Tama Mtonga grew from knowing nothing about cars to becoming the General Sales Manager of the successful and proudly Black Owned BMW Joburg City MINI Joburg City dealership. This is her story.
Sitting in the plush lounge of the BMW Joburg City & MINI Joburg City dealership I wondered how it was that I had never met Tama Mtonga before. Not only is she one of the few Black women at her level within the motoring industry but her being an executive at one of my most favourite car brands, should have gotten me at her doorstep earlier! As she gracefully walked towards me to begin our interview, I had no idea that our encounter would turn the old adage – good things coming to those who wait – entirely on its head and so that it became
Who is Tama Mtonga?
Raised in Randfontein, West Rand Tama is the eldest of 5 children, 3 brothers and a sister. She studied at Krugersdorp High School and later studied Marketing at the then Rand Afrikaans University (University of Johannesburg).
The Early Years
As a child I wanted to become an Air Hostess but my grandmother put me off that idea so when I got to University I went into marketing and had dreams of putting brands, and myself out there – or so I thought that is all marketing entailed! When I graduated however I couldn’t find work for quite a while until I saw an advert for BMW Sales Cadet Program applied for the position and was accepted.
Getting into the motoring industry
I knew absolutely nothing about cars when I started at the BMW Sales Cadet Program in August 2007. In all honesty all I had wanted was a job so no, I didn’t set out with a burning desire to join the motoring industry. But as I learnt more about cars, kilowatts, fuel consumption, sales, finance and customer service the more my interest in motoring grew.
The Come Up
The 1stcar I sold was a BMW 520i and I still bump into that first customer at various company events but from the moment I engaged with him everything I had been taught during my training evaporated into thin air! Luckily, he was extremely patient with me and I must gotten a few things right because he subsequently purchased 3 more cars from me over time.
From Downtown to Newtown
The BMW dealership in Commissioner Street did not offer its customers the MINI brand and it became increasingly clear that we needed to cater for that market too. So, when we outgrew the Commissioner Street building and moved into our Newtown home, we seized the opportunity to bring MINI into our stable. Along with the move, I was promoted to General Sales Manager, a position I have held since December 2017.
Turning Challenges into Strengths
Although worthwhile, my journey hasn’t been without its fair share of challenges and I have had to learn to be patient, bide my time identify and turn setbacks into learning opportunities. For instance, I wasn’t simply promoted to the position of Customer Services Manager; instead, I applied for it, was turned down and then offered the position when my seniors felt I was ready for the new role and had matured sufficiently to handle the responsibility that came with it.
Knowing a Good Thing
I consider myself exceptionally blessed to have started my career at Joburg City Auto and to have Mr Stephen Nale, as my mentor. He identified my potential when I didn’t even realise it and nurtured my progress. He believed in me and continues to trust and guide me. I could not have asked for a better work dad!
log onto our YouTube Channel to hear Tama’s full interview including her take on mistakes customers make when buying a car and her touching dedication to Mr Stephen Nale, her mentor.
South Africa’s premiere motoring journalists have voted. So too have members of the public. The votes have been tallied and 25 semi-finalists have been announced for the 2020 AutoTrader South African Car of the Year competition.
One of these semi-finalists will win the most sought-after title in the South African automotive industry, that of 2020 AutoTrader South African Car of the Year.
“The 25 vehicles hail from 16 different car manufacturers, and they include anything and everything from family runabouts to sports cars, and from luxurious sports utility vehicles (SUVs) to bakkies,” reveals Rubin van Niekerk, chairman of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ).
Some of the vehicles on the list have already won major international accolades. The Jaguar I-Pace, for instance, made history when it won an unprecedented three awards – World Car of the Year, World Green Car and World Car Design of the Year – at the 2019 World Car Awards. “Were it to win the 2020 AutoTrader South African Car of the Year title, it would be the first electric car to take top honours in the 34-year old competition,” notes AutoTrader CEO, George Mienie.
In most competitions around the world, journalists don’t get together to physically drive the vehicles
– GEORGE MIENE, CEO – AUTOTRADER
The Mazda3 has recently been named Supreme Winner at the 2019 Women’s World Car of the Year Awards. It also scooped the 2019 Thailand Car of the Year and the 2020 China Car of the Year trophies, while the Toyota Corolla has recently been named a 2020 European Car of the Year finalist.
AutoTrader became the title sponsor for the competition, organised by the SAGMJ, in 2019 – and it has facilitated the successful consumer vote. According to Mienie, public interest in the competition is intense. “This year, the number of public votes by AutoTrader’s car buying consumers has more than doubled. This is a clear indication that South Africans want to have their say in these top motoring awards,” he comments.
And which vehicle did they vote for? “Of all the semi-finalists, the car that received the most public votes was the Mazda3,” Mienie reveals.
Now that the semi-finalists have been named, voting for the finalists will commence; for the first time in the competition’s history, consumers will be able to vote alongside motoring experts. A special event in Johannesburg on December 4 will reveal which cars make up the 14 finalists.
This event will be followed by the test days in March 2020, when 27 of South Africa’s top motoring journalists (our Editor, Vuyi Mpofu being among them) will put the vehicles through their paces. According to Van Niekerk, this is one of the most important components of the competition. “In most competitions around the world, journalists don’t get together to physically drive the vehicles. They simply score them electronically or on paper. In South Africa however, journalists spend two full days evaluating every single aspect of each finalist – from design, technology and engineering to handling, safety and value for money; followed by the final scoring. Our methodology is both thorough and extremely scientific, and yields the most deserving category and overall winners,” he added.
