19/07/2016: JOBURG MAYOR SENDS CONDOLENCES TO ZULU'S FAMILY
The Executive Mayor of the City of Joburg, Councillor Mpho Parks Tau has conveyed a message of sympathy and goodwill to the family of South African Rally Champion Driver Gugu Zulu, who sadly passed away in Tanzania while summiting the highest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro in an effort to raise funds for charity.
The annual expedition, known as Trek4Mandela, is a charity drive meant to raise funds to buy sanitary towels for over 350 000 impoverished girls across the country to ensure they do not miss a day of school during their monthly cycle.
"It is indeed a great loss to the country as Gugu was at his prime age, with a lot still to offer. His commitment to charity work was well documented and is commended," said the Executive Mayor.
"On behalf of the people of Johannesburg I wish to extend our sincere condolences to the entire Zulu family, his wife Letshego, their daughter Lelethu and all relatives,” Mayor Tau said.
Gugu Zulu will be fondly remembered in the motor racing industry an adventure enthusiast, who along with his wife Letshego, dubbed themselves the “adventure couple”.
Zulu will also be celebrated in the sporting fraternity for his unbridled appetite for sport in general but motorsport and cycling in particular; he’ll also be remembered within the South African social circles for his outstanding achievements over the years such as:
- Three times South African National Rally Club Champion
- Vodacom Isondo Sports 2000 National Champion
- Guinness Achievement Award
- Wesbank Award and
- Goodyear Star of Tomorrow Award.
Zulu may, to the naked eye, be gone. In our hearts though, he will have a long-lasting presence because of how he led his life.
Encouraged by an adventurist spirit, Zulu used opportunities opened up by our democracy for which Mandela sacrificed so much. That he died pursuing his heart's desire on Mandela Day gives us small solace.
"We encourage our youth to learn from Zulu, explore their talents and use whatever opportunities democracy presents them to improve their lives.
"This is a very painful time for the Zulu family and we are all praying for them. Our sincere condolences and prayers go out to them," the Mayor said.
May his soul rest in peace.
ENDS
Issued by the City of Johannesburg
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