Lufefe Mayekiso — The Voice of Motorsport Driving South Africa’s F1 Culture Forward

In a country where motorsport often flies under the mainstream radar, Lufefe Mayekiso is rewriting the script. Known widely as “The Voice of Motorsport in South Africa,” Lufefe is the founder of MotorzaR TV, the country’s leading Formula 1 fan platform. But more than a presenter or commentator, he’s a visionary — a passionate advocate driving the local growth of motorsport and building a powerful bridge between the global stage and South Africa’s streets.

With appearances on major media outlets like SABC Sport, Morning Live, and Marawa Sports Worldwide, Lufefe has become not just a voice, but a cultural pioneer. He’s opening doors for broader conversations around motorsport in South Africa, a space often overlooked by mainstream media.

Through MotorzaR TV, Lufefe is doing more than unpacking race stats. He’s building a vibrant, inclusive fan culture — one that highlights untold stories, challenges old perceptions, and champions a future where South African motorsport gets the recognition it truly deserves.

We sat down with Lufefe for a deep-dive conversation — touching on his journey, the challenges, the wins, and the vision that keeps him shifting gears forward.

Q&A with Lufefe Mayekiso

Q1: Growing up in South Africa, did you ever imagine you’d become known as “The Voice of Motorsport”?
A: Honestly? I’ve always dreamed of being rich and famous, I just wasn’t sure how it would happen. I didn’t envision becoming the voice of motorsport specifically, but I always had the sense that I was destined for something big.

Q2: What inspired you to create a platform for motorsport in a country where the sport isn’t always front and centre?
A: MotorzaR was born out of passion. I’ve always been a sports lover — cricket, rugby, tennis, football, and of course, Formula 1. The idea really took root after a chat with my varsity roommate. He asked me about my previous career — I’m actually trained as a quantity surveyor. When I couldn’t give him a clear answer about my work, he said, “You should be doing something in sports.”

Later, I visited a medium who told me to focus specifically on motorsport. She said, “It’s unique. You’re young, you’re African, and no one else is doing this here.” That’s how MotorzaR began.

Q3: How has South Africa’s motorsport culture evolved since you started, and where do you see it going?
A: South Africa has always had a deep-rooted passion for motorsport at various levels. Take spinning, for example — it’s huge in the townships, even though it’s not officially recognised as a sport. That shows our love for cars runs deep.

When I started MotorzaR, F1’s popularity was rising, but now it’s exploded — especially among women, who now make up 40% of South Africa’s F1 fans. The culture is shifting, and I believe we’re only getting started.

Q4: Why is it important for platforms like MotorzaR TV to tell local motorsport stories?
A: MotorzaR TV is a bridge — it connects motorsport with communities that historically haven’t had access to it. Most Black children in South Africa don’t grow up exposed to sports like Formula 1. That’s why it’s so important that MotorZar — 100% Black-owned, developed, and run — plays this anchoring role. The ultimate goal is to uncover and nurture talent that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Q5: You’ve been featured on major media platforms. What’s been your most memorable moment so far?
A: You’re going to get me in trouble here! I’ve had amazing experiences with all the major broadcasters. But if I had to pick, the most memorable was being interviewed by Robert Marawa on Marawa Sports Worldwide. It was surreal — I knew him before he interviewed me. That, and my first TV appearance on GauTV back on 19th April 2022. Those moments stay with you.

Q6: What’s been the most rewarding part of building a motorsport community in South Africa?
A: I live by a simple philosophy: “When you follow your passion, success follows you.” Building MotorzaR from scratch into what it is today has been deeply fulfilling. I get to wake up every day and do what I love. That in itself is the biggest reward.

Q7: If you could change one perception about motorsport in South Africa, what would it be?
A: That it’s unattainable. Black child, your dreams are valid. With modern technology — AI tools, simulators, and more — the cost of entry is coming down. You don’t need a million-dollar budget to start. Look at Gran Turismo — that’s a real story. Motorsport is for everyone, and we must stop thinking it’s “not for us.”

Q8: What drives you personally to keep pushing forward in this space?
A: It all comes back to passion. I genuinely love sports, cars, and building things from the ground up. My journey started in 2018 with a meme of the new F1 logo after Liberty Media took over. Since then, there have been many tough moments — job offers that tempted me to leave this path — but I stayed because I believe in this vision. I know this is my destiny.

Q9: How do you think platforms like yours can inspire the next generation of fans and drivers?
A: We’ve already started. MotorzaR has become a beacon for upcoming drivers, athletes, and even content creators. Since we launched, I’ve seen so many new F1-focused content platforms emerge. And that’s beautiful — there’s space for all of us. Everyone brings something unique to the table, and that diversity is what drives the sport forward.

Q10: What’s next for Lufefe Mayekiso and MotorZar TV? Any big dreams on the horizon?
A: Honestly, I’m living the dream right now. I’m not on a yacht in Monte Carlo yet — but I’m fulfilled. Transitioning from my old career wasn’t easy, but MotorzaR brings me so much joy. At one point I worried that turning it into a serious business would drain the passion, but it hasn’t. Not even close. What’s next? Well… stay tuned.

What Lufefe Mayekiso is building with MotorZar is bigger than motorsport — it’s movement. It’s representation. It’s proof that when you stay true to your calling, you not only find your voice — you amplify it for others to follow.

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