Commenting on the list of Finalists, Vuyi said she was delighted to see the Mahindra in the running, adding that the brand had worked hard to establish itself in the market, “Making it onto the list is not only a huge vote of confidence for Mahindra, but also a clear demonstration that even though South Africans are extremely particular about the brands they drive, they are fair and open to acknowledging vehicles which are not ‘main-stream’.
The category and overall winners will be announced at an event hosted by AutoTrader in April 2020. Herewith a list of the 2020 AutoTrader South African Car of the Year semi-finalists
Ignorance is expensive, and that is evident by the number of female owned vehicles which end up requiring major and expensive repair-work. Being oblivious to the Check Oil warning light leads to severe or irreparable damage yet the solution is quite simple learn how to check the level of engine oil yourself.
Oil is to an engine what blood is to your body and without it, your engine would cease to operate. It also helps prevent dirt and residue build-up effectively prolonging engine life. When the level of oil in your engine is low the risk of friction caused by metal parts rubbing against each other increases which as you can imagine is not a good thing!
Avoid embarrassment and know where the latch to open the bonnet is!
Fuel station attendants are trained to check and top-up your engine oil, but instead of re-touching your make-up or catching up on social media, next time you stop to refuel, surprise the attendant, by checking your engine oil level yourself! Here’s how:
Avoid embarrassment and know where the latch to open the bonnet is! A surprising number of women simply don’t know and I’ve heard many husbands lament about receiving calls during meetings to give instructions. Similarly, practise physically opening and locking the bonnet in place else it might just fall on your pretty little head!
Depending on the type of vehicle, the dipstick is located towards the front of the engine or further back, towards the windscreen. Either way, it is usually easy to identify by its bright orange ring.
Carefully pull the dipstick out and note where the film of oil ends in relation to any one of the markers on the dipstick. These could be 2-pinholes or indentations on either or both sides of the dipstick. Some sticks have the words “Low” / “High” or “Min” / “Max” engraved into them.
Gently wipe off the oil using the paper available near the pumps and slowing insert the dipstick back into its holder. Ideally, a soft, lint-free cloth should be used and if you value the longevity of your engine you may want to keep one in a bag in your boot specifically for this purpose. Sometimes the dipstick gets stuck on the way back in, and you may have to firmly, but gently push it down or pull it out once more and turn it around before re-inserting it. Be aware that the dipstick is flexible so allow it to bend a little as it follows the curve of its container.
Hold the dipstick in place for a few seconds then gently pull it out and observe which marker the oil is at. The higher up the marker the oil is the less you need to worry about topping it up, however the further down the dipstick it is, the more likely your engine is in need of more oil.
NOTE: Before embarking on an engine oil check, read the car’s manual as some manufacturers instruct that oil checks and changes are to be done only by their accredited technicians.
There is much talk about child in-car safety and one of the most common ways to ensure the safety of your precious cargo is with the aid of ISOFIX fittings. But what exactly are they and how do they work?
The word ISOFIX is derived from the words “International Safety Organization” (ISO) and “Fixation” (FIX). It is the international standard for attachment points for child safety seats in passenger vehicles. They are U-shaped brackets welded to the chassis of a car for the sole purpose of securing an ISOFIX compliant child seat or base. Almost all cars come standard with ISOFIX points. They are not optional extras nor can they be removed. Should the car owner not need to use them, they remain unobstructive and do not interfere with passenger seating comfort.
Why do I need them?
Prior to ISOFIX fittings and ISOFIX compliant car seats, there was a myriad of different sizes and shaped of car seats on the market. It can’t have been easy for parents to know which car seat was best for their child. ISOFIX however was designed to give parents peace of mind and security, and by virtue of their design, added protection for children in the event of an accident.
Does my car have them?
Most manufacturers mark the location of the ISOFIX fittings with either the words ISOFIX or a symbol. Some are covered with hard plastic flaps whereas others are covered by the upholstery of the vehicle. They are generally located either in the front passenger or rear seats.
How do I find them?
To identify them, push your hand through the gap where the backrest and seat meet and run it across from one end to the other. Within seconds you will come across the first metallic U-shaped fitting. Continue sliding your hand across the gap until you locate the second.
What do they do?
Those with more grey hair than they care to admit will remember a time when in-car child safety meant securing the car seat with the use of seatbelts and a prayer for the best! ISOFIX fittings however, keep the car seat firmly in place drastically reducing the possibility of your child tumbling out of his seat in the event of an emergency braking scenario.
Asides offering optimal safety, ISOFIX and compliant products include:
Ease of use
Quick and simple to install
Convenience
ISOFIX fittings in a car are so important that they have become major considerations in the car buying process. They minimise the risk of incorrectly installing a car seat and provide a solid and permanent connection between the car and the framework of the child seat. Should you be in the family way, ISOFIX compliant car seats are a bit pricey but then again, what price wouldn’t you pay to ensure your child’s safety?
Motor vehicle insurance has been described as a necessary evil – but necessary it is!
There are just over 11 million registered vehicles in South Africa (excluding caravans and trailers). According to statistics, the majority of these vehicles – around 60-70% are uninsured. This means that to keep you on the road, insurance is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Motorists who are opt to have insurance, often choose insurance products based on the lowest available premiums, rather than from a point of understanding the benefits and disadvantages of the products they are consider buying.
Granted, it is sometimes difficult to find insurance which matches your pocket, and which gives you the cover you need or want. For this reason, it is necessary for motorists to read their policies carefully, so as to understand all the aspects of the insurance they are planning on taking. Too often, low premiums sound good but fall short when claims are made.
A good example is an excess fee which may be payable when a claim is made. An excess is a fee you pay towards a claim for loss or damage to your car, regardless of who is to blame.
A company offering a low monthly premium, for instance, may require a substantial excess in the case of loss or damage. When this happens some people are shocked to discover that the costs of repair to a vehicle may be carried entirely, or in part, through the excess fee, with little or no money being paid-out by the insurer. In this case lower monthly premiums, will not count for much as the motorist still has to pay a big portion of the costs out of their own pocket.
