The ‘Biker Queen’ is on a mission to change the perceptions of female bikers in SA
Meet Seipei: a hip and hot biker chick who’s on a mission to change the stereotypes and perceptions of female bikers in South Africa.
We chatted to Seipei about her involvement with South Africa’s biking community and found out how she’s been uplifting and encouraging women to live courageously through her work.
How did you get into biking?
It feels like I’ve always been a rider. I started riding in 2008 when I had a need to reconnect with myself. Life had dealt me lemons and riding became my lemonade.
What sparked your passion?
A written excerpt of inspiration I found during my time of sadness.
“Move out of the comfort zone” – author unknown
To paraphrase the excerpt, “It takes courage to overcome negative habitual patterns of behaviour, but it can be done, most of the great achievers in life have done it. They have all got a story to tell of when they were down and out and had to fight really hard to get back on top. But they did it and so can you. You are capable and there will be doubts and fears when stepping out of your comfort zone. But in order for you to achieve those goals you have set for yourself you will have to grit your teeth and work through any fears of not being good enough”
Now at the time this was like reading my own palm, but lacking the confidence to go for it.
The words of inspiration continued – “Trust me when I say every time I have stretched myself and moved out of the comfort zone I created for myself, I have had successful outcomes. It is in your thinking, be positive, stay positive and with a winning attitude towards others you cannot help but succeed in everything you want to now achieve for yourself and to lead the life you want.”
What do you think the current perception of female bikers is in South Africa?
We’ve come a long way as females in a very white male dominated hobby and sport. Times have changed, there a lot more black male riders and females are starting to warm up to the sport. I’ve made it my mission in the years to encourage other females to take part in riding. When I started riding the were very few female riders especially those of black African descent Its honestly encouraging to see so many females stepping into the riding arena currently. I would like to see women competing in motorbike racing professionally. Not many females do it, females don’t necessarily think it’s something they would do or can do. “Reverse my age clock,” and give me a sponsor I’d step up to the challenge with my eyes closed. The women of all ages, should “Just” need to get on a bike, ride and enjoy it. Riding is an extremely social hobby, generally very friendly bikers that are charitable, helpful and non sexist. There is sense of family in the biking fraternity whereby everyone tries to help each other. I’ve always had a great reception from bikers of all races.
What are your ideas and dreams to change these perceptions?
All that is needed are strong female ambassadors I don’t think brands are doing enough in creating, pushing and supporting female riders.
Your top tips for women to live a fearless life?
Don’t have a complex about being the only female in a group, take risks try something new.
Those that are already riding- Mentor other women
Women are spectators and arm chair reporters on social media. I believe that women need to play a more active role and participate positively, especially because opportunities exist in all spheres of life.
Abuse and domestic violence in South Africa is rife. Please tell us a bit about the work you’re doing to uplift those who are affected by it
We are all affected by it one way or the other. It’s happening all the time: in our daily interactions we are in contact with abusers or those who have been abused, albeit a teller at a super market or your child with another child from an abusive home we are all affected.
The South African feminist movement needs to establish a new direction wherein the subdued voices of both men and women must begin to speak out and be heard against patriarchy and fight to fully empower women of the 21st century.
South Africa has just come of age as a constitutional democracy based on progressive values that include freedom, human dignity, equality, non-racialism and non-sexism. Sadly, 21 years after liberation, it remains far from being the democratic paradise it was anticipated to be for women. Women continue to be discriminated against, be it in the workplace or at home.
Women still feel let down, and will continue to be let down for centuries unless the South African feminist movement establishes a new direction. Women (and children) have relied on men to help define their lives. Men are failing their families, love and sex are largely about power. Men want to possess a woman.The active-aggressive yin-yang mainspring of the universe is neutralised. (What does this mean?) All that is left is sex. Young men and young women use alcohol and drugs to lead sexually promiscuous lives, many barely age 16 years of age, resulting in unwanted pregnancies and STD’s
Young men must again be taught how to think of themselves as family leaders and builders, thus finding value with a wife and mother of their children. South Africa needs a movement to be established A.S.A.P, which will honestly navigate a new direction where we all speak out. We are at war, this war is designed to divide, degrade, demoralize and ultimately to enslave us.
I am currently looking into a Human Development Center, whose focus will be the to create, teach and nurture through Entrepreneurship Development.
A place developed to meet the Social imbalance, Our work will be defined by our ability to respond to the many needs of the most vulnerable among us. Our communities need to strive and develop and have an organization than can evolve to ensure the continued strengthening of families, building communities and developing minds.
Entrepreneurship plays an essential role in ensuring a strong resource for economic development and it is the key to high economic growth level within economy in a country. With a growing economy like South Africa having a growing youth population. Entrepreneurship will be a key driving force in meeting the economic growth challenges of the industries and economy in general, thus fostering growth and alleviating poverty. One of the major problems of entrepreneur development in our country is the absence of the entrepreneurial mentors. The establishment of a centre for entrepreneur development with a commitment to contribute to the development of entrepreneurs is a necessity.
We’re very excited to hear that you’ll be at the 2016 Pure&Crafted Festival. What will you be doing and will fans have the opportunity to meet you in person there?
I’m more excited!! I’ll be there to have fun and interact with others, this is the perfect place to meet people in person and hang. Lol
More about the 2016 Pure&Crafted Festival
On the 26th and 27th November South Africa will host its first Pure&Crafted Festival where a celebration of the burgeoning sub-culture and motorcycle heritage will take place.
Seipei will be participating in the event where festival-goers will have the chance to meet with her in person.
The event includes all sorts of entertainment such as bands like Mi Casa and Prime Circle . A wide range of food and drinks will also be available.
Click here to find out how you could win tickets for you and your partner.
Also read: Female twins in the motoring industry prospering in a man’s world