12 May 2025

Car spinning presents opportunities to diversify the economy by generating economic activity in various sectors, boosting tourism and fostering innovation.

 Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of a car spinning event in Palapye dubbed ‘MJ Louw Spin Bash,’ the organiser Mr Seremeng Seremeng said  racing series events attracted international participants, spectators and businesses leading to increased spending in hotels, restaurants and other establishments. 

In addition, he said the high-tech nature of the sport with its focus in engineering, aerodynamics and data analysis, could drive innovation and create new jobs in related industries. He is of the view that car spinning brings in tourists, directly boosting hotel occupancy rates, restaurants sales and other related businesses. Furthermore, he said the pursuit of speed and efficiency in car spinning drives innovation in areas like aerodynamics, material science and data analysis. 

Mr Seremeng said the construction and customisation of car spinning vehicles and related infrastructure as well as the provision of services like insurance and maintenance, create jobs and generate revenue in various sectors. 

He opined that the media coverage and advertisements associated with such events generate further economic activity, noting car spinning also creates a platform for young people to develop skills in areas like engineering, car spinning and events management. 

The event, which was in its fourth edition, is growing better and bigger with the numbers of participants and spectators increasing every year. Hinting on the objectives of the event, Mr Seremeng said such platforms present opportunities for aspiring the youth to learn car spinning skills from established professional spinners. 

Moreover, he said the event is meant to provide and promote tourism diversity as well as to raise awareness about car spinning sport. As for the sport code to soar to greater heights, he said the input of government, the private sector and all stakeholders is needed to ensure the sport is nurtured until it reaches maturity level. 

Mr Seremeng is of the opinion that such events divert people particularly the youth from unbecoming behaviour to focus on positive things that can uplift their lives, thus he urged Batswana to embrace the sport for it to grow. However, he said every spinner who took part in the event was insured through Botswana Motor Sport.

 In a subsequent interview, one of the participants, known as Boss Lady from No Direction fame, described car spinning as a thrilling experience. She emphasised that while the sport is still growing, it requires nurturing to reach its peak.

Boss Lady noted that car spinning is not for everyone; it demands hard work, practice, precision, time, and sponsorship for it to flourish.  Additionally, she highlighted the importance of publicity to increase public awareness of the sport. She also called for proper facilities and management to elevate the sport to greater heights. 

For his part, Mothusi Alfred, who goes by the stage name King Joe from Northside Crew fame, acknowledged that the organisers did their best to ensure the event’s success, although some challenges were inevitable but manageable. He lamented the lack of sponsorship for the sport, which he described as expensive. 

Participants often have to dig deep into their pockets, driven by their passion for the sport and a desire for its growth. Regarding the ingredients for the sport’s development, King Joe emphasised the need for facilities, including tarmac or paved fields for practice. He pointed out that the current lack of such amenities hinders growth.

He suggested that car spinning could serve both as a form of entertainment and a potential source of livelihood, as well as educational entertainment. King Joe noted that the sport presents opportunities for tourism diversification. 

For example, in 2024, South African professional spinners traveled to an island in Aruba, South America, to compete in a car spinning event that proved to be lucrative. He mentioned Sam, a South African professional spinner sponsored by Red Bull, akin to Letsile Tebogo, who also receives support from the same company.

 He urged local businesses to follow the example set by their South African counterparts, emphasizing that car spinning in the country should have a proper governing body so that individuals can make a living from the sport.  ENDS