Equally important, is an understanding of the terminology of used in insurance contracts. Motorists must ask for clarification of any unclear clauses before committing to a specific insurance policy.
Critical questions to ask when considering insurance are:
What is my excess? Is there a different excess for loss and for damage?
Is the excess a flat rate, or is it calculated as a percentage of the loss or damage?
Besides the initial excess fee, are there any additional excess fees payable when I make a claim?
Are there any penalties for claiming within the first six months, or in the first year? (If there are, determine exactly what these penalties are)
What is the turnaround time for claims?
Will I be covered if other people drive my car? (And, if you are covered, is there a difference in the coverage if the car was driven by an 18-year-old driver or a 45-year-old driver?)
Is my car covered for resale or full retail value?
Is this insurance comprehensive insurance?
Are there any limitations on where or when I can drive my car?
If something happens to my car, is car hire included in my cover while it is being repaired or replaced
Consumer education is vitally important for motorists. It is not enough to merely rely on one’s countless years of driving experience, vehicle safety features or lucky charms. By virtue of being on the road you are at great physical, mental and financial rise if you drive an uninsured car.
At first glance: The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and MINI John Cooper Works Countryman
New 4-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology
225 kW of power and 450 Nm of Torque
New 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission with integrated mechanical differential lock for the front wheel
New exhaust system with remarkable sound development
New bigger John Cooper Works sport brake system
MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive as standard
New LED headlights with Matrix high beam function and LED rear lights in Union Jack design in the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman
Model-specific chassis design and coordination
I had been tormented by the question of which car to feature on the first-ever cover of this publication even through there were many to choose from. It needed to by something fun, sexy, dynamic with a powerful presence; but when I received my invitation to attend the launch of the latest MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and Countryman models to South Africa it was a wrap; problem solved. Not, only did the new MINI models meet all my Car-on-the-Cover criteria, these siblings were the most powerful derivatives in the brand’s sixty year history. Plus, it didn’t hurt that MINI is one my all-time favourite compact vehicles.
Over the years, MINI has mastered the market on nostalgia, then continuously added modern design twists to each new generation; and the latest John Cooper Works models are proof of just that. With short overhands, big scowling face and roundish headlights, the new JCW Clubman and Countryman are undeniable relatives of every MINI produced, since the 1950s.
As soon as I settled into the cockpit, I set about letting the MINI JCW Countryman off its leash. Ignition engaged, the little giant-slayer greeted me with a suggestive, gravelly exhaust note and it was love at first rev. Whoever had driven the Countryman previously had set the mood light setting to neon pink so when the car came alive the entire cabin lit up like an 80s disco ball causing me to blink a couple of times. The characteristic interior sports car flair of the Countryman is partly down to the John Cooper Works sports seats with integrated head rests, the John Cooper Works sport steering wheel with multifunction buttons and the John Cooper Works selector lever.
Armed to the roof lining with the latest tech and bling without being impractical. The toggle switches – for ignition, drive modes and stability control are located under the centre stack for safe and easy reach by the driver. An LED ring surrounding the 6.5” touchscreen interface, illuminates in response to drive mode selection and engine speed. The integrated Connected Media equipment is able to access numerous MINI Connected online services, including Real Time Traffic Information.
Navigating the beautifully twisty roads of Mpumalanga it felt like I was in a remake of The Italian Job as the not-so-diminutive Countryman gobbled up the tarmac. As I built up speed I was thankful for the Heads Up Display (HUD) because there was no ways I was going to look anywhere but straight ahead. Unsurprisingly, the new John Cooper Works Countryman is very stable, without an inkling of a twitch to is nose. With foot pinned to the floor, my body relaxed into the ride although my adrenaline levels had spiked considerably and my attentiveness was sharper than usual.
Flowing through the long meandering curves and frequent sharp bends, the JCW Countryman’s, low-ride height, sharp handling and breath-taking burble worked in unison to deliver good ride quality and make each acceleration an immensely joyful occasion.
Like everything BMW-related, the John Cooper Works range of vehicles are happiest when showing off their powerfully raucous attitude so naturally, I knocked the gear shifter into Manual mode and the Countryman roared back in mutual glee. But of course, using the paddle-shifters is much more fun so, with Sport mode in play I made a commitment to the right pedal and was rewarded with 250Kw and 450Nm of tyre-frying vivacity.
Propelled by the concentrated power of it extraordinarily powerful 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine, with MINI TwinPower turbo, the John Cooper Works Countryman delivered an emotionally charged driving experience, sprinting from 0-100km/hr in 5.1 seconds. Even though the previous generation also gave an extreme driving sensation, the model has elevated that to a new dimension of pure, unadulterated fun. That said, it must be noted that for the first time with MINI vehicles, the maximum speed has been electronically limited to 250 km/h.
As the power source for extreme driving fun, I soon discovered that the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman features DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), which I came to appreciate for its ability to regulate the vehicle’s driving dynamics on loose terrain, and when taking bends with a sporty driving style. Also, the sport brake system has also been redesigned – another useful feature I called upon when a dedicated member of the traffic department leapt out from behind a cover of shrubs to ‘greet’ me.
WHAT I LOVE
WHAT I DON’T
Fantastic looks
Price. Yikes!
Comfy, sports seats
Perky 2.0-Litre engine
Paddle shifts which don’t compromise performance when in use
For centuries, women have been the darlings for men everywhere, or so we have led you to believe! The truth is my lovelies, that we men care more for cars than even the hottest woman on the planet.
