Bikers Of Africa

15/09/2025

13/09/2025

WE SUPPORTED OUR TWO WHEELED RELATIVES LAST WEEKEND

The open road is more than just tarmac—it’s a stage where stories and purpose unfold. Few experiences embody this better than the Nelson Mandela Legacy Ride4Hope, a unique four-day journey that continues to carry the spirit of Madiba across provinces, communities, and generations.

The Ride4Hope first took to the road in 2018, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, marking the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth. Its mission has always been clear: to raise awareness, connect communities, and leave a tangible legacy along its route.

Every year since, cyclists have retraced a symbolic path—from the historic Mandela House in Soweto’s Vilakazi Street to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal. Along the way, they ride not only for endurance but for impact, making meaningful stops in towns and villages across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, the Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal.

At each stop, the Ride4Hope has gone beyond symbolism—bringing real contributions in the form of donations to schools and communities, ensuring that Mandela’s values of service, hope, and education remain alive in the most practical way.

This year, the Legacy Ride4Hope returned from 03–06 September 2025, uniting cyclists from all walks of life. Participants range from dedicated cycling enthusiasts to business leaders and celebrities, all riding shoulder-to-shoulder with a shared commitment: to change lives, foster unity, and highlight the beauty of South Africa’s landscapes and communities.

The 2025 ride promised not just a physical journey but also a powerful platform for:

Stakeholder engagement as participants connect with communities through three provinces.

Tourism showcasing, as the route shines a spotlight on towns, cities, and heritage sites.

Corporate Social Investment opportunities, where partners and sponsors invest directly into the schools and communities along the way.

Stops included:

Howick (KZN)

Ladysmith (KZN)

Newcastle (KZN)

Standerton (Mpumalanga)

Soweto (Gauteng)

With major partners already on board—including ABSA, MTN SA, ROMPCO, Hulamin, Umgeni Water, and American Towers SA—the 2025 event was poised to make an even greater impact.

While the cyclists pedal forward, another group played a crucial role in making the journey possible: motorcyclists.

Since its inception, Ride4Hope has called upon motorcyclists to serve as marshals and escorts, ensuring the safety of riders on often-busy highways and rural roads. Their task is far from ceremonial—motorcyclists help regulate traffic, create protective buffers, and guide the convoy smoothly through towns and cities.

In 2025, the request stands for four motorbikes to accompany the riders. The motorcyclists were entrusted not only with an element of safety but also with representing the spirit of partnership between the two-wheeled worlds.

At first glance, the high-speed hum of a motorcycle and the steady cadence of a bicycle might seem worlds apart. Yet, both groups share the same vulnerabilities and the same exhilaration of open-road freedom. They rely on balance, visibility, and endurance, and they both know too well the challenges of road safety and infrastructure.

By uniting in Ride4Hope, cyclists and motorcyclists demonstrate that their journeys are not separate but deeply connected. Together, they amplify Mandela’s vision of unity, reminding us that whether powered by pedals or petrol, the journey is stronger when shared.

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.” - Nelson Mandela

From Soweto to Howick, the road ahead was lined not just with kilometers, but with opportunities to leave behind books and computers for classrooms, smiles for a child, and hope for a community.

As cyclists push forward and motorcyclists guard the flanks, Ride4Hope 2025 is set to once again transform South Africa’s roads into a living tribute to Madiba’s enduring legacy.

12/09/2025

11/09/2025

This event promises to be the biggest gathering of motorcyclists in the entire history of Zambia’s Biking Culture.

It is without a doubt one for the books and would be a great honour to be a part of this experience. Make sure you don’t miss out.

11/09/2025

The annual Swazi Rally once again brought together riders from across Southern Africa at Riders Ranch. While the event had plenty to enjoy, it also left some participants questioning aspects of its organisation.

Our group chose not to camp and instead stayed at Simphiwe House, a self-catering retreat about 20 minutes from the rally site. The property was a rider’s dream base — four en-suite bedrooms, a double garage that sheltered our two Harleys and two BMWs, plus a gym, steam room, and pool. Arriving at the venue during daylight offered the first proper look at the rally’s bike mix: a sea of R1200/1250 GS models, S1000RRs, Suzuki Boulevards, and a scattering of other machines. As always, my BMW R nineT stood out as the only one of its kind at the rally — this year joined by a striking white Harley-Davidson Sportster S.

The campsite was jam-packed with tents, fires, and bikes parked in every available space. Cars filled much of the main lot, leaving the rest of Riders Ranch to host the entertainment. And entertaining it was: drag races, car-spinning stunts (some ending in dramatic mechanical failures), tyre throws, and bike trick displays kept crowds engaged. Traditional dance groups added cultural flair, while food stalls, merchandise vendors, and gear stands ensured there was plenty to explore between shows.

The bar operated on a coupon system. At first, it seemed inconvenient, but the speed of service quickly made it clear why — drinks were served faster than at most rallies, leaving many of us wondering why more events don’t adopt the same approach. Evenings wound down around campfires, with riders trading stories and laughter late into the night before we returned to our base for a quieter end to each day.

For all the positives, the weekend was not without frustrations. The absence of a mass ride left a noticeable gap in the experience. For creators and photographers, mass rides are a highlight — content-rich, visually striking, and a defining tradition of many rallies. Its omission was strongly felt. Another sticking point was cost. While the rally itself was well-run, pricing across the board — from memorabilia to SIM cards — often felt inflated. A sense of opportunism lingered, echoed by riders who noted similar behaviour from certain officials and vendors. Adding to this was the disappointment of rally badges running out (with patches handed out as stopgaps and promises of later delivery), leaving some participants with mixed feelings.

The Swazi Rally remains a major fixture on the Southern African biking calendar, delivering memorable entertainment, a vibrant atmosphere, and the chance to connect with fellow riders. Yet, the 2025 edition served as a reminder that rider expectations go beyond good shows and cold drinks. Tradition, value for money, and fair organisation matter just as much. For many, it was still a worthwhile weekend — but there’s hope that future rallies will address these concerns to ensure the event remains as legendary as its reputation suggests.

Shared by — Tumelo ‘Tukz’ Mapoti

10/09/2025

Segongwana Motorcycle Club (MCC) continues to live up to its motto, “TSHELA KE TSHELE” — “Sharing is Caring” — with their annual charity event, this time hosted at Latotos in Zeerust. The event, held over the 29-30 August 2025 weekend, once again showcased a biker lifestyle that goes far beyond the roar of engines.

Unlike previous years where stadiums and mass rides dominated the scene, this year’s focus was deeply personal. Segongwana MCC identified the Setiko Family in Ntsweletsoku Village as the 2025 charity beneficiaries, stepping in to provide not just immediate relief but also long-term support. The family received essential donations, including food parcels, beds, a grocery cabinet, and carpets. In addition, Segongwana MCC pledged to fix structural flaws in the family’s home, ensuring their living conditions improve sustainably.

The event kicked off at Latotos with a vibrant atmosphere as bikers from North West and neighboring provinces rolled in, bringing with them a powerful sense of solidarity.

True to tradition, Segongwana MCC infused the gathering with entertainment, music, and the energy of community. The social side of the event offered space for bikers and supporters to bond, but the heart of the event remained in Ntsweletsoku Village, where the Setiko Family felt the impact of a united brotherhood and sisterhood.

By taking their annual charity drive directly into the lives of those who needed it most, Segongwana MCC has once again proven that biking is therapy, purpose, and service. As their journey continues, they stand as an inspiration for other clubs across South Africa to embrace the power of giving back.