By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe
The roar of engines and smell of burning rubber will soon bring more than entertainment to Mbombela Stadium. They’ll bring jobs, bookings, and tourists.
This was revealed during a stakeholders engagement between Mpumalanga MEC for DEDT(Economic Development and Tourism), Jesta Sidell, and Sam Sam Team Numbi, led by internationally acclaimed car spinning specialist-Samkeliso’Sam Sam’Thubane, at Southern Sun Emnotweni, in the City of Mbombela, looking to turn horsepower into economic power.
The main purpose of the engagement was to discuss possible cooperation between the Department, the MTPA(Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency) and Sam Sam Team Numbi to leverage the car spinning event scheduled for 06 June 2026 at Mbombela Stadium.
For many, car spinning is a township-born motorsport that mixes dance, precision driving, and pure guts. For Mpumalanga’s tourism sector, it’s fast becoming a major drawcard.
That means hotel beds filled, restaurants busy, and local vendors trading, all from a sport that started on back streets and now packs stadiums.
“ The car spinning events draws a number of tourists from other provinces and neighbouring countries and it brings huge economic spinoffs. The idea is to partner with the organisers with a view to use the event to stimulate economic growth and promote tourism in the province,” said DEDT.
‘Sam Sam’, from Hazyview in Mpumalanga, has built a loyal following across South Africa and the event scheduled for the 6th of June will undoubtedly draw thousands of spectators across provincial and national borders, boosting local hospitality and transport sectors.
MEC Sidell’s engagement signals a shift; treating car spinning not just as entertainment, but as a tourism and SMME opportunity.
Collaboration with MTPA would see the forthcoming event turning a one-day show into a multi-day visitor experience.
With the stadium expected to be full, DEDT is betting that the sound of tyres can translate into the sound of tills ringing across the Place of the Rising Sun.