Firstly, a car ’s primary usefulness is movement, which in men-speak translates to either movement towards women or movement away from them, depending on how much ‘kindness’ you might bestow upon us for pretending to care why you are sulking.
Cars don’t ask why when they’ll meet our mums
The second reason we love cars is because they allow us to travel in the company of our mates to places where there are other women (who don’t know you), such as beaches, hotels, theatres, restaurants, nightclubs, etc. Thirdly, the modern man’s car is equivalent to his den, and is a place where he can relax, pass wind, burp and generally enjoy his own space – something we struggle to do with you gagging in the passenger seat. But most importantly girls, the majority of men folk prefer a pretty car to a pretty woman, because pretty cars will lure pretty women to us, but you women can’t bring us any type of car whatsoever.
By sharing this deep and deeply guarded secret (up till now that is), I am hoping the male fraternity of South Africa will recognize and honour me for the service I am redendering which could be classified as a type of social responsibility; because for some obscure reason, women don’t get that the a car is quite literally an extension of a man’s body, or maybe just one particular aspect of his body! In some instances however, cars merely represent a mirage that it is an extension of our bodies, particularly in terms of size, power and performance – yes, you know what exactly I mean!
For those ladies who rarely take such dialogue lying down (no pun intended) and have prepared vocal ammunition with which to decimate me with in regard the pronouncements I have made, I have these simple words for you: Calm down and read on, to the results of my ‘‘research’’ on this topic.
A car is more straightforward and easy to understand.
Cars have warning lights which tell us when something is wrong.
Cars will never tell you to dress up when we go out.
You can lower the volume of a car’s sound system or even put it on mute!
Cars don’t tell us we have a beer boep or ask when last we went to the gym.
Cars don’t ask why we haven’t introduced them to our mothers.
Cars don’t go to the garage together.
9. It is significantly less expensive to upgrade a car’s bumpers, yet the aesthetics are just the same.
Cars get along with our male buddies.
Cars don’t mind if you love more than 1 car at the same time
Cars don’t ask you where ‘this’ is going.
Cars don’t feel insecure about the car you had before them.
Cars don’t give you hell for looking at other cars.
So ladies, if you are really honest, you’ll have to admit that you cannot compare to cars. We empathize with your feelings of loneliness, resentment, loss of self-esteem, jealously over the attention and money we spend on our cars but that no reason for you to slam the door!
A woman has the ability to note that the left toe-nail of another woman 10m away is in need of a trim and colour fill but has difficulty seeing the SUV she reversed into in the parking lot. You laugh but you know it’s true and although my comparison is wildly exaggerated its aim is to demonstrate the importance of good vision.
Let’ s face it. If you can’t see properly, you can’t drive safely, it’s simple
– Thembela Moyo
90% of the information motorists need is received through the eyes, therefore it stands to reason that good vision is a prerequisite for safe driving. There are different types of visual functionality necessary for driving, and should any of these be impaired your level of safety on the road becomes automatically compromised. These are:
COLOUR VISION helps you identify things like traffic signals, different coloured road signs, indicator and brake lights.
DEPTH PERCEPTION is the ability to see things in three dimensions (length, width and depth) and to judge the distance of various objects in relation to where you are.
A normal visual field of each eye extends to approximately 80 degrees nasally (to the nose) and 90 degrees temporarily (to the ear)
VISUAL ACUITY gauges how clearly you can see and visual field is how wide of an area your eye can see when you focus on a central point.
VISUAL FIELD is how wide an area your eye can see when you focus on a central point.
PERIPHERAL VISION enables you to see things to your left or right such as the sides of your car, animals, cyclists and pedestrians without the need to glance away from the road.
NEAR VISION is the ability to quickly and effectively adjust your focus from something far away such as the bend in road ahead, to something near such as the information on your dashboard.
Processed with VSCO with e3 preset
It is incredible that the above (and more) work together almost instantaneously and to a large extent are the determining factors used in making critical driving decisions. Asides driving distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, other reasons which affect our ability to see properly include:
Normal age-related degeneration
Glaucoma – a disease which damages the eye’s optic nerve leading to the development of blind spots in your central or peripheral vision
Macular Degeneration – a disease in which a part of the retina (called the macula) becomes damaged, causing loss to central vision
Diabetic Retinopathy – a disease in which high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina, depriving it of both central and peripheral vision
Cataract – a progressive clouding of the lens in the eye, causing halos around lights, blurry vision and difficulty in seeing properly in bad weather conditions, poorly lit environments and at night.
Nothing signals that we are aging quite like deteriorating eyesight which is one of the leading reasons most people avoid having their eyes tested. There is no shame in admitting that your vision isn’t quite what it used to be and thanks to modern technology, there are many corrective solutions for various eyesight deficiencies – which don’t involve thick unsightly glasses!
It is good practice to keep regular contact with your insurer on any changes in personal information that may affect your insurance claim or issues with unpaid premiums.
Things like parking your car in a different location or job changes are important to communicate to ensure that you are covered in any eventuality.
Similarly, insurers also need to be alerted to expired learner’s, drivers or vehicle licences.
Under normal conditions, your vehicle will still be covered, but you would have to provide proof that an updated license was issued once you claim. As a result of the lockdown, some insurance companies have given a grace period for any license renewals as municipal offices become operational again. This applies to learner’s licences, driving licences, motor vehicle licence disks, temporary permits and roadworthy certificates.
Check with your insurer to ensure you are on the right side of any claims you might have in future.
In celebration of Father’s Month we caught up with adventure biker – Bongi Nkosi and talked about his passion for motorcycles and what biking means to him.
– Vuyi mpofu, editor
Fantastic Father: Bongi Nkosi (41)
Full time job: Fantastic Father to Siyabonga (8)
Between 8 & 5: Senior Engineering Technician
Brrrps around on a: BMW F 850 GSA
I convinced ubhut’ Boi to let me take his scooter for a spin when in reality I had never ridden a bike before!
