Bikers for Madiba roar down Central Street
(Image: Nelson Mandela Foundation)Although they would have loved to be with the family in Qunu, where family and friends are bidding their final goodbye to Nelson Mandela, bikers and supporters from all walks of life showed their love and respect for Madiba the only way they know how: by making a huge noise about it.
Engines roared at their loudest this morning at the Nelson Mandela Foundation as Bikers for Madiba, joined by several cyclists rode to the Union Buildings via the Palace of Justice to show their last sign of respect for the fallen world icon.
The gathering started at 07h00, and by 08h00 Central Street, Houghton, was an incredible tribute occasion of engines, bright lights, loud cheers and screams.
Before the big take off, a few reflected on today’s gathering:
“This morning signifies a unified gathering for everyone; people from different backgrounds are honouring Madiba’s memory by doing what they love.” - Hugo van der Westhuizen
“Biking is our passion. What better way to show our love and respect for such a great leader? We value his contribution in making South Africa a free country for all its citizens.”- Ian Dolley
“Madiba was a great man who spent 27 years in prison fighting for the rights of South Africans. This memorial ride is fitting because it shows our support for the family during this time – we want them to know we hold his memory and sacrifices close to our hearts.” - Clive Venketsamy
“One of Madiba’s core values he reinforced was standing together in unity. I believe he would’ve wanted a gathering like this, people from different walks of life riding in solidarity.” - Dillon Venketsamy
Sello Hatang, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, addresses the bikers
“I don’t think there are words to describe what the family must be feeling right now. They have all our support, thoughts and love. There aren’t enough words to explain, so we show up and ride.” - Chris du Plessis
“I woke up and decided to do one last ride for Tata. This is my way of saying thank you for all he has done for me and this country. Thank you to the family for sharing Mandela with us, that is the ultimate sacrifice. This is a hard time for everyone, but somehow being together eases the pain.” - Brian Ndlovu
“If Tata had to look down from heaven, he’d see his rainbow nation – black and white reuniting and honouring the great struggle hero. He's left each and every one of us with values that are important to practise every day in his loving memory.” - Dalene Pretorius
“Bikers bring noise and attention naturally. Today we have come together to say goodbye Tata, hamba kahle Qhawe.” - Nandi Msezane
“We are mourning but also celebrating a great life lived. I’m sure he has no regrets; he has lived. If it wasn’t for him and other struggle heroes, we wouldn’t have been able to wake up, ride on our bikes and make noise like we are today. “ - Zanele McMurray
CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Sello Hatang, shared a quote from Madiba’s Long Walk to Freedom: “I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.”
He then went on to say: “The long walk will be completed with your work today”.
But every journey has a beginning.
Madiba’s legacy lives on in all of us and it is ours to drive, realise and continue.