The Billy Te Water Memorial Rally
February 17, 2023 William Louw (author)
The start of the 2023 SA Rally Championship is fast approaching, with rounds 1 & 2 kicking off in the picturesque town of Bredasdorp. Team workshops are hard at work preparing the beasts for the new season. The organizing club, CCMCC, promises an exciting Rally with fast-flowing roads through the heart of the Swartland. The Western Cape rallies are not referred to as the Cape Grand Prix for nothing. The Rally stages offer an array of long winding Crests which pushes Driver and machine to the limit!
Rounds 3 & 4 of the Championship will head to the “Petrol Head” Capital of Mpumalanga, Secunda on the 26 & 27 May. The popularly known, Lake Umuzi Rally, will change its name this year in Honor of a great man who was tragically taken from us in January this year. Billy Te Water, CEO of T.W Group and owner of the farm where the famous Billy Rally stage with the spectacular Quarry spectator point is located, was a loyal contributing sponsor and supporter of the Secunda Rallies since its inception in 2014.
Billy knew and believed in the value of the National and Regional rallies for Secunda and its community. Never asking for anything in return, not wanting publicity or even a mention, his kindness and willingness never ceased to amaze me. The Secunda community had a special place in his heart. Not a man to be toiled with, straight to the point but always there to contribute to the success of the event.
Starting out as a Rookie organizer, it always took a few minutes to prepare my “Speech” I would use before making “THE CALL” to Billy, asking for his blessing to race on his farm and Sponsorship towards the event of course. Over the years, getting to know each other, no pre-empted speeches or sales pitches were necessary anymore. The man gave his blessing and support, always. After every event, Billy would say: ”Next year will be bigger and better.” He surely enjoyed watching the Crowds of Secunda gather at the Quarry to enjoy the spectacle!
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I still remember my last conversation with Billy so well. Driving with him on a new potential stage I was looking at, on his and brother Dewald’s farm, Billy turned to me and said, ”Dewald is not going to be impressed with either one of us if we use this”. Luckily the Rally Gods prevented us from being able to use the stage as the heavens opened up, drenching most of the land. Billy and I dodged a bullet from Dewald big time!
Billy, I want to pay homage to a great human being. I want to express my immense appreciation, not for only what you meant to the Sport of Rallying but echo my gratitude for having had the honour of knowing you. From us all, THANK YOU! Motorsport and SA Rally Salute you.
Johan Rosslee, owner of Lake Umuzi, Main Sponsor of the Secunda Rallies since 2014 and friend of Billy, made the suggestion that the 2023 Secunda Rally be named in Honor of Billy. The Billy Te Water Memorial Rally promises to showcase the skills and speed of our Racing Guys and Girls. The planning phase of the event is soon to start and we welcome local businesses to get involved.
Information about the event will be published on our website and social media platforms closer to the time of the event. All the links to our social media platforms are at the bottom of the page.
Bring the family for a weekend filled with pure adrenaline. Lake Umuzi offers a big selection of Accommodation options for every need and taste. Hotels, Self Catering Chalets, Guest Houses and Camping facilities. If Rally is not exciting enough for the wife and kids, Lake Umuzi offers the Largest indoor Jungle Gym in Africa to keep the kids occupied. Restaurants, A Wellness Spa, Water Park and so much more are on offer. Contact Lake Umuzi’s central reservations today on Landline(1): +27 (0)17 631 3506 – Landline (2): +27 (0)17 631 3452 email:welcome@lakeumuzi.co.za
Diarize the dates, 26-27 May. Don’t delay. Book today to avoid disappointment. See you in May Secunda!!
