Wire car racing film empowers Karoo town

A recent documentary highlights Philipstown, in the Northern Cape, and its unique wire car racing culture. Now, the release of a mobile smartphone game looks set to amplify awareness – encouraging players to “race for a change” and support the region’s wire car artisans. Launched in October, the Philipstown WireCar Grand Prix documentary showcases the small town’s annual wire car race – an event that, for more than 14 years, has been a beacon of hope for local youth. The film was produced by Giant Films, Accenture Song. It inspired the creation of the Philipstown WireCar Foundation, aiming to channel global attention from the film into tangible support, with all proceeds funding vital upliftment programmes for the community’s youth. The foundation already owns a modestly-sized building in the city, which they are renovating to become a community hub as well as an eLearning centre.“[The documentary] follows a group of young racers as they pour their hearts and imagination into building intricate cars from scrap wire, bottle caps and soft drink cans, preparing to compete in the only race of its kind in the world,” Alistair King, vice-chairman of the Philipstown WireCar Foundation.“The race is a testament to their spirit, a source of pride, and a powerful metaphor for turning discarded materials into things of beauty and purpose.“They have this incredible passion for racing and imaginations that are simply boundless. We realised that this brilliant idea, this best-kept secret of a race, deserved to be owned by them and taken to a level that could have a very material impact on the community. Our role was simply to explode their idea in a way that would make the world see and care. The film delivers more than a few beautiful surprises.”Kay Fourie is the chairperson of this foundation. She says that the Philipstown WireCar Grand Prix began over a decade back out of a desire for something positive to be created in a community struggling with unemployment and despondency. Wire car traditions are a form of African ingenuity that is passed on from generation to generations. The handcrafted machines that the youth create are complex and feature steering mechanisms, chassis, and custom designs. They often build them from memory when they see a car driving through town. The documentary shows the raw creativity of these youths in stunning detail. It also highlights the passion and skill that goes into each creation. Players will be able race wire cars through a digitally mirrored Philipstown while competing with its local champions. The game is free to play, with optional in-app purchases, like unique car customisations, with all proceeds going directly to the foundation’s programmes.An e-commerce platform will also offer authentic, handcrafted wire cars made by artisans in Philipstown, merchandise and other local art. This will create a direct economic engine for the community, allowing people to own a unique piece of African artistry while supporting the town’s revival.
2025-11-11 14:00:00