She took her first breath in Newcastle. Six days later, she took her first look at the Oval Track.
For Raeesa Cassim (16), the roar of engines, the flash of a camera and the quiet of a blank page have always existed side by side.
This Women’s Month, Raeesa is being recognised as a young woman who is redefining what it means to be from Newcastle. Racer, photographer, videographer, poet, aspiring novelist and youth advocate, she is proving that passion and purpose can go hand in hand.
Her story began at Northern Natal Motorsport, the Oval Track her parents, Razia and Faizel Cassim, helped build into a home for families across the Amajuba District.
While most children learn to ride a bicycle at six years old, Raeesa was already racing go-karts. She went on to become Club Champion for three consecutive years at the Oval Track.
“That track taught me discipline, focus and how to get back up after every spin-out. It’s where I learned that speed means nothing without control,” she said.
Although she has traded her racing helmet for a camera and notebook in recent years, motorsport remains part of who she is. She credits the sport with teaching her the values of hard work, humility and community.
Today, Raeesa is building a future in media and the arts through photography and videography, capturing stories of people and places that often go unnoticed.
Her creativity also extends to writing. She writes poetry and is currently working on her first novel, a project she describes as deeply personal and centred on the experiences of young women finding their voices.
“I’ve always believed that stories can change people. Whether it’s through a photo, a video, a poem or a race, if you can make someone feel something, you’ve done something that matters,” she said.
For Raeesa, Women’s Month is about more than celebration. It is about responsibility, particularly towards the next generation.
She is passionate about youth empowerment and hopes to inspire other young people in Newcastle to believe in their own potential.
“This Women’s Month, I proudly celebrate my journey as a multi-skilled young woman with a passion for youth empowerment, poetry, racing and much more. Guided by ambitions as bold as lions and as steadfast as mountains, I strive to inspire others by proving that with determination, resilience and purpose, there are no limits to what women can achieve.”
She hopes to encourage young girls to embrace every aspect of who they are.
“You can be soft and strong. You can be creative and competitive. You can love your town and still dream bigger,” she said.
Raeesa says this outlook was shaped by watching her mother dedicate herself to serving the community, leading projects and creating opportunities for others.
The Cassim name has become synonymous with community service and motorsport in Newcastle, and at just 16 years old, Raeesa is determined to continue that legacy in her own way.
“I don’t want to just follow in footsteps,” she said. “I want to make new ones, so the next girl can run a little faster.”
As Newcastle celebrates Women’s Month 2026, Raeesa Cassim is an example of how young women are shaping the future through courage, creativity and a commitment to making a difference.
