​Bring it on!” This is the optimistic spirit of Zingisa Mtobela, one of the leading female cyclists for Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) who is geared and ready for Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg on Sunday, 17 November 2024.

“I’m excited. I’ve been preparing and I feel good about it,” she says with a smile. “Riding through the streets of Joburg is so beautiful. It’s a completely different way to experience the City,” she adds.

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Known to friends and fellow cyclists as Zingy, she’s not only a skilled cyclist but also a dedicated long-distance runner, balancing both sports with a busy work life.

At work Zingisa chase criminals and bust drug houses, but in her spare time she cycles and runs to beat her own best times.

Zingisa, who works for JMPD’s K9 unit, started cycling in 2019 and shortly after joined JMPD’s cycling team. “I was intrigued with the sport, but at first the challenge was to find a good bicycle. I started with an old bicycle and eventually upgraded. I now have a bicycle I enjoy riding with,” she says.

With a deep love for both running and cycling, Zingisa keeps her fitness lifestyle balanced. “Running and cycling complement each other really well. Both are great for the legs and overall fitness,” she says. Her work schedule is split between four days on and four days off, so on her off days, she makes time to ride. On her workdays, she begins her day with a run before starting her shift.

For Zingisa, cycling is more than just a sport, it’s a form of therapy. “When I’m on my bike, I feel free and confident. It helps me clear my mind, I talk with my inner soul, and sometimes even pray. It’s my time to destress and plan my day.”

Earlier this year, Zingisa took on the Cape Town Cycle Tour, a challenge she describes as “tough, with steep hills”, but also a ride that offered stunning views of the beach and mountains. She’s also a regular participant in many road races in and around Johannesburg and makes it a point to do the famous Soweto Marathon every year.

A highlight in her cycling journey was when she was announced the winning lady at the National Metro Games held in September. When she feels tired during a race or ride, Zingisa uses mental strength to keep going. “The mind is a powerful tool. When I’m tired, I tell myself ‘I can do this’, and that helps the fatigue fade away,” she says.

Zingisa’s love for sport started back in her hometown in the Eastern Cape, where she grew up with a passion for netball and running. “I was good at sports from a young age and even got sponsorships to compete in bigger events while I was in school,” she shares. Adding that it runs in the family since her brother excelled in soccer and running.

As a parting shot, she adds that the City could put up more signs along the roads to remind drivers that cyclists are out there, helping to keep everyone safer. After she was involved in a crash caused by a negligent driver while riding in 2022, she understands how important it is to raise awareness about the safety of cyclists.

Blitz Questions: Getting to Know ‘Zingy’
Uphill or downhill? Uphill
Go-to snack before a race? Peanut butter on one slice of brown bread an hour before the race.
Go-to energy booster before a race? Powerade or a cup of coffee made with one sugar.
Song that boosts your mood? Prefer silence when riding.
Edition participating in Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg? 5th

Catch Zingisa in action at the Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg.

Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
11/11/2024

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