Ciao Bela-Bela
Ciao Bela-Bela
February 2024
From humble beginnings in 2009, SA Camp Fest has grown to become the largest annual gathering of VAG (Volkswagen Automotive Group) enthusiasts on the African continent. Inspired by the likes of the Wörthersee Festival in Austria – a show that from 2024 will move closer to the home of VW in Wolfsburg – this year more than 13 000 visitors descended on the Warmbaths Resort near Bela-Bela in South Africa’s Limpopo Province to celebrate all things Volkswagen.
Held annually on the first weekend of February, the success of this event has drawn the attention of many overseas enthusiasts, but also keen interest from Volkswagen South Africa who have more recently supplied support vehicles, logistics support and indeed prizes to the show. This year, the brand also arranged one of several road trips that people plan from all parts of Southern Africa to attend the festival.
Under the watchful eye of The Cum Laude Company and managing director Randolph Vanzeeberg, this family-focused event has become known for its broad selection of customised Volkswagen Group products. So much so that some car builders plan entire builds around the timing of the festival. What quickly became apparent as the curtains lifted on the 2024 proceedings was the continued popularity of the venerable 3.2-litre V6 engine from the Golf R32 as the ideal donor drivetrain for various projects. This included a Caravelle that was also fitted with air suspension, a Caddy half-ton bakkie and the two-door Golf Mk1 that won the judges' hearts to claim overall victory as the best car of the weekend. Dubbed Escobar, this pristine example of a Mk1 features an R32 engine and the only set of BBS “E52” Motorsport wheels in the country, as well as a fascia that is finished in Alcantara.
Other highlights included a current-generation Tiguan R and a modern T-Roc, each fitted with the engine from an Audi RS 3.
Including prizes for best wheels, best engine bay, best sound system installation and best stance, more than 300 cars were entered into this year’s Show and Shine competition. Narrowed down to 200 vehicles to move onto the Show Area, these VAG products are then divided into Park Off and Finalist categories.
Visited for the day or, indeed, the weekend, the continued growth and success of SA Camp Fest is testimony to the love that South Africans have for the Volkswagen brand.
