A ‘ballie’ on a mission for change
Mike Borstlap has unapologetically challenged several political parties, his neighbours, the youth and various other groups in a stance for positive change.
“I AM just an old ballie that is concerned about all the nonsense that is going on in our country.”
This is the view of Bluff resident and proud Move One Million Movement member, Mike Borstlap also known as “Mike Ballie Biker” wants to see more people come together in a stand against the many injustices in society.
The movement aims to unite all South Africans to collectively take action and enforce constitutional rights by implementing direct elections through peaceful demonstrations. According to the group, the end result of the movement is to demand that citizens elect leaders directly. They hope that every South African shows unity to have a real, free and fair democratic election.
“It’s a civil movement against all wrongs of government. I belong to anything anti-government, including the Active Citizen Movement’s orange mask initiative against Covid-19 corruption. I’m a biker who rides for worthy causes including the farm murders which made headlines. Together with a group of like-minded people I’ve been to squatter camps, helped rebuild an orphanage in Umkomaas, helped clean up the litter and plastic pollution at the Bluff National Golf Club and the Durban Harbour. I also proudly stood in the frontline to protect the Bluff during the looting and unrest in July.”
He’s also supported several local organisations including the ChowTime Feeding Scheme in Wentworth. “I can recall going out with Dominic Samuels during one of his feedings where I approached a group of young men and asked one of them whether they were a man or a mouse. Before he could answer me, I pointed him to all the rubbish and dumping nearby. I asked him whether he was going to wait for a rabid rat or snake to breed there and infect the children playing around the area before they manned up and cleaned up.
“I organised plastic bags and gloves for them with the councillor. Little did I know that they were actually gang members,” recalled Mike of a typical example of how he provokes people who can make a positive difference in their communities by giving them food for thought.
He said that is his way of taking away the excuse of ‘what can I do?’ as it only takes a little step forward to help start a conversation, drive change and make a difference. “There is a saying that you’ll be known for your actions, not your inactions. We need to stand together,” said the self-claimed active activist.
Mike has unapologetically challenged several political parties, his neighbours, the youth and various other groups in a stance for positive change.
“I’ve been to the University of Life. I’m gatvol of people’s apathy towards everything. People need to transform their minds if there is any real hope for this country. There is no more sitting on the fence on serious and everyday issues happening in our community or our country. As Move One Million we stand united to get down and dirty for the people who need it and motivate for them to keep that going,” he said.
