There is a cycling club in Soweto helping youngsters stay healthy and mentally sharp, and it’s known as Bhoni4Kasi, loosely translated as bicycles for the township.
The non-governmental organisation (NGO) teaches youngsters in Soweto the basic techniques of cycling, including how to ride a bicycle while keeping safe on the road, hand signals to use when riding, the importance of wearing a helmet and minor bicycle mechanical stuff like changing a tube, patching, and pumping a tire.
Based in Zola, Bhoni4Kasi was founded by professional bicycle mechanics, Bheki Mbhele and Lebogang Balala to instil a culture of cycling in Soweto’s Black communities.
“This will help them understand life, themselves, nature, and the community, as well as the importance of recognising the key components that are required for creating better change for everyone involved,” says Mono.
Bhoni4Kasi was established in 2013 and has already had over 50 young people join its ranks and file. Mono says the organisation was started to demystify cycling’s elitist angle.
“We noticed that there weren’t many professional Black cyclists in the sport in general and decided to effect change no matter how small it would be, starting with our community,” he explains.
Since inception, Mono says Bhoni4Kasi has had a few successes.
“Township kids who join our organisation learn to shy away from drugs and alcohol because we teach them about the harmfulness of substance abuse. Cycling has changed their mindsets and future to be positive.”
Another success story for the NGO is the case of Winnie Majavu, a young woman who was allegedly abused by the foster family she lived with in Zola North.
“We could not sit back but assisted her until social workers intervened and, as we speak, she is in a new foster home where she is doing well even in her academic studies,” he says.
Bhoni4Kasi has also exposed its young members to national cycling events such as the City-sponsored 947 Ride Joburg, the Cape Epic in the Mother City, Wines and Whales, Ride for Sight, Joberg2C, and the Hollard Juma.
The cycling club meets on Saturdays to ride together and would sometimes hold a meeting thereafter to plan future rides and races and discuss how to get more people interested in the sport. “We need sponsors and donations to assist us with obtaining new bicycles, cycling kits for the riders and administrative equipment.”
Sowetans interested in joining Bhoni4Kasi must have a bicycle and be available for training every weekend. There is no joining fee.
“Our cycling club is helping keep young people off the streets,” adds Mono.
Written by Siphokazi George
02.6.2022