Drift Guru and NGO leader Malikah Daniels wants to show young girls what's possible

South African drifting guru Malikah Daniels has made her mark in many different spheres, but in her view, the true reward is showing young girls what’s possible.

Raised in Mitchell’s Plain, Daniels learned the importance of resilience, compassion and the importance of giving back.

As co-founder and chairperson of the Greater Cape Academy of Performing Arts (G-CAP), Daniels has also been leading the charge in the non-governmental organisation (NGO) space and has an unwavering commitment to uplifting the youth, particularly young girls in under-resourced communities.

She has also been a trailblazer in the world of motorsport, through her involvement in The Drift Squad since 2008, which also led to the formation of the RS4A Road Safety Program.

"Drifting was an adrenaline-filled way to connect with young people who love the car culture but need guidance on safe driving," she explains. "As one of the few women in this space, I wanted to show that motorsport isn’t just for men, it’s about skill, discipline and using that platform to educate and inspire."

Daniels is particularly proud of how she has transformed drifting into an educational tool within the SR4A program, inspiring youngsters to adopt safer driving practices.

When she’s not drifting her way around the circuit, Daniels directs much of her energy to G-CAP, which aims to fill critical gaps in youth development by offering mentorship, creative education, and practical life skills to young people.

She said G-CAP’s founding purpose was to harness the talent of young individuals who otherwise lacked opportunities.

Reflecting on her early years in the communities of Retreat and Mitchell’s Plain, Daniels said: 

"I saw firsthand how opportunities or the lack thereof could shape a young person’s future, and it instilled in me a deep desire to create pathways of hope and empowerment for others.

“Those roots keep me grounded and fuel my drive to make an impact where it matters most," she added.

G-CAP says her administrative prowess, particularly when it comes to managing artists and organisational operations, has been instrumental to its success.

“When young girls see women like me, whether in motorsport, leadership or business, they see what’s possible," Daniels concluded.

Young girls and women who want to meet here are invited to join her at a unique celebration of womanhood, which will be held at Killarney Raceway from 10:30am on Saturday, August 9.

IOL Motoring