INTRODUCING SAMKELISO “SAM SAM” THUBANE, THE SPIN MAESTRO FROM THE VIBRANT CITY OF MBOMBELA, MPUMALANGA.

The Red Bull Shay’ imoto champion boasts an illustrious origin as the son of the revered businessman Myboet Thubane and Gladness Sedibe.

Affectionately known as

Sam Sam in the motorsport spinning community, he initially gained recognition on quad bikes before effortlessly transitioning those skills to the captivating art of spinning. Reflecting on his triumph in e.tv’s ‘So You Think You Can Spin’ competition in 2017, he nonchalantly quips, “Eh, well, what can I say?”

During that competition,

Sam Sam walked away with a substantial R250,000 prize after showcasing his extraordinary skills. His performance not only garnered the most public votes but also outshone 300 contestants from across the nation.

The young champion from Mahushu village, located just outside the safari town of Hazyview in Mpumalanga, has become a household name in his province. Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the youngest spinner in the game, earning him the status of a crowd favourite at events spanning South Africa, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe.

He attributes his passion for the sport primarily to his love for quadbikes, which he used to ride through the dusty streets of his hometown. “I then started attending local spinning shows as a spectator. I somehow convinced my father to buy me my first E30,” says the reigning champ.

Beyond the exhilaration of spinning, Sam Sam credits the sport for keeping him on the right path, making it a powerful force for positive change in his life. Sam Sam aspires to inspire a new generation of spinners, turning this passion into a professional career at Red Bull Shay’ imoto 2024, set to take place in March in Cape Town.

“I’m nervous about the upcoming Redbull competitions but all I can say is I’m ready to hand over to the next champ,” he adds.

The world of spinning is more than just squealing rubber, roaring engines, dizzying revs, and clouds of smoke – it’s a pulsating blend of drifting and personal expression.

Spinning originated as the ‘ultimate sendoff’ in the townships of Soweto for fallen gangsters during the Apartheid era and has transformed over

“This motorsport, embraced by the people, is a captivating fusion of skill and spectacle”