Mpofu defying stereotypes, living her dream in business and on TV
‘I wanted to do something that did not feel like I was working’
Vuyani “Vuyi” Mpofu is defying all stereotypes and breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. Mpofu, a motoring journalist, is host of motoring reality show Driving in Heels, which premiered on SABC3 at 9pm last Tuesday.
The show explores the experiences of South African drivers.
The motor enthusiast, who came up with the Driving In Heels concept – which has since grown to be a reputable brand – says she fell in love with cars and has been exposed to them since she was seven-years-old by her father and brother who are mechanics.
Mpofu, who refers to herself as a tomboy at heart, says hosting the show was not really a big challenge.
Driving in Heels has been her brand since 2010 and she says that she has been doing it for years off television.
“I decided to call it Driving in Heels because, well, I love driving and I do it in heels,” she laughs. “It’s a bigger platform and it’s a dream come true. The show informs and entertains at the same time.
“I want South Africans to change their attitudes on the road and to put more value to their lives.”
Although she did not study mechanical engineering, Mpofu says she has always known that it was a passion she would pursue.
“I studied marketing but I always knew that I love cars. I love to drive fancy cars and drive fast. I also like sharing information about cars.
“I wanted to do something that didn’t feel like a job. I want to have fun and not feel like I’m working,” she says.
Mpofu says her Driving in Heels brand extends to providing workshops aimed at informing and empowering women drivers about safety, vehicle finance and insurance and basic motoring technical elements.
She facilitates Driving Divas and Gals Garage Tyre Safety Workshops, which teach women about such technicalities as changing a tyre and wheel balancing.
She was named the Road Safety Ambassador for Subaru South and Southern Africa.
She was also selected as brand ambassador for tyre manufacturer Continental’s Vision Zero initiative.
Mpofu says she had to work very hard to make her business and brand credible.
She had to do in-depth research into the motoring industry and often had to seek advice from her brother, who she refers to as her go-to guy.
“One car dealership I went to tried to treat me like a schoolgirl. People just assume that just because you’re a woman you know less about cars.
“I just knew there and then that this had to change. I had to dispel the stereotype,” she says.
Mpofu, who originates from Zimbabwe and now resides in Kyalami, Johannesburg, is an entrepreneur. She encourages women not to be afraid of challenges but to live their dream.
“Women are taught how to be future wives and mothers, what I am doing is a representation of what women can become. Do not be afraid to defy stereotypes,” says Mpofu confidently.