Light yet powerful, the Suzuki Jimny is to many, the ultimate off-road vehicle. Currently in its 3rd generation, it’s an increasingly popular 4-wheel drive. The Jimny is sought by drivers of various ages, with young beach-goers and hikers seeking the Jimny’s appetite for adventure, while older drivers opt for the height advantage and resilience on the long road.
The ‘Suzuki 4×4 Club’ is a non-profit club offered to all Western Cape based owners of Suzuki 4×4’s. The club was established in 2009 and has been managed by Graham Watson since he returned to Suzuki in 2015. The club currently has over 200 active owners of Jimnys and Vitaras, and 659 members on their distribution list, mostly Jimny devotees. Membership is free and all that is required is a Suzuki 4×4 and a whole lot of passion.
We got chatting to the man behind the club’s smooth operation, Graham Watson, 4×4 enthusiast and Mekor Suzuki sales executive based in Kenilworth. Graham has a history with Suzuki that dates back to 2008. Although he went on to work with the LA Sport 4×4 Mega Store for some time in-between, he made his way back to Suzuki two years ago.
His current line of work is inspired greatly from his time at LA Sport where he ran the 4×4 training program and managed events. Now, aside from the Suzuki 4×4 club, Graham runs his own events company called African Sky as well as a 4×4 kitting business under Trail Tec. The three ventures are interlinked, with African Sky often providing event organization for the Suzuki 4×4 Club’s monthly meet ups and Trail Tec offering discounts on equipment to club members.
Suzuki 4×4 Club training is held monthly at the Windhoek Wind Farm in Yzerfontein and is an entry level, standard program covering the basics. All the fundamental areas are covered in the extensive 1 day course commencing at the break of dawn. The well rounded session includes theory, lunch as well as a practical element involving some of the most essential skills like recovering vehicles from mud. There is also the advanced course option which is run as required, usually taking place twice a year. The track used for training has been designed around Suzuki vehicles, offering a customized experience.
The club releases a monthly newsletter titled Muddy Tribune which is jam packed with the happenings of the past month and upcoming events. The newsletter has pictures, and 4×4 maintenance guidelines for club members, with a different area covered each month, as well as specials and discounts for members. Graham personally handles technical support, whenever, wherever.
Graham uses Facebook to post event details, images as well as information relevant to the club. Members ask questions, sell items and share personal experiences. The club doesn’t opt for extreme activity, with its focus being on facilitating fun and enriching experiences for Jimny owners across the age spectrum. The events often include adrenaline pumping obstacles and challenges, ending off with a boerie and beer in the sun.
The club does events and trips throughout Western Cape to experience the most intriguing 4×4 trails. Although the great weather is a reason to get on the road more, the club gets together all year round previously driving up to Matroosberg to tackle the snowy roads. The club’s purpose is to bring Suzuki 4×4 drivers together to form relationships, learn from each other and get the most possible enjoyment from their Suzuki Jimny’s.
Article Written by: Lelo Patience Klaas
