Johannesburg - Gugu Zulu was the picture of success: a man who defied social and economic barriers to become a seasoned racing driver and administrator, so it wasn’t surprising that the news of his death sent shock waves throughout the country and the world.
Zulu, who was with his wife Letshego, experienced breathing problems while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro as part of the group taking part in the #Trek4Mandela campaign to raise money for the #Caring4Girls social movement.
Pictures on Letshego’s Instagram account give the impression of a happy, fit and adventurous couple. They gymmed, cycled and swam together.
Zulu wasn't new to physically demanding challenges, having competed in the Cape Epic mountain bike race and the Comrades and Two Oceans marathons.
Dubbed “the fastest brother in Africa”, he started his racing career in 1999, after he graduated from the Vodacom Isondo Sports 2000 national championship.
In 2001, former rally and racing driver Sarel van der Merwe offered him the second seat in the inaugural Sasol Steam Team.
A highlight of Zulu's career was working as a driving instructor at Volkswagen, Audi and BMW.
He also boasts a Guinness Achievement Award and WesBank and Goodyear Star of Tomorrow awards, which he won in 2001.
He enjoyed some international exposure, having raced overseas in the Skip Barber Dodge Racing Series in 2004.
Zulu featured as a stunt driver in the movie Lord of War about the illegal arms trade and starring Nicolas Cage.
In 2005, and for three years after that, he enjoyed a stint presenting the now discontinued SABC3 car show Car Torque.
He also served as a commercial manager for the South African A1 team in 2007.
Zulu owned GAS Sports, which promotes motorsport events.