Biker community mourns the death of Megaforce president

MARIUS van Zyl’s sudden passing has left a palpable void in the biker community of Amanzimtoti, shrouding it in silence as friends and fellow riders mourn his death.

Van Zyl died in a motorcycle accident along the N2 near Chatsworth on February 3.

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According to long-time friend and fellow biker, André Beetge, Van Zyl was a big man with big bikes and an even bigger heart. “In his short lifespan on Earth, he made a tremendous impact, not only in the biking fraternity but also in the community. He will be sadly missed by his immediate family, the Megaforce South Coast Chapter and all those who had the fortune to know him,” said Beetge.

Arriving in Amanzimtoti from Carletonville in the late 1990s, with his previous wife, Liana, and sons, Luan and Waldo, Van Zyl founded and became president of the Megaforce South Coast Chapter, which subsequently grew into the largest club in KwaZulu-Natal.

Despite being committed to a full-time job at Sappi in the early 2000s, he rose to the position of national vice-president of Megaforce SA, further attaining the position of KZN Biking Federation president, which later changed to Durban Biking Federation.

After a successful five years that found the biking fraternity experiencing exceptional growth, he resigned to focus on Megaforce SA, playing a leading role in growing the membership and cultivating an affinity for the sport and the associated motorcyclist sub-culture.

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“When you think of Marius, the words, loyal husband – he absolutely adored Liana; devoted father; dedicated friend; seasoned mentor – who was absolutely crazy – with an inequivalent passion for motorcycles, his club and biking in general, come to mind. When Marius was in the room, you knew it because one thing he was not, and that was quiet. His departure can be best described in Afrikaans as – ‘n Sederboom het geval en dis skielik doodstil in die bos – a Cedar tree has fallen, and it’s silent in the bush,” said Beetge.

Night vigil

A by-invitation-only night vigil will be facilitated at McGinty’s Pub & Diner on Rosslyn Road on February 9 at 18:00. On February 10, from 08:00, mourners on motorcycles will start congregating at the Engen Garage opposite Galleria Mall, from where his remains will be escorted to the NG Kerk, 3 Frost Street, Amanzimtoti, at 09:00.

Following the church service, conducted by Rev Christiaan Brandenburg, a mass ride will proceed from about 11:30 along Dan Pienaar Drive, led by Megaforce MC, into Umdoni Drive, right into Kingsway and left into Link Road with parking behind Toti Mall, and the after-tears reception will be hosted at McGinty’s Pub & Diner in Rosslyn Road.

The mass ride will be strictly controlled by road captains although open to those who wish to express their condolences, and the wearing of yellow and black, the traditional colours of Megaforce, is encouraged.

With an anticipated attendance in excess of 1 000 people from the SA biking fraternity descending on Amanzimtoti, residents are both informed and requested to exercise a measure of tolerance as the passing of a legend is mourned by his extended biking family.

“May he continue to ride the highway in the sky, once again united with the brothers who preceded him,” Beetge concluded.

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