Bulelani Shongwe will make an important appearance on the continental karting stage as he continues building his motorsport career and pursues his ultimate dream of Formula One.
Eswatini’s Bulelani Shongwe is set to take the national flag to Benguela, Angola, on October 10 and 11 for the Karting Africa Showrun, where 39 drivers from 14 African countries will compete.
The 20-year-old Mbabane-born driver will make an important appearance on the continental karting stage as he continues to build his motorsport career and pursue his ultimate dream of Formula One.
“I am truly honoured and proud to be the first to represent my country in karting. It’s a privilege,” Bulelani said.
His journey began with a childhood fascination with cars and driving, which grew into a serious ambition to compete. “I decided to take it seriously because I had dreams of pursuing a career in Formula One racing.”
Bulelani, who is studying Business Management and Logistics in South Africa, travels between Eswatini and South Africa for training and races. He says the demanding schedule has also helped him develop skills beyond driving. “It taught me self-driving awareness and defensive driving. It also taught me how to multitask.”
Wesleigh Orr, founder and head coach of WORR Motorsport Academy, has backed Bulelani’s development, with the Angola event providing an opportunity to test himself against some of the continent’s emerging karting talent.
The Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council has also welcomed his participation, with Senior Marketing and Communications Officer Dumisani Ntiwane describing youth-driven sporting initiatives as important to sport’s future. “As the umbrella body for sport, we fully support such endeavours, particularly those driven by our youth, who represent the future of every sporting code.”
Ntiwane said the development of karting could eventually create opportunities beyond competition, extending into sport, tourism, and related industries.
For Bulelani, however, the immediate focus is on competition and building his experience. “I’m hoping to achieve recognition worldwide to represent what talent Eswatini has,” he said.
His ambition remains firmly set on the highest level of motorsport. “My ultimate dream is to be in Formula One and on the big screen.”
And his message to other young emaSwati is equally ambitious. “You can never dream too big, and with dedication, you can always achieve all your goals.”
