Trailblazer Malikah Daniels is making inroads in the male-dominated world of motorsport

IOL News

4 days ago

"Growing up in that environment taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of giving back," she reflects. "I saw firsthand how opportunities—or the lack thereof—could shape a young person's future. It instilled in me a deep desire to create pathways of hope and empowerment for others."
Daniels' inspiring journey is a testament to her dedication to fostering hope and resilience in under-resourced communities. Growing up in the dynamic yet challenging areas of Retreat and Mitchell's Plain, she has cultivated a profound sense of compassion and a resolve to effect positive change.
Leading the charge in the non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector, Daniels is breaking traditional barriers, using arts and motorsport as transformative tools to uplift women and youth in South Africa.
As Women's Month unfolds, a remarkable narrative of empowerment and resilience emerges in the form of Malikah Daniels, co-founder of the Greater Cape Academy of Performing Arts (G-CAP).
Despite lacking a traditional academic background, Daniels brings a wealth of practical experience in project management, event coordination, and leadership to her role at G-CAP. Her remarkable ability to initiate impactful programmes has been crucial to the organisation's success, especially in guiding artists and managing operations seamlessly.
Breaking barriers in motorsport: A woman on the track
Among her groundbreaking contributions, Daniels has made significant inroads in the male-dominated world of motorsport. Since 2008, her involvement with The Drift Squad has been pivotal, leading to the establishment of the SR4A Road Safety Programme.
"Drifting was an adrenaline-filled way to connect with young people who love car culture but need guidance on safe driving," she explains. As one of the few women participating in this arena, she aims to demonstrate that motorsport transcends gender, embodying skill and discipline.
G-CAP: A catalyst for change
The inception of G-CAP stemmed from Daniels' recognition of untapped potential in countless talented young individuals. "We aimed to create an organisation that didn't just talk about change but actively drove it through arts, culture, and innovative programmes like SR4A, Kids Music Fun, and The BeatBangaz DJ Academy," she affirms.
G-CAP's crucial role in youth development addresses gaps left by traditional systems, providing mentorship, creative education, and life skills essential for growth. As an artist manager for renowned figures such as Grandmaster Ready D and The BeatBangaz, Daniels effectively merges creativity with social impact, using music and culture as powerful vehicles to communicate positive messages.
Empowering women leaders
A core element of Daniels' mission is representation. "When young girls see women like me, whether in motorsport, leadership, or business, they see what's possible," she asserts. Through G-CAP, she is committed to securing safe spaces for mentorship, skills development, and self-expression—empowering girls to envision their potential and equipping them with the tools to pursue their aspirations regardless of their backgrounds.
As the chairperson of G-CAP, Daniels exemplifies a leadership spirit infused with strength, empathy, and unwavering dedication to community empowerment. Her efforts are not only building a legacy of empowerment across South Africa but also igniting a movement that embraces the challenges of youth engagement.