Zola Budd, athlete or taxi?
Zola Budd epitomises much of the best of South African culture.There is no doubt in the minds of South Africans that sport is one of the strongest elements which contributes to the delicate and important process of nation building. There are few South African athletes who have made such a startling contribution to the South African sporting culture as Zola Budd. In 1984 the then seventeen year old Zola Budd from Bloemfontein broke many world records, some of which still stand. Her speed was legendary and gave rise to the mini-bus taxis of a certain type being referred to as “Zola Budds” because of their speed. Scenes from Soweto showing at the Old Mutual Theatre on the Square later this year refers to these Zola Budd taxis, as does Woza Albert! currently showing at The Market Theatre. Of course, it was Zola Budd's youth, humility and down to earth nature as much as her diminutive stature...
