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'SA's lost an incredible role model' - users pay tribute to #GuguZulu

Johannesburg - South African rally driver Gugu Zulu has passed away while attempting to summit Mount Kilimanjaro early in July 2016. 

Zulu, a veteran rally driver, stole the hearts of every fan he ever met with his humble attitude and genuine kindness.

In fact, Zulu was scaling Africa's highest peak as part of team raising funds for the Nelson Mandela Foundation and died on the great statesman's birthday. 

Wheels24 will be attending the memorial service later on Tuesday. 

READ: 'We’ve lost a true motorsport gem' - Wheels24 remembers #GuguZulu

Wheels24 users mourn his passing and sent us many heartfelt messages: 

Msizi Ngubane: I met Gugu Zulu two years ago when we were waiting for my cousin who was participating in the Amashova cycle race. Gugu came a minute earlier than my cousin. We then all walked together to our cars (Gugu n his wife myself and my cousins). What amazed me about Gugu is that he was such a nice cool guy. He was down to earth. He didnt treat us like a celeb.

He was very humble. He even joked around about beating my cousin on the road,when he was cycling on a mountain bike. My cousin was cycling on a road bike. That moment just made me want to participate in the Amashova the following year. This year i will be doing my second Amashova cycle race from Pietermaritzberg to Durban with a mountain bike because he inspired me. I also loved how he was cycling side by side with his wife. He was a family man. May he RIP, such a great humble guy.

Kevin Motea: Great guy indeed, humble and a good listener. I ride today because of Gugu…

Marilé Visser: I was absolutely devastated by the news on Monday morning (July 18) about Gugu’s passing. As a family we followed rallies around the country for many years and I met Gugu at Zwartkops’ race track many years ago. What a gentleman he was, and made time to talk to everyone, including me. I felt so honoured at the time. Gugu you will be missed so much. You left a legacy behind! My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, daughter and family.  

Derek Williams: This is really sad news. I did not know Gugu personally but followed his career with interest, and watched his track tests on the Ignition TV channel regularly. He always had a smile, and such a radiant but humble aura about him. We have lost an incredible role model and wonderful human being. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP Gugu.

Maureen Churchill: My deepest sympathies to his wife and daughter, to his family and many friends.

Personally I did not know him, but from reading all the wonderful stories about him, his gentlemanlyness, kindness and genuineness, makes my heart ache for you all.

May he be blessed wherever he is now, and know this is not only truly a loss to the motoring world, but to South Africa. I know you will all remember him with great admiration. Rest in peace.

WATCH: #GuguZulu honoured in this touching video

Peter 'Kenny' Motloung: It is so sad. I don't have words to describe it. I met Gugu in Durban through his cousin Lee. It was during the A1 race in Durban,he took us on tour showing us how the cars are assembled. I was fascinated by the spanners the were using.

It was the Stahl Wilhy spanners. I am a great fan of spanners and I like collecting them. I will miss his passion for cars, RIP Ndabezitha Mageba.

Matthew Bow: That is the most tragic part of this entire thing. No one can possibly understand the pain that Leshego is feeling, and to lose the love of your life in such a tragic way also stays with you longer.

It's the people that are left behind that suffer the most pain in the end. His poor, poor little girl will never have a chance to meet her father as a grown up and have his guidance.

Many years from now, I hope she will be shown all of the amazing and heart warming tributes to her father and possibly come to understand what a hero he was. I think is just beautiful how many people from every background have posted on his wall, we have leaders and other "famous" people that wouldn't get a quarter of the love and compassion that Gugu has had, nor would they deserve it as much as he does. 

Other tributes honouring #RIPGuguZulu:








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