POLOKWANE – Bikers from across Limpopo and beyond gathered in Polokwane early on Sunday morning, with the roar of about 100 motorcycle engines marking the start of the 10th annual Ubuntu Run to Die Boskrip outside Mookgophong.

The annual event celebrates unity within the biker community. “Ubuntu is about unity,” said Limpopo Biker Council chairperson Ronald Leach.

“It means ‘I am because you are’. Our vision is that we are all one family, regardless of what kind of motorcycle you ride, whether you are a man or a woman, the colour of your skin or where you come from. Today is about unity and showing that bikers are a close-knit family.”

He explained that the Ubuntu Run is held annually across Africa and attracts riders from various regions. “The bikers present today include riders from the far northern parts of Limpopo, and many Limpopo bikers also attend the Pretoria Ubuntu Run. This run is a sight to behold every year; it’s massive.”

While this year’s turnout was smaller than in previous years, Leach said the spirit of ubuntu remained strong.

“The first four runs were much bigger, about 50 to 75% more bikers. Covid has affected many people financially, and not everyone has fully recovered,” he said.

Despite this, Leach expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown among riders. He noted that some bikers sponsored fuel so others could attend the event.

“As chairperson, I am humbled. We had no incidents during the mass ride, everyone rode together in unity as a family. There were no politics, only support for one another.”
Leach added that the biker community is also actively involved in charitable initiatives, including supporting events such as the Piet Potgieter Monument Outehuis’s annual ‘Brille and Pille’ function.

“All bikers open their hands and hearts, even if it means sharing the last bit of food they have. The biker community loves to give, and that is why we are blessed. Today our mission was love and unity once again.”