‘Zulu was an inspiration’
FOR Lawrence Mogano, 20, the late motor-racing champion Gugu Zulu was an inspiring father-figure who helped him with his school work and showed him the world.
Mogano, a senior captain at the Diepsloot Mountain Bike Academy (DMA) in the north of Johannesburg, was introduced to Zulu five years ago when he only had two years of biking experience. Zulu was also a mentor and a board member of DMA which provides basic biking and life skills training to 200 underprivileged youth at Diepsloot schools.
In March 2015, three years after they met, Zulu invited Mogano to be his partner at the gruelling Absa Cape Epic race which covers more than 800km over eight days.
“His partner dropped him at the last minute. He believed in me so much. I was happy even though I only had a week to prepare. It was also going to be my first time in Cape Town,” Mogano said.
The two did so well that Zulu captured their time in photos which are now in the form of a memory book that he gave the youngster as a birthday present in April.
“Actually that was the last time I saw him,” Mogano said.
He said Zulu played an important role in mentoring him and inspiring other riders like him.
“He was always there for me and also helped with my school work. His life story was an inspiration to all of us. He always told me to never give up in life,” he said.
Mogano learnt of his mentor’s death on Mount Kilimanjaro from Facebook.
“I was hurt. I didn’t expect someone as fit as him to die like that. Life without him won’t be the same.”
DMA chairman André Ross said Zulu became involved with the academy in 2012 and his positive attitude and charisma was an instant boost.
Zulu also used his high profile to lure celebrities and sponsors to fund DMA, Ross said.
“His passion for the sport of cycling and life in general was a shining light for the kids.
“He inspired them to dream big and work hard to achieve their dreams, always reassuring them that anything is possible,” Ross added.
DMA will undertake a memory ride for Zulu on Saturday at Northern Farm from 8.30am to 10.30am.