Sapa Yopa and biking community remember Johz Mamabolo
Johz 'Captain Dyhard' Mamabolo will be buried in Mankweng this weekend and is survived by his wife and four children.
POLOKWANE – A baobab has indeed fallen, with founding member of the Sapa Yopa Motorcycle Club, Johz Captain Dyhard Mamabolo (52) having passed away on Saturday following a long illness.
Founding member Sarel Nong described Johz as a brother, father and community leader, and said his death was a loss to the entire community of Polokwane and Mankweng.
“We have lost a leader who participated in all kinds of programmes to improve people’s lives. In the biking community he was a leader for a very long time, he gave direction. He gained respect in his work as a community worker and was a great leader. As a biking family, there is no way that you’d forget Johz Mamabolo. He taught us to share love, as he was always the happiest person, encouraging people to love one another. He has changed the biking community in South Africa for the better.”
He said the programmes Johz created many years ago are still among the bikers’ favourite programmes.
“He will always be remembered as one of the greatest leaders in the biking community.”
African Biking Council road captain, Antonio Pico Santana Martins said he joined the biking community because of Johz Mamabolo.
“One day he found me riding solo and introduced me to Sapa Yopa and Sarel, and from there we had a very good and close relationship. I regard him as a brother, not only as a bike mate. We did a lot of things together and were there for one another when times got tough. It was painful to hear about his passing. I have been communicating with him while he was in hospital, but it is still very, very sad.”
Unicorn Riders Motorcycle Club president Abram ‘Master P’ Poto said the club was saddened by the passing of Johz Mamabolo.
“Our deepest condolences go to Sapa Yopa, the Mamabolo family and Bikerville at large for the loss of Mr Mamabolo. Johz and Sarel introduced biking to the black community, and it is through them that we have some of the biggest clubs in Limpopo, including Sapa Yopa, Unicorn MCC and Eagles Bikers. They took it upon themselves to make biking fashionable and attractive to black children and today, we see so many black people in the province riding motorbikes. It has become a lifesetyle we have become accustomed to thanks to him.”
“We are going to give him a well-deserved send-off as we support his club, Sapa Yopa, and we call on all bikers to come and honour this legend of note. His contribution to the biking community will be deeply missed,” said Poto.
Zimbabwean Biking team Titanium MCC founder Pumulani Pumz Ncube said Johz has left “the ride of life”, but that his spirit roars on in the hearts of those who knew him.
“Johz, you started a great movement that that made us friends too, enjoying every moment. In the great ride in the sky, may you find endless highways and eternal sunsets, our dear brother. Your journey on Earth is over, but your memory rides on with us and we will miss you. On behalf of Titanium MCC Zimbabwe, rest in eternal peace.”
Johz’s sister, Regina Sebola confirmed that he will be buried in the Mankweng cemetery on March 16.
He is survived by his wife and four children.
