SA Campfest - The Connection Between OEM and Lifestyle
SA Campfest has been around for sometime and is deemed the largest VAG event in the southern hemisphere. After an invitation from Volkswagen South Africa, we went to check out the lifestyle you buy into when you get a VAG vehicle.
It comes as no surprise that Volkswagen is one of the most popular brands in South Africa and truly embodies that 'People's Car' slogan in the lifestyle department, too. Just gleaning over the recent naamsa vehicle sales report figures for January 2024, Volkswagen Group SA sold a total of 5130 vehicles in one month alone in South Africa. Additionally, some exciting developments are on the horizon after my colleague Sean Nurse checked out the Volkswagen Indaba.
Related: How much is your VW Polo Vivo worth?
How does SA Campfest come into all of this, though? With a brand as big as Volkswagen and one that has been a popular choice for quite some time, you can expect a lifestyle to develop around the brand, communities begin to form, and then you start seeing enthusiasts. We received an invitation from Volkswagen South Africa to check out the festivities.
What is SA Campfest?
SA Campfest is deemed the most significant event in the southern hemisphere consisting of VAG (Volkswagen Auto Group) vehicles. A two-day event held at Warmbaths Resort in Bela Bela, this event will satiate any VAG owner's desire to see vehicles from rare to modified as well as indulge in some entertainment and outdoor fun. You can expect to find heaps of vehicles on display from dedicated owners, a show and shine competition and a camping area in the Warmbaths Resort for those who want to. Many enthusiasts and aficionados attend this event, but the Average Joe is also more than welcome to join.
The Show and Shine competition has multiple categories covering the over 400 contestants, shortlisted to 120 vehicles with an experienced judging panel that even includes international personalities. The Best of Show winner receives a grand prize package with a trip to one of the biggest international VAG show counterparts. There's a big raffle draw for a giveaway car custom-built by the SA Campfest sponsors, of which this show has plenty.
You can also participate in the Dyno show and Sound-Off competitions if that's more of your style. There are also a host of product displays and the like to give your vehicle a little extra touch or just some maintenance items if need be.
To top it all off, the AfterFest is pretty much the afterparty with music and lighting to really celebrate the VAG lifestyle.
Our time at SA Campfest
We had the chance to sample some of Volkswagen's sports hatchbacks, from the Polo Vivo GT to the Polo GTI and finally the Golf GTI, in a convoy effort to the Warmbaths Resort. The vehicles were more than capable for the road trip setting and, naturally, an apt entourage to show up at Campfest. It was interesting to see the dedication and level of not only modification efforts but also the attention to detail when it came to restoration projects and even well-preserved vehicles. Upon hearing some owners' stories and the journeys of how some cars came to be,
We also had a chance to chat with international personality Jamie Orr from the United States, a keen Volkswagen fanatic who, with our national treasure Victor Pardal and company, completed a near 6000km road trip, visiting all nine provinces in one of the best cars for the job: A Volkswagen Citi Golf with R Line kit. A campaign called '5k to Campfest' which also involved meetups with other Volkswagen fans to celebrate all things Volkswagen further.
This event is a celebration of VAG and the many facets that it has from humble Polos to legendary Golfs and cult classics. One thing is sure: South Africans do love their cars after checking out this event.
