AAZ holds 95th Anniversary vintage run today

THE Automobile Association of Zimbabwe

Descent Dube, Sports Reporter
THE Automobile Association of Zimbabwe (AAZ) will today hold their 95th anniversary celebrations vintage run that will start from their Bulawayo offices and end at the Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo.

The celebrations being held jointly with the Vintage and classic Club of Matabeleland (VCCM) and the Vintage and Classic Club of Zimbabwe (VCCZ), are meant to commemorate the first meeting of the Association which took place at Fort Victoria (Great Zimbabwe) in 1923.

AAZ Southern region marketing officer Pamela Sibanda said the event will see members of the VCCZ from Harare and Bulawayo converging at the Great Zimbabwe as per tradition, making it a national event.

“This special event will bring together participants from Harare and Bulawayo who will drive their vintage cars and converge in Masvingo. The Harare participants flagged off yesterday at Café Dion in Arundel Village, Harare, commencing their first leg of the run from Harare to Antelope Park, Gweru,” said Sibanda.

“A special vintage car calendar and commemorative licence stickers were produced and issued to members earlier this year,” said Sibanda.

She said the association which is almost a century old, has during the period been serving the interests of motorists and remains committed to offering quality service in future.

“AA Zimbabwe is in fact the second oldest Automobile Association in Southern and Central/East Africa. AA Kenya celebrates its centenary next year,” said Sibanda.

The Association has traditionally supported vintage car runs to Great Zimbabwe but the last major event was in 1998 on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the association. On that occasion the vehicles participating assembled outside the Great Enclosure.

“Some of the vehicles to be driven will be actual vintage cars built before 1931. Some of these vehicles are now almost 90 years old and it is a testament to the care and attention given to them by their owners. They are expected to successfully complete the gruelling journey thereby defying the effects of ageing components,” said Sibanda.

She said the vehicles tell the story of Zimbabwe’s motoring history and their preservation ensures that future generations will be able to see, smell and touch the vehicles which made this country great instead of just reading about them in history books.

“Today the Automobile Association is enjoying a resurgence of fortunes. We have strategically located premises, well trained and dedicated staff, capable road rescue equipment deployed countrywide and state of the art diagnostic equipment,” said the marketing officer.

She encouraged non-members to join the association and enjoy membership benefits which include roadside assistance, emergency fuel, emergency hotel expenses, car unlocking, towing and many more.

“To celebrate this event and to thank participants, the AAZ will award prizes for various achievements at a colourful prize-giving ceremony on Sunday at Great Zimbabwe. In addition, a special souvenir badge to commemorate the event will be given to all entrants whose vehicles successfully make the journey,” Sibanda said. — @DecoDecent2

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