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1978 - 2016 Gugu Zulu
I am truly gutted by the sad news of Gugu Zulu’s passing. I’ve known him since I became a member of the motoring industry.
I met him at a Volkswagen driving trainer course years ago.
He lived the Volkswagen brand and he was one of the most soft-spoken, kind and gentle souls I’ve known. He was never angry, always caring, always humble, always smiling.
I remember the first time he took me around Kyalami in 2007. I wasn’t that confident driving on a track yet. In fact, I was terrified.
He made hitting the apexes seem so easy – driving was second nature to him.
And all the while, his pearly whites would flash that bright smile as he gave endless tips about taking the perfect racing line.
He said: “Don’t ever let a car control you; you are always in control. Go at your pace. As long as you are comfortable, the rest will come.”
I still share those very words with anyone new to the industry.
He called me Janine-nie or J9. Whenever Gugu saw me, his face would light up and he would wrap his long arms around me and give the best hugs in the world. You’d think you were pretty special … but that’s how he treated everyone.
Letshego, his First Lady – as he called her – was the love of his life. I remember how we used to joke about him saving up for her ring and finally marrying her.
I would tease him because he had known her for years and had still not proposed. He would joke and say he needed to save up for the lobola.
The few times I saw him in a serious mood, he shared his fears about those very meetings, and about wanting to be financially stable to support her. He wanted everything to be right to make Letshego his wife.
And then, when the news came that he was going to be a father, he couldn’t have been happier. Little Lelethu turned one last month, and she made his life complete.
It shatters me knowing he won’t be able to teach her to drive, or even walk her down the aisle one day. But he will be the most amazing guardian angel watching over his two ladies.
My heart bleeds for the Zulu family. We’ve lost a true motorsport gem.
God clearly needed a great driver up in heaven.
Rest softly, my dear friend. Until we meet again...
Janine van der Post works for Wheels24 and is a former City Press motoring writer