– Bongi nkosi
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi
1. H&H: What sparked your interest in motorcycling?
BN: The honour of igniting my interest in motorcycles goes to my dad. When I was about 8 years old, he gave me my first ride on his motorcycle which I surprisingly enjoyed. He rode a Honda CB750 at the time. I remember quite vividly how absolutely fearless I was, listening to his instructions on how to hold on to him prior to our departure. My other motivation in becoming interested in motorbikes was that quite frankly, I was tired of peddling on my mountain bike. I loved my bicycle but I didn’t enjoy trudging uphill. After the first ride with my pops, I knew that motorcycles were in my future. The introductory ride I been on with him had planted the motorcycling gene in me.
In my defence I had ridden a bike before, just not on my own!
– bongi nkosi
2. H&H: Who taught you how to ride and what was your first motorbike?
BN: I taught myself how to ride on a borrowed semi-automatic Honda scooter. I was 13 years old at the time. Ordinarily I would have asked my father to teach me given that my first ride had been with him on his bike; but I am not sure he would have agreed especially as the bike he rode was too powerful and too tall for me at the time.
Instead, I happened upon a family friend, ubhuti Boi Maduna, who owned the scooter. It didn’t take much to convince him to let me take it for a spin. Note that I didn’t know how to ride at all and chose my words carefully by asking if I could “take it for a spin”. I deliberately did not ask him to “teach me how to ride”. As you can imagine the difference between the two would have resulted in him either letting me hop onto his precious scooter or throttling away and laughing at me in disbelief!
I found myself surveying a 2016 BMW GS 1200 on his showroom floor, which he emphatically claimed had my name written on it
– bongi nkosi
Before departure ubhut’ Boi asked if I had ever ridden a motorcycle before. I told him a little white lie – that of course I had. In my defence I had ridden a bike before, just not on my own! As I was about to pull away on my first ever solo bike ride (on the scooter he relied upon as a means of transport I might add), I hurriedly asked him to show me the accelerator and the brakes. Instinctively, he did so. Relieved, I speedily zipped off before he could realise what I had just said!
Sadly ubhut Boi is no longer with us but I know he would been amazed and proud of the biker I have become.
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi
3. H&H: What made you choose the BMW F 850 GSA over other adventure bikes on the market?
BN: This honour goes to a friend of mine – Leonard van Gruenen, a passionate BMW GS enthusiast and bike sales person. Leonard noted my interest in adventure biking after reading about my rides to Lesotho and Coffee Bay in 2019. Being the convincing sales man that he is, I found myself surveying a 2016 BMW GS 1200 on his showroom floor, which he emphatically claimed had my name written on it; and me being a newbie adventure bike lover, I found myself believing him. Needless to say, it didn’t take much to convince me to purchase the bike. As we began negotiations on the sale, Covid-19 put a spanner in the works. In hindsight this wasn’t a bad thing because coming out of lockdown, an F 850 GS Adventure with very low millage on the clock became available. The rest, as they say is history.
At 16, I couldn’t even spell the word logic let alone apply it to the circumstances.
– bongi nkosi
4. H&H: What do you like most and least about your bike?
BN: I have more likes than dislikes to be honest. The things I like most are:
The TFT Dash. I think BMW makes one of the best TFT dashboards on the motorcycle market. Not only does it display loads of rider and bike information, but it is coupled with a very user-friendly switch gear.
Awesome looks. I’m in awe of the Bavarian style Rallye colour scheme and gold rims.
Braking power. The F 850 GSA comes standard with all-around Brembo braking system and ABS Pro feature.
Overall, my F 850 GSA is a fresh and unique bike and very different from its siblings, the bigger R1250 GS Adventure and outgoing F 800 GS Adventure.
The things I like least are:
The bike seat height. I can’t stand flat footed when I’m in the saddle, but I’m sure this can be sorted out by dropping the suspension a bit.
Standard all plastic hand guards. A replacement of these hand guards with a more durable aftermarket set is quite imminent.
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi
5. H&H: When you initially started out, how did you parents feel about you taking up on 2-wheels?
BN: I bought my first bike, a 1990 Kawasaki AR-50 when I was 16 years old. My parents had mixed emotions upon seeing me roll up on 2-wheels. The thing is, dad had been involved in a biking accident a few months prior to my entrance to the family home on my Kawasaki.
I guess logic would have dictated that I be thoroughly deterred from biking given what he had been through but let’s be honest, boys will be boys. At 16, I couldn’t even spell the word logic let alone apply it to the circumstances!
I like to think I am a responsible rider but when I ride with Bonga, he always reminds me about taking it easy on the throttle.
– bongi nkosi
It took a while to convince my father that I was serious about biking and that I respected all vehicles and the rules of the road. I also had to ensure that I upskill myself just to gain some measure of trust from him and my mother.
Fortunately, I was determined to become the best and safest motorcyclists I could be and gathered most of my early riding experience on the Kawasaki under the watchful eye of my father. Almost a year to the day after ripping off on bhut’ Boi’s AR-50 and with my parents blessing, I upgraded to a slightly bigger and more powerful Suzuki SE-125 street scrambler.
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi
6. H&H: How does Siyabonga feel about you being a biker?
BN: My son fully supports my biking hobby. He thinks it’s really cool. I once overheard him showing off to his friends that I own a motorcycle and that I occasionally take him for rides. The pride in his voice when saying that melted my heart. It also served to remind me yet again, that I should be ultra-careful on the road whenever I ride, with or without him.
