Tuesday, 26 August 2014

Woman You Rock - Two wheels roaring for a difference - Zanele "Lady Zee" Mcmurray

I doubt that there is anyone riding today in South Africa that does not know Zanele who is loved and known by all as Lady Zee. She is the first black woman I saw on a motorbike and have been inspired by her dedication and consistence to her two wheels. I love who she is and what she stands for. Please be inspired.

Me: Please describe yourself in five words?
Lady Zee:  Kind, Understanding, Considerate, Adventurous and Happy
Me: Where were you born and what do you love about your country? 
Lady Zee: I was born in Mpumalanga, Emalahleni (Witbank).  I love South Afrika because of its wide diversity, I love the sun in Summer and the rich cultures we have here.
Me: What was your childhood like? 
Lady Zee:  My childhood was pretty special, my parents were not swimming in money but they made sure that all their 7 kids had the best up- bringing in the safest neighbourhoods. I was exposed to a lot of good things and didn’t realise then than to some people it is a distant dream. I did a lot of camping, sports and travelling through my dad’s work, they provided everything for their employees. 
Me: Top five books you have read?
Lady Zee:1. I write what I like – Steven Bantu Biko
2.Good Morning Mandela – Zelda Le Grange
3. Long walk to freedom – Mr. Nelson Mandele
4. One month to love – Kerry Shook
5. One month to live – Kerry Shook
 
Me: In your experience as a woman in this country, what is the significance of women’s month in South Africa?
Lady Zee:  The most significant thing during Women’s month in this country for me is the fact that We have a voice now as women. We were oppressed in more ways than the apartheid. As an African woman you had no say at home, at work and publicly. Now we are able to express our views, choose where we want to live and most importantly we are now able to go to school and empower ourselves with knowledge as far as we are willing to go. No one tells us “you have learnt enough, it’s time for you to go get married” anymore.
 
Me: When did you start riding?

Lady Zee: I was introduced to biking at the tender age of 16 as a pillion. I spent the rest of my teen years riding and attending bike events with my sisters and brother. When I got a bit older I decided it was time to learn how to ride on my own and I have never looked back since then. I bought my first bike in 2006.
Me: Why did you get into motorsports?
Lady Zee:  Despite having not given a choice from a young age, I love the rush I get whenever I think of fast motorbikes and sports cars. It is perceived dangerous by most people, so I’m always driven  to prove a point that motorsports is not that dangerous if you are properly trained and have the skills to perform in that particular sport. I am always pushing my limits in everything I do.  
Me: What do you think is the biggest issue facing women in motorsports in South Africa today?
Lady Zee:  I think like in any other country in the world, women will always be thought of as weaklings. Motorsports is a sport fuelled with the biggest egos ever, so as soon as a woman starts performing much better than her male colleagues she is labelled and called all sorts of names. Another challenge for women is they constantly have to work twice as hard to prove that they can also partake in the world of motorsports. Lastly, you find a lot of women that love fast cars, motorbikes etc. but they do not really go into the sport with the intention of being professional in that particular sport, as a results S.A has very few ladies who are motorsport professionally and the few that are there end up having to compete with their male counterparts.
Me: How do you think is the best way to overcome them?
Lady Zee:  This can be overcome by introducing these kind of sports very early in life, as early as primary school where kids see each other as kids not girls and boys. Career guidance in sport is lacking,  most people think of sports as a hobby and therefore never pursue it professionally.
Me: With your experience, what words of advice would you give to women considering pursuing motorsports?
Lady Zee:  I would say women pursuing motorsports should do it because they are passionate about the sport, not to do it to impress friends or pressure. It must come from the heart, that way even if they are left alone with no support they can still push themselves to achieve what they desire.
Me: What is Cancervive?

Lady Zee:  Cancer.vive is a special awareness and education project of the umbrella organisation People Living with Cancer. Driven by passionate survivors, this colourful campaign has been internationally recognised as one of the most dynamic cancer awareness campaigns in the world.

Me: Why are you involved in Cancervive? 
Lady Zee:  Being a cancer awareness activist and my love of riding led me to join Cancervive. Not only does this organisation educate our community about this horrible disease but they do it in the most colourful and unique way that  draws attention and forces people to listen to the message that is being conveyed, wherever they go. I just had to be part of such an effective campaign!
 
Me: What message do you hope to pass on in your community through Cancervive?

Lady Zee:  I would like to pass on a message of hope and support to people living with cancer and raise awareness and educate communities about the ‘shy’ cancers that often remain undetected because of cultural taboos, stigmas and lack of knowledge.

Every year we:
• Give hope to other people living with cancer.
• Educate thousands of people on the signs and symptoms of ‘shy’ cancers using printed material, our website, personal visits, DVDs and media.
• Connect newly diagnosed people and people already living with cancer to Cancer Buddies, a project of People Living with Cancer which provides a support network of cancer survivors who come from similar backgrounds and who have experienced the same type of cancer.
• Work with People Living with Cancer to gather authentic information about what South Africans have to say about their experience of cancer care to support advocacy programmes.
• Collaborate with all projects under the People Living with Cancer umbrella, connecting people, sharing knowledge and promoting the crucial message that early detection saves lives.

Me: Who is your biggest influence?
Lady Zee:  My biggest influence were my parents, they were two people who had 7 mouths to feed and educate under difficult situations and yet they did it so effortlessly. My mom taught me that to get anywhere in life you need to work hard for it and be independent, she instilled an element of self-worth and being proud of who I am and where I come from. My Dad was the most ethical man in the world, he brought us up with integrity. He taught us not to be judgemental and treat each person we meet with respect (rich or poor). Taking what is not yours and what you do not deserve was a big No No for him.
 
Me: What has been the best advise you have ever received?
Lady Zee:  I once met a lady who later turned to be my mentor and friend who said to me ”Life meets you at the level of your expectations” so if I had to dream I need to dream big because that is exactly what I would achieve.

Me: What are the main virtues you live by?
Lady Zee:
1.      Politeness
2.      Resilienve
3.      Confidence
4.      Self-awareness and
5.      Forgiveness
 
Me: If people need more information about your projects, where can they get hold of you?
Lady Zee:  People can get hold of me on my email address: leideezee@gmail.com facebook: Lady Zee

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