04/11/2025
A powerful speech on GBV shared by "Sugar Plum" of “Bikers Say No To Crime and GBV” at the Bokone Bophirima Tour. The actual speech starts from 2:45 minutes
In a powerful and emotional moment at the Bokone Bophirima Tour Gala Dinner, that moved the audience to silence, Sugar Plum (riding name) took to the stage to speak about a reality that sits uncomfortably close to many—the hidden face of abuse and the urgent need to stand against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Introduced with pride by Kalashnikov (riding name) as a woman thriving in a male-dominated space, she represented strength, resilience, and the spirit of unity that defines the biking community. The room erupted in support as she took the microphone to shine a light on an issue that transcends gender, reputation, and appearances.
“Today I'll be talking about the masks we need to see through,” she began. Her message was clear: abusers do not always fit the image society imagines. They can be charming, humble, soft-spoken, and highly respected members of the community. “Sometimes they are the friendliest person in the room, the one who greets everyone with a smile. And that's exactly how they get away with it.”
She reminded the audience that abuse does not always leave bruises. Often, it arrives disguised as care, disguised as love—slowly isolating, controlling, and breaking down the victim’s sense of self. Gaslighting, emotional manipulation, and silent intimidation can be just as devastating as physical violence.
“When the victim finally speaks,” she continued, “the world often says, ‘But he’s such a good man… I’ve never seen that side of him.’ And that disbelief becomes a prison.”
Her message extended beyond women, acknowledging men who suffer silently, conditioned by society to believe they cannot be victims. “Abuse is not about gender—it is about power.”
She urged the biking community to do more than speak—to believe survivors, to support them, and to challenge the culture of silence that allows abuse to thrive.
“Let’s stop equating niceness with goodness. Let us be the friends who check in, the neighbors who listen, the brothers and sisters who say you don’t have to go through this alone.”
In closing, one of the MC's for the day, Matshepo Sekgopi turned the reflection inward, asking everyone present to look at the person next to them and say:
“If you keep quiet, you are helping him. If you speak out, you are helping all of us.”
The audience clapped their hands reaffirming a shared pledge: to stand tall, strong, and firm against GBV.