7. Do you ride with Siyabonga and if so, how often?
BN: Occasionally, I have taken him on a few short bike rides on my former machines, a Suzuki GSX-R 1000 and a Yamaha MT09. In as much as he likes the fact that I am a biker, I think he is still a little scared at the thought of riding with me. He enjoys our ‘boys time’ but I notice that the height of any motorcycle and the sound of a revving engine frightens him. I am cognisant not to impose my passion for bikes onto him and only ride with him when he indicates that he wants to do so.
That said, whenever we come to a stop, the grin on his face is endless letting me know how much he really does enjoy it. I like to think I am a responsible rider but when I ride with Bonga, he always reminds me about taking it easy on the throttle. I hear his little voice whenever I am riding, even when he isn’t with me and for that I am abundantly thankful.
Image courtesy of Bongi Nkosi
8. H&H: Would you encourage Siyabonga to ride in the future if he wanted to?
BN: Yes, I would. I guess I have already taken a leaf out of my father’s book and have introduced him to the world of biking. Should he show a definitive interest in biking however, I will invest in his biking lessons with a reputable riding school. I will have to start saving for the numerous pairs of boots, jackets and pants he will need as he grows and grows and grows! Donations will be most welcome!
What made it an interesting trip was that my friend challenged me to ride as if on an economy run, meaning we had to use as little fuel as possible
– bongi nkosi
9. H&H: What have been the highlights / lowlights of your biking life?
BN: Lowlight – being affected by bike theft. In 2016, I was unceremoniously relieved of my beloved Yamaha R1, 2003 model. It was stolen from the complex I lived in while I was out visiting friends. I can’t describe the pain I felt upon discovering the theft. What made matters worse is that the bike was never recovered. To date the perpetrators have never been never caught.
Highlight – I guess the spirit of ubuntu, brother and sisterhood that bikers portray. Along a way in my biking journey I have managed to forge new relationships with many people from different walks of life.
Image courtesy of Ubuntu Pride of Africa 2019
Image courtesy of Ubuntu Pride of Africa 2019
Image courtesy of Ubuntu Pride of Africa 2019
Image courtesy of Ubuntu Pride of Africa 2019
Image courtesy of Ubuntu Pride of Africa 2019
10. H&H: How often do you ride and what are some of the places have you have been to?
BN: I dedicate two weekends a month to ride either on my own or with a group of friends. I am not terribly particular about who I ride with just as long as they are good company and are up for an adventure.
Through biking, I have travelled to many incredible places. The most interesting trips have been in the past 18 months. A trip to Lesotho on a Honda Africa TwinDCT, which also happened to be my first road trip to the mountainous kingdom proved to be fun in spite of the fact that it rained the entire journey. A few weeks later I joined friends on a trip to Coffee Bay in the Eastern Cape. This trip was memorable largely because very few of our best laid plans materialized and a lot of decisions were made on the fly. This was also the first time I had been to the breath taking tourist destination, Hole-In-The-Wall. For this trip I rode a Honda Africa Twin Manual.
Honda Africa Twin CRF 1000 Image courtesy of Honda SA
Honda Africa Twin CRF 1000 Image courtesy of Honda SA
Honda Africa Twin CRF 1000 Image courtesy of Honda SA
Honda Africa Twin CRF 1000 Image courtesy of Honda SA
Honda Africa Twin CRF 1000 Image courtesy of Honda SA
Another biking adventure I went on was to Durban. What made it an interesting trip was that my friend challenged me to ride as if on an economy run, meaning we had to use as little fuel as possible. The winning biker would be the one who used the least fuel. For someone with a love for a fast paced ride this was indeed a big ask. In order for me to better my chances at winning, I swopped motorcycles with him and used his Honda NC750x on the journey down and my own bike, a Suzuki GXS-R 1000 on the trip back to Jozi. Needless to say I won the first leg of the challenge only because I used his more fuel efficient bike and made a complete hash of things once I was in the saddle of my monster!
Being on a motorbike has also emphasised the need to appreciate the little things in life on a daily basis
– bongi nkosi
11. H&H: Biking is not just about the machine; its a life skill. What, if anything, have you learnt since taking up on 2-wheels?
BN: Biking has taught me to be more open minded than I knew I could be. I have learnt that we live on borrowed time and must make the most of it while we can – to live in the moment. Everyone I’ve met through my biking journey has played some sort of role in my life and has touched my life in one way or another. Biking with family, complete strangers and strangers that have become family has served me well. I have ventured to places I might never have been to and have been exposed to certain life lessons I might not have learnt had I not been on 2-wheels. I am also happy to share that had I not been on a bike I may not have been in a position to meet people from so many different circles of life.
Being on a motorbike has also emphasised the need to appreciate the little things in life on a daily basis. Spending quiet time away with my family or going for an afternoon run with my loved ones, be it on a motorbike or in a car are to me the types of moments I truly enjoy.
Honda Goldwing: Image courtesy of Honda SA
Ducati Panigale V4R: Image courtesy of Ducati SA
BMW R 1000 SS Image courtesy of BMW Motorrad SA
BMW R 1250 GSA. Image courtesy of BMW Motorrad SA
12. H&H: If asked to hang up your helmet forever would you do so?
BN: To put it politely, I don’t think so. Asking me to do that would be similar to asking me to stop breathing and expecting me to survive.
The Goldwing would be great for an unhurried ride with my partner to Cape Town
– bongi nkosi
13. H&H: You win the lottery and immediately start swiping your platinum card. Which bikes does the neighborhood see being delivered to your house (on a trailer of course?)
BN: There’d probably be 4 2020-year model bikes on that trailer.
Ducati V4R: I would get this bike for the Italian flair! I mean what would be the point in having all the money in the world and not getting a piece of Italian spirit! But because this bike is an incredibly beautiful machine, I don’t know if I would ride it or just sit and stare at it!
