“We have to be unapologetic about claiming a seat at the table. Because it’s only at the table that decisions are made and implemented.”
Zintle Gantsho, or more fondly known as “Gunshot” on the bike, started cycling in 2016 and already has an ABSA Cape Epic under the belt.
Through cycling, the 34-year-old Equity Analyst at Sanlam Investments has learnt the power of habit, perseverance, discipline, motivation, commitment, and dedication.
“I am constantly challenging myself, physically and mentally so cycling was a new challenge for me!”
Apart from being an avid mountain biker, she is the only qualified black female Cycling SA Road Official and B-level Cycling SA Team Manager in Gauteng. She is also the Former Youth, Transformation and Development Commissioner for Gauteng Cycling,
Zintle hopes to see at least 25% of the field at the ABSA Cape Epic finish line be black females and to see Team SA be represented by at least 25% black females at international cycling races, for both riders and support staff.
“I’ve learnt that advocating for racial and gender transformation in cycling can be an uphill battle. You can be faced with a lot of resistance, inertia and stagnation when it comes to executing the changes that result in greater diversification in cycling participation and team representation.”
Her standout memory is participating in the 2023 ABSA Cape Epic.
“Learning what is physically humanly possible by stressing your body to its maximum in the most difficult MTB stage race in the world is wild! It’s there that I saw what can happen when you don’t give up!”
After gathering experience by working for a corporate with the Aluwani Vul’amathuba Ntombi Cycling Academy, Zintle has a dream of starting her own foundation/academy.
“I hope to contribute even in the smallest way to more black female representation in the sport of cycling.”
