With each year that rolls by, it gives us another opportunity to give back to our local communities, and what better way to do so, than by riding our motorcycle to those who are in desperate need of support, sharing a warm embrace and helping make a difference for the next generation. The ride that allows us motorcyclists to give back in such a heart-warming way is the “Mandela Day Charity Run”.
This year the Soweto Motorbike School – in association with Linex Sandton – organised another fantastic charity ride to support the Khayelihle Children’s Home in Pimville, Soweto.
Since its early inception in 2010, this ride has gone from strength to strength and has given many communities hope, whilst inspiring change. The front runners behind this amazing empowerment are the bikers and sponsors—the ones who give their ’67 minutes’—reflecting on Mandela’s own 67 years of activism.
And so it was, on Saturday 20th July, this great cause brought together 100s of caring bikers to Linex Sandton in Woodmead, where we congregated as a band of brothers and sisters, connecting over coffee, as motivational words of wisdom were sent out before the ride.
The organisers, sponsors and riders managed to collectively raise funds and donations for the charity. After loading up the Yamaha van with food, clothing and warm blankets, we headed out as a mass group of bikers to the Khayelihle Children’s Home in Pimville, Soweto.
The ride was well orchestrated by a team of very talented marshals from Soweto Motorbike School who were assisted by the JMPD.
Why are motorcycles and bikers involved in this initiative? Well, motorcycles for bikers and for many people in the communities resemble freedom and as the great man Nelson Mandela once said: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” It’s just amazing how the rumbling sounds coming from hundreds of motorcycle motors and loud exhaust pipes can inspire hope in the hearts of the hopeless.
Alfred Matamelo Brand Ambassador of Yamaha South Africa and owner of Soweto Motorbike School had this to say:
“We motorcyclists are a special bunch, regardless of colour or gender, we are so unique and our friendships are so solid that we consider ourselves as family. These days bikers are all united and are focused on charity work and as I always say, we bikers are like angels without wings but with motorcycles instead. It is a biking culture to give and with all that Mandela has done for us South Africans we try to keep his legacy alive by following in his footsteps with this annual Mandela Day Charity Run”, said Alfred Matemelo.
It’s during days like these when giving back, showing face and revving engines can rev those hearts that are in such need. If you missed out on this year’s ride, make sure to schedule the Mandela Day Ride in your calendar for next year.
