Nuriya Rustin is a bicycle mechanic. Brendan Magaar/African News Agency (ANA)
Cape Town – Instead of going for a manicure or wearing make-up, Nuriya Rustin prefers to get her hands and face full of grease in order to help cyclists get back on the road.
Rustin performs her trade with passion, dedication and attention to detail, as a bicycle mechanic at her workshop in Lansdowne.
The mother of two has already raised a few eyebrows, especially when she needs to buy spares and bicycle parts at cycle shops.
Although a male-dominated environment, she did not let that get in her way.
Rustin said owners from cycle shops are surprised when she walks into their shop.
“As a female bicycle mechanic, I would like to encourage females to give it a go as we can do anything we set our minds to. I currently have one female working for me.
“I would love to have more female workers if my business prospers one day. We should also recognise the achievements of women during Women’s Month,” she said.
She roughly fixes about two bicycles per day, 10 per week and about 40 per month. The common problems she faces are seized or creaking bottom brackets, seized forks, buckled wheels and snapped spokes.
Rustin said being a bicycle mechanic could get messy, however, she loves everything about it.
“Cyclists should regularly service their bikes to ensure they run efficiently and that there are no worn or damaged components.
“I enjoy the fact that it’s physical work. I enjoy working with my hands. Sitting behind a desk just isn’t for me. I need to get up and do some hard physical labour,” she said.
Inspired by her father Ismail Cassiem, who introduced her to the industry, as he was an avid bicycle enthusiast and had a lot of passion for what he did.
She said he taught her a lot about bicycles along with the Bicycling Empowerment Network, whose mission is to provide opportunities through the use of a bicycle.
“They played a huge role as they taught me the basics in fixing bicycles. I still don’t know everything but I’m eager to learn,” she said.
Besides fixing bicycles, she likes sewing, hiking, painting, the open air and the sights and sounds of the outdoors.
She said that was why her workshop was outside her front yard.
“Having a goal is what’s keeping me motivated. I want to expand my business one day,” she added.
Her uncle Zaahir Hassen described her as a warm-hearted person, who always gives back to the community and never forgets where she comes from.
“I am so happy that she gets to do what she loves and I’m glad to be a part of it. Working for her has been a pleasure,” he said.
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