation. "For example, the ministry facilitates Etienne Massillon, an expert from Belgium, to come here every year to train both drivers and members of the club," The RAC boss said.
Taxation
According to Kayibanda, rally is a tough sport that requires certain capabilities. "You cannot wake up one morning and become a rally driver," he said. "You have to become member of the Automobile club, and you have to prove your physical and mental fitness."
He further explained that today RAC has 15 rally drivers, which is a sufficient number to be allow them to organize different competitions without inviting foreigners; for the Rwanda mountain gorilla championship, however, it is a must to make it an international event, as it is part of the African championship.
However much progress has been made, rally sport in Rwanda is still small compared to other countries.
"On a regional level, we are technically better than others, but the cars are our biggest challenge. We still have Toyota Corollas in competitions, but slowly we shall acquire better cars; so far, we have six Subaru's", Kayibanda said.
RAC is also negotiating with Rwanda Revenue Authority to remove taxes on rally cars and spare tires. "We are now part of East African Community, and in the countries they don't impose taxes on rally cars. If the same would apply to Rwanda, it would be easier for our drivers to get suitable cars," Kayibanda noted.
Furthermore, the club is making efforts to promote the sport. One initiative is setting up an automobile sports centre, where everyone interested in the rally will be welcome.
Secondly, at the end of the year RAC will organize a small race to raise the interest of people in the sport. "People will not need a special car, and membership of the club is not required," Kayibanda said. "All you need is a driver's license".
He also announced that Rwanda has received an invitation to participate in the European and Belgium national championship, to take place from November 2 to 4. "Participation is an individual initiative. We only check cars technically, but it is up to the drivers to get tickets and accommodation."
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