What began as a gritty township ritual in 1980s Soweto has evolved into one of South Africa’s most electrifying motorsports. Car spinning—once performed at funerals as a form of tribute to the dead—has transformed into a disciplined, crowd-pulling spectacle centered on precision driving and showmanship. Today, arenas like Johannesburg’s Wheelz n Smoke host events where drivers, often behind the wheel of the iconic BMW 325i (affectionately known as the gusheshe), thrill audiences with daring stunts. The sport has also gained official recognition, boosted by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, a former practitioner who has actively used his platform to promote the sport. Now seen as both cultural expression and professional pursuit, car spinning reflects resilience, creativity, and ambition in a rapidly changing urban landscape.
Semafor
