eBusiness Weekly
Chipo Sabeta
FOR far too long, motocross has been largely viewed as a preserve for males. The justification being that women aren’t really into “dangerous” sports. In Zimbabwe, young Tanya Muzinda, took to the typically male-dominated sport at the very young age of five and defied all known “norms” relating to the sport.
The 14-year-old needs no introduction as a globally acclaimed athlete and an award winning junior sportsperson.
She set the trend to rise above these stereotypes, pushing the envelope on what some used to think was impossible in the world of sports.
After winning the Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year at the Region 5 (SADC) Sports awards last year, Muzinda has stepped it up a notch higher.
Her profile continues to grow as she is set to receive an award of the African Child Sport Personality of the Year at this year’s Child Summit and Awards in Accra, Ghana, in September.
“I am humbled with the Continental award I am set to receive of the African Child Sport Personality Of The Year at this year’s Child Summit and Awards in Accra Ghana in September 2019.
“Glory be to God,” she said via social media.
A lot has been said or is known about Muzinda’s exploits on the racing track but the teenager has touched the lives of many off the track, forming a foundation, doing voluntary work for the elderly and her “go green” campaign aimed at conserving the environment.
For many sport stars, it’s a regular “retirement” position or package when they start doing charity work, but like she had done with moto-sport, Tanya is rewriting the narrative.
She started a foundation using funds from her savings.
In a great act of humanity, the first female motocross champion paid school fees for 45 underprivileged children. The motocross rider paid school fees for 40 girls and five boys at Chinamano Council Primary School in Epworth.
Tanya said she aspires to do more to ensure that girls are not left behind. Her dream is to reach out to many children in Zimbabwe and across the African continent.
“My dream is to send 500 kids in all ten provinces of the country by the end of the year 2020 by God’s Grace and I have hope that this dream is achievable.
“I know how it feels to lack basic needs in life. A lot of times I miss races, training because of finances and other technical reasons. I know how it feels to miss something you cherish and is part of your destiny,” Muzinda said.
In 2015, Muzinda under her Nyararai Children’s Trust, she adopted a children’s home in Warren Park.
When she is in the country, she hosts Christmas and birthday parties at the children’s home.
Regularly, she mobilises clothes, toys, and food for them.
At her church, Roman Catholic, Muzinda is known for her voluntary work with other youths who assists the elderly and the needy.
Muzinda, who is also the EU-Zimbabwe Honorary Ambassador for Youth, Sports, Gender and Development, Zimbabwe’s EU Ambassador for Food Security in Rural Areas uses a bicycle for cross training instead of the bike.
She goes shopping using her own bag as part of her “go green” drive to preserve and conserve the environment. She declines unnecessary receipts and ordering drinks with no straw.
She has gone green by eating more vegetables and decreasing the size of meat portion which she consumes. She also has a strict diet by one top dietician that she follows.
“I run for 5km, four days of the week and on my way back collect bottle tops of which I take to the national art gallery for artistes.
“I am sure everyone has noticed a lot of change in the world which is affecting the animals and the plants. We are now experiencing a lot of drought, natural disasters, shifting of seasons and high temperatures than ever before.
“There is also so much plastic waste in the sea which is affecting aqua life. It’s sad to see these photos of all the sad things happening in the world, this is why l am going green,” she said.
Muzinda added: “Sometimes, you don’t always have to take your car, walking, jogging is not only a good exercise but reduces greenhouse gas emissions which damage the ozone layer.
“If everyone takes part in this, step by step, we will all be able to save our planet.”
On the bike motocross is about speed so gasoline is the preferred catalyst but the electric bike has been made and it’s still on the trial stages hopefully it will be introduced soon to the sport.
But on Muzinda’s bike she uses a racing fuel which is unleaded though expensive but it is 50 percent aromatic additives which replaces lead meaning it uses less oil thus less pollution from the bikes.
