Biker queen Seipei: carefree life on the road

Seipei Mashugane does not live up to the hardcore biker stereotype. Although she dons a claw earring and skull rings, the 34-year-old mother of two is really just the girl next door. Sweet and well-mannered, the local biker queen is a die-hard motorbike enthusiast and lives for the open road, making her the perfect candidate to host e.tv’s new travel and lifestyle show, Double-Up Mzansi Style.

Founder of the “1 woman, 9 provinces, 9 days” initiative to raise money for charity, Mashugane is accustomed to the countries roads; only this time, she gets to relax and enjoy the provinces she visits. She says: “I know all the routes. The one thing that caught me about the show is that I now get to be in the province and actually explore and interact with the people and take in the beautiful landscapes. I get to do this and soak it in.”

The show will focus on unearthed and amazing features in South Africa’s nine provinces.

Mashugane, together with co-host Tats Nkonzo, will meet local celebrities at each destination, who will show them the best places to go and things to do. The pair have great chemistry on screen. “This is different in a sense because we want to find hidden treasures,” Mashugane explains.

“We’re trying to stay away from touristy places and your township shisa nyama – that’s been done. Each place comes with its own culture and although I’ve travelled to all these places before, each time I return I discover something I hadn’t noticed before.” Although Mashugane has ridden many makes of bike, travelling in a sidecar is a new experience.

“I had to go for a few lessons, but picked it up very quickly and I love it. It makes me feel like a superhero with a trusty sidekick. I might even get one some day.” Although bikes are her passion, she believes they are a viable mode of transport.

She says: “You take your mobility into your own hands. When you do that, you will see the world differently.” For Mashugane, riding is her way of reconnecting with the world, an escape from life, with the thrill of speed and an opportunity to take in the country’s beautiful landscapes. “Bikers are the most relaxed people in the world,” she says.

“Every time you ride, you go on a holiday.” Asked about the vulnerability factor, she insists: “Danger is relative. There are more car accidents then motorbike accidents. If more people ride bikes, more road users would learn that the road is for everyone, not just cars.” The show entices viewers to make their own trips and discover more about their country.