Tyres screech across an empty parking lot in Soweto as 40-year-old Nalo Jivhuho sends her black BMW skidding and spinning in a cloud of white smoke and fumes.
As soon as she slips into the hotseat, the human resources developer becomes “Dankie Darlie”, impassioned enthusiast of South Africa’s increasingly popular daredevil motorsport of spinning.
In a tank top and braids, Jivhuho uses her tatt ooed left arm to spin the steering wheel as she forces the car into high-speed skids and stunts like the circular manoeuvre called a doughnut.
“If you are able to make a tyre pop, then you are prett y special,” says Jivhuho, mother of an admiring teenage son. “When you hear a pop, you are going to hear the crowd go wild.”
This adrenaline-pumping sport was born in Soweto in the ’80s, when South Africa was still under the apartheid system.
“It used to be seen as a gangster sport associated with people going into the white areas to steal these shaped cars, come to Soweto and spin them,” says Jivhuho.
This story is from the August 23, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 23, 2024 edition of The Citizen.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
US blamed for expo row
Analysts warn exclusion could have dire consequences for SA down the line.
4900 visas for critical skills jobs
South Africa has a list of almost 150 jobs considered by the department of employment and labour (DEL) to be in short supply.
Nsfas to decentralise
Department welcomes move, plans to set up regional, satellite offices.
Lawsuits cost health billions
Investigations stop R3 billion in fraudulent claims, parliament hears.
City face Inter reunion
Manchester City are braced for their Champions League reunion with Inter Milan at the start of an expanded tournament that will be \"so tough\" for the 2023 winners.
League Cup no inconvenience
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag insisted he still believed English football's League Cup remained a \"significant\" competition.
State of rates in Africa
Africa’s largest economies to make changes for first time in years.
RAF not about to 'implode'
»» Improvements not sustainable without legislative changes, says Letsoalo.
Can Superbalist grow?
Shein overtakes the SA retailer, while Bash is different kind of threat.
Crochet gets sex appeal
100% cotton yarn garments do not loose shape ina cold wash.