South African Spinning: A Motorsport of Stunts, Acrobatics, and Adrenaline

Spinning, a motorsport originating in Southern Africa, features intricate acrobatics and stunts performed in a rapidly moving vehicle. This distinctive blend of stunts, acrobatic maneuvers, and the scent of burning rubber has rendered the sport a captivating pursuit for individuals such as teenager Violet Chabaku. Emerging from townships during the Apartheid era, initially associated with criminals showcasing stolen vehicles and commemorating the recently deceased, spinning has transformed into a flourishing sub-culture. Regular gatherings attract families, where the spectacle of noise, smoke, and precise driving captivates audiences, frequently numbering in the thousands. These events elevate performers to star status, particularly those who exit the driver’s seat to climb onto the vehicle’s chassis or even step out of it entirely. Chabaku conveyed to BBC Sport Africa, “I really enjoy the adrenaline.” She added, “When I started I was super-excited to know everything. I wanted to do the stunts immediately.” Similar to many high-speed motorsports, spinning inherently carries risks. A malfunction or an improperly timed stunt, especially while balancing on the bonnet, sunroof, or a door handle, poses a significant threat of serious injury. Samkeliso Thubane, a prominent South African spinner known as Sam Sam, states that the key lies in understanding how to anticipate the vehicle’s movements. He explained, “You are controlling a car that’s not in control.” Thubane further added, “We know how to avoid anything that can go bad. Because we practice we are able to perform perfectly.” Chabaku’s initial apprehension decreased as she mastered the discipline close to her residence in the Free State Province. The 19-year-old elaborated, “A lot of people fear it’s too dangerous or something might happen to them.” She recounted, “When I bumped the car for the first time I think my life flashed before my eyes.” Chabaku concluded, “It was scary at first because you make a lot of mistakes. But once I got the hang of it, the fear is not there anymore.” South Africa’s sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, who was once a spinner himself, has declared financial support for the discipline. Formal spinning competitions are generally held in designated zones on racetracks and typically attract a working-class demographic, whereas impromptu street events are commonly unlawful. However, this sub-culture could transition into the mainstream in South Africa, owing to the backing of sports minister Gayton McKenzie, a former gangster who served a decade in prison and participated in spinning during his youth. His ministry disclosed that 5 million rand ($272,000, £216,500) is allocated for promoting the discipline, which McKenzie anticipates could develop into one of the nation’s most significant sports. He informed BBC Sport Africa, “I’ve been to empty rugby and cricket games. I’ve not been to empty spinning events.” McKenzie asserted, “It interests our children, attracts all ages and, as government, we should do what our people love. I’m going to make sure spinning takes its rightful place like rugby and football.” McKenzie posits that the enjoyment generated by these automotive stunts within communities could potentially lead to a temporary reduction in crime rates in a country with one of the highest murder rates globally. He cited, “In Mitchells Plain (in Cape Town), for example, there are shootings every day. When there’s a spinning event, the shooting subsides or stops.” Having been officially recognized as a code by Motorsport South Africa in 2014, spinning has experienced substantial growth and has successfully distanced itself from negative perceptions linking it to the criminal underworld. Notably, Chabaku was introduced to the sport by her father, Debby, who is a policeman. Debby clarified, “The concept that a lot of people have when they look at spinning is gangsterism.” He continued, “It’s the mentality of people who do not come. This has nothing to do with illegal activities. This is a pure motorsports show [now].” An increasing number of women are participating in spinning events, with Stacy-Lee May being among the most recognized figures. Spinning distinguishes itself from mainstream motorsport by successfully cultivating female stars, exemplified by Stacey-Lee May, who has appeared on Netflix programs. Kayla Oliphant, who is only four years older than Chabaku and already a prominent personality in South Africa, is one of Chabaku’s role models. Originally from Kimberley, she captivates audiences with her signature stunt, the ‘suicide slide,’ which involves her extending her entire body, save for one foot, out of a moving vehicle. The mother of one aspires to establish a career as a professional stunt driver and has already contributed to a film production. Nevertheless, she believes that greater efforts are required for women to achieve complete respect from men, even with annual events like Spinderella in Johannesburg promoting female talent. Oliphant conveyed to BBC Sport Africa, “As women we have earned our stripes. However, we are not recognised as much.” She affirmed, “We have the capability. I have a three-year-old daughter and she loves the sport. I am hoping that one day she gets into it.” Samkeliso Thubane, known by his nickname Sam Sam, ranks among South Africa’s leading spinners. The BMW E30 model, introduced in the 1980s, is the preferred vehicle for most spinners, as it was favored by the sport’s early practitioners in townships. Referred to as a gusheshe in South Africa, its robust nature contributed to solidifying its standing within the spinning community. Thubane further stated, “It’s a car that can handle all the punishment that we take it through.” He elaborated, “When we’re spinning, the car is always on the limiter. The engine, suspension and entire car goes through a lot.” Thubane’s proficiency has attracted sponsorship from significant corporations, providing crucial support for a costly sport that involves engine repairs, delays for spare parts, replacing worn-out tires, and travel expenses. The 32-year-old expressed aspirations to “go international” while also foreseeing a promising future for spinning within his home country. He remarked, “Gayton McKenzie is going to fight and make spinning a recognised, official sport.” Thubane observed, “From where it started off to where it’s going, a lot has changed. I don’t know anyone in spinning who is a gangster. It unites all types of people.”