Learn Hardcore Afrikaans: Selfs al is die draaibeweging vinnig, is oogkontak belangrik. - Even if the turning movement is fast, eye contact is important.

Breakdown of Selfs al is die draaibeweging vinnig, is oogkontak belangrik.

Why is is used twice in this sentence?

Because the sentence has two clauses, and each clause needs its own finite verb.

So the first is belongs to the selfs al clause, and the second is belongs to the main statement.

Why does the sentence start with Selfs al is... instead of Selfs al die draaibeweging vinnig is?

This is a common Afrikaans concessive pattern: selfs al is ...

It works a bit like a fixed structure meaning even if / even though .... In this pattern, the verb is comes before the subject:

So even though many Afrikaans subordinate clauses put the verb later, selfs al is is a very normal and idiomatic pattern.

What exactly does selfs al do here?

Selfs al introduces a contrast or concession. It tells you that the second part is still true despite the first part.

So the idea is:

A natural English equivalent is often even if or even though, depending on context.