BY Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
Ziphorah Masethe, Ignition TV presenter and producer. Many know her from the adrenaline pumping show, Kasi Car Culture, which combines motoring and the edgy car culture of the townships. Ziphorah has been a COTY juror for two years.
What was the very first car you drove and please describe the feeling?
The very first car I drove was my mom’s 2009 Toyota Yaris. Every Sunday after lunch we would drive about 20km out as she taught me how to drive. The feeling was absolutely exhilarating. I still cherish those moments to this day.
How did you become a motoring journalist and when did your career begin?
As a young girl, my dad would have nothing else but motoring shows playing on our TV. No matter how much I wanted to watch what teens were watching, I had no choice but to eat and spend time with my family while IGNITION TV, Top Gear and the likes played in the background. That inadvertently saw me gaining interest in motoring.
When the then South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (Guild) Chairperson, Christo Valentine, came to address us journalism students at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) about careers in motoring journalism, it made sense. Driving new cars and travelling appealed to me, so I applied to become the Guild’s bursar and intern in 2016.
Was it easy to break through? What were the major challenges for you?
Although this industry is really small and breaking through can prove difficult, my internship with the Guild made it easier for me to be part of the motoring industry. The program sees the intern gain tutelage from different publications, moving from one to another each month. After my year as their intern, I freelanced for a number of publications and was able to later secure a permanent job with IGNITION TV. The same channel I watched with my dad as a teenager.
What was the very first motoring launch you attended and what stood out about it?
The 2016 Opel Astra was the very first launch I attended. I was quite nervous, not knowing what to expect. Fortunately, I was welcomed and taken in by a few people that I am privileged to call my industry colleagues and mentors to this day. That day I drove with Phuti Mpyane, a superb veteran motoring journalist and writer at Business Day. He thoroughly punished that car and had me nauseas from the drive on Chapmans Peak.
What item do you take from the hotel from launches?
I always take their lotions, especially if they smell good. I probably have 4 or 5 inside my bag.
What was your most embarrassing moment as a motoring journalist?
It has to be at a BMW event. After posting the car, I realised one of my hashtags used was #Merc! I deleted the post within 3 minutes but it had already gone viral. I wanted to bury myself in a hole. Needless to say, BMW Germany got wind of this and it was an embarrassing two days. As all things, everyone was on to the next story.
Describe your journey to becoming a COTY jury member. What unique qualities do you bring to COTY?
My journey as a Coty juror has been quite insightful and one of my career highlights. This is currently my second year as a juror and it really is a privilege to have been appointed a jury member and I look forward to more years.
What do you look for in the Car of The Year and name two favourite finalists that have what it takes to become this year winner.
When looking at a car of the year, I look for a car that is desirable, is innovative either in tech or design, is head above the rest in its category, and still offers great value for money. That for me is a deserving car for the win.
My two favourites are the BMW X1 and the Honda Civic Type R. Something practical and something really bonkers!