BMW 2020 S1000RR – this is a masterfully created machine. I especially love it in its motorsport colours.
BMW R1250 GS Adventure – The BMW GS range is legendary and I think BMW outdid themselves in the production of the 1250 GS derivative. In my humble opinion, the 1250 GS is hands down the most comfortable and most biker friendly adventure bikes on the market. Of course it comes with the reliability of the Boxer engine. All in all it is a terrific all-rounder and I would hope not to have to wait to win the Lotto to get it.
Honda Goldwing. I would get this bike just to be a tad different because not many people my age truly appreciate what it is all about! The Goldwing would be great for an unhurried ride with my partner to Cape Town. It has loads of storage capacity but best off all I would love to be a disrupter and pump up the volume on it, just to see the surprised looks of other motorists upon hearing music from a motorbike!
Follow Bongi Nkosi’s biking travels on Insta: @will_i_am_sa
In celebration of Father’s Month we caught up with adventure biker – Mnoneleli Ntshauzana and talked about his passion for motorcycles and what biking means to him.
– VUYI MPOFU – EDITOR
Fantastic Father: Mnoneleli Ntshauzana (34)
Full time job: Fantastic Father to Aziza (2)
Between 8 & 5: Works as a Transmission Controller
Brrrps around on a: BMW R 1200 GSA
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse the heavens opened up and spat on me…
– Mnoneleli Ntshauzana
1. H&H: What sparked your interest in motorcycling?
MN: My uncle, a traffic police officer, rode a Kawasaki to and from work. I was fascinated and began pestering him to take me riding. That soon escalated to sweetly requesting if I could start the bike for him when he left for work in the mornings. The sound of the bike’s engine was very different from that of any car I had ever heard. I was smitten and that’s how my love for the two-wheeled machine was born. When I was about 13 years old, I remember promising myself that I would buy a motorcycle before I bought a car. That’s exactly how things have turned out. I believe I was born to ride. I’m a biker through and through.
2. H&H: Who taught you how to ride and what was your first motorbike?
MN: My colleague taught me how to ride. I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that I can’t remember what model the bike was but if memory serves me correctly it was a scrambler. During our lunch break, we would take his motorbike to a park close to our workplace. He showed me all I needed to know, from correctly starting the bike to safely pushing off. It took me 3 days to get comfortable on it and my early childhood resolve to get a motorbike was strongly rekindled. At the time, I got around using public transport but the queues at the taxi ranks were not my cup of tea. Fortunately I had saved up a bit. When I learnt that a colleague was emigrating to the USA and selling his Big Boy Voyager 250cc, I jumped at the opportunity. I felt like the king of the road on that scooter!
Image courtesy of Mnoneleli Ntshauzana
3. H&H: What made you choose the BMW R 1200 GSA over other adventure bikes on the market?
MN: I was already a staunch believer of the BMW Motorrad products as I was on a BMW R 1200 GS at the time. The 1200 GS had served me well for just under a year but as my riding experience and lifestyle evolved so too did my motorcycle needs. The GSA was therefore a natural progression for me. I was immediately attracted to the 1200 GSA as it came standard with many features. These included crash bars, wide foot peg, wide wind shield, spot lights, pannier brackets and cruise control. It also had a bigger fuel tank and slightly more comfy seat than the 1200 GS. Also, I had already determined, through owning the 1200 GS, that maintenance and running costs were within my affordability.
Later though, the dreaded – “aren’t you afraid of dying?” question came up.
– MNONELELI NTSHAUZANA
4. H&H: When you initially started out, how did your family feel about you taking up on 2-wheels?
MN: I think most bikers encounter the same negative reaction when we bring up the topic of becoming a biker. No-one really gives you the thumbs-up or fully supports you. When you start showing an active interest in motorcycles, you find that you are basically on your own. It wasn’t any different in my case. In an attempt to avoid the pre-explosion, I simply bought the bike and showed up. All I got was “your bike is beautiful”. Later though, the dreaded “aren’t you afraid of dying?” question came up. At that point, it was too late. I had made my choice.
Image courtesy of Sabie Valley Rider Academy
5. Would you encourage Aziza to ride in the future if she wanted to?
MN: If I could start her off at this early age I would definitely ride with her so she can get used to it. As she grows older and should she show interest, I will absolutely encourage her to ride. Motorcycling is an expression of freedom and I’d want her to experience the same sense of liberation which I enjoy when I saddle up.
6. H&H: Motorcycling is an enjoyable lifestyle. Share with us some unforgettable memories of your biking journey thus far.
MN: Riding home to Maclear in the Eastern Cape earlier this year easily comes to mind. I had previously made the journey on a Honda NC750x but doing so on my GSA changed the nature of the excursion completely. It was a far more comfortable, smoother and rider friendly trip. The cruise control element came in handy and the bike’s 30-litre fuel tank made the ride more fuel efficient.
I engaged my front brake and dismounted rather disgracefully from my saddle.
– mnoneleli ntshauzana
My 1200 GSA has seen more than its fair share of gravel! Some of my happiest memories include attending off-road rider training courses. These came in handy when I optimistically decided to ride solo through Naude’s Nek Pass in the Eastern Cape. Physically, I was more than prepared for the adventure but nothing could have primed me mentally. The Pass turned out to be endless. It snaked through varying degrees of gradient, offering nothing but dust, rocks and shadeless trees. Sheer vertical drops, seemingly into perpetual depths of nothingness on either side of my motorcycle made my heart beat more than I can articulate in printable English. Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse the heavens opened up and spat relentlessly at me for the remainder of the ride. It was torture but I enjoyed it. That’s the love hate relationship bikers have with the elements.
Image courtesy of Sabie Valley Rider Academy
7. H&H: It can be said that riding a motorcycle is quite dangerous. What is your scariest biker memory?
I can best describe my scariest moment in 3 vivid parts.
Part 1: It all began when I dropped my bike in Swaziland, resulting in a fractured ankle. My friends and I had been riding on a sandy gravel road when I decided to change from the line I was riding in and take the line of the lead rider who was on my left-hand side. Forgetting that there would be a column of sand between the two riding lines, I attempted to cross to the left and that’s when the drama began. Immediately my from tyre bit the sand, my bike unsurprisingly started to slide out of control. What ensued over a 2-second time frame felt like 2-minutes of slow motion terror. The sand, coupled with my riding speed, was a recipe for a fall. All the rider training I knew came to play but nothing proved effective. Although I had the presence of mind to acknowledge that I was losing control of the situation I simultaneously made a rookie mistake. I engaged my front brake and dismounted rather disgracefully from my saddle.
I have learnt not to dwell on crappy situations and negative people
– MNONELELI NTSHAUZANA
Part 2: You would think that the scary part would have been the fall but you’d be wrong. Falling is not unusual however looking down at the shattered bones which just 3-minutes prior had formed my healthy ankle all but freaked me out. The pain was excruciating and I wondered if I wasn’t dying.
Image courtesy of Mnoneleli Ntshauzana
8. H&H: Biking is not just about the machine; its a life skill. What, if anything, have you learnt since taking up on 2-wheels?
I’ve learnt that there is so much more to appreciate in life than what culture and society conditions us to believe. There isn’t a template for living your life. You make your own life in your own way. BMW Motorrad’s tag #MakeLifeARide truly embodies how I live and my attitude towards every day that I am blessed with.
Part 3: I don’t know why I didn’t just pass out and wake up in a hospital bed like in the movies. If that had happened I might have been spared the third part of my scare which was mental. Thoughts of being never being able to ride or walk again, (yes in that order) hounded my mind mercilessly. Fortunately my injury wasn’t that severe. Several medical procedures later I am fully healed and have been happily riding once again.
Hanging up my helmet at someone else’s request is simply not an option.
– mnonoleli ntshauzana
Biking has also taught me that time is a gift and as such I have learnt not to dwell on crappy situations and negative people. With the understanding that my life could change in a heartbeat, it is in my best interest to be as happy as possible, as often as possible.
Of equal importance, joining the biker community has taught me about the value of friendship, brotherhood and the love that people on bikes have for on another and people as a whole. We are a misunderstood group of people, often branded as rebels, misfits, yet bikers are some of the warmest people I have ever met with a heart for other people. I don’t think the non-biking public is aware of the amazing things bikers do for communities i.e. charity work.
Image courtesy of Mnoneleli Ntshauzana
Image courtesy of Mnoneleli Ntshauzana
Image courtesy of Mnoneleli Ntshauzana
Image courtesy of Mnoneleli Ntshauzana
9. H&H: How often do you ride and what are some of the places you have ventured to?
I ride often because I use my bike to commute to work. I make it a point to ride off-road twice a month or just ride in search of roads not commonly travelled. Riding is a form of therapy for me and whenever I feel off-centre, I ride to re-balance my emotional and mental energy.
I have been privileged to visit extraordinary places in and around South Africa. My favorite destinations include off-the-beaten-trail hide-aways in Mpumalanga, the Free State and the North West. Lesotho and Swaziland also offer some world-class tourist sights and have roads which seem to have been designed with bikers in mind. As soon as it is permissible I will look to traveling to countries such as Namibia and Botswana.
If if were possible, I’d be the guy who would upgrade his bike each time there was a new one on the market!
– mnoneleli ntshauzana
10. If asked to hang up your helmet forever would you do so?
I hope never to be asked such a horrible question! Hanging up my helmet at someone else’s request is simply not an option. I would probably distance myself from that person because they would have demonstrated a clear lack of understanding of who I am and what makes me happy. In short, don’t ask me to do that.
11. H&H: You win the lottery and immediately start swiping your platinum card. Which bikes does the neighborhood see being delivered to your house (on a trailer of course?)
Let me start by saying that if if were possible, I’d be the guy who would upgrade his bike each time there was a new one on the market! But to answer your question, I’d get three completely different types of bikes. A city run-around, an adventure bike and a street bike. These would be:
BMW R 1250 GS: This would be my adventure bike. It looks good and has incredible technology.
BMW R Nine T: I just love this lifestyle bike. I would use it for casual riding around town, you know coffee dates and the like.
Ducati Superleggeria V4: I’m not particularly crazy about speed but I would make an exception for this monster and use it on the track.
You can follow Mnoneleli’s adventure on Instagram: @guyonbikesa
The FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMSaim to educate, inform and empower male drivers and motorcyclists on the nuances of motoring/biking and vehicle ownership. The Forums focus on similar topics as in the Gals Garage Workshops – finance, safety, vehicle maintenance and driver/rider training.
A key topic within the FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS is the safe travel of expectant women, babies and toddlers.
Using various manufacturers’ vehicles, the FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS showcase different vehicular features, technologies and services and how those fit the everyday lifestyle of the guests at the Forums.
The FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS are extremely popular as they provide a bonding platform for groups of men who attend either as family members or friends.
PAST EVENTS
The first ever FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUM was held in association with Subaru South Africa at Bass Lake Adventures. 20 men attended the forum and spent the day experiencing various Subaru vehicles on the challenging courses within the facility. Thereafter the Forums continued with Isuzu South Africa in association with celebrity Chef Benny Masekwameng and with Bona Magazine as our media partner.
Due to COVID-19 regulations the FANTASTIC FATHERS’ FORUMS are currently on hold until further notice but will resume as soon as government regulations permit.
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