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“Male-dominated clubs are more likely to face inter-
club rivalries that escalate into violence.”
South African MCs face significant events, reduced to their looks d r a w n a t t e n t i o n f r o m l a w
shared challenges. rather than their skill, and enforcement and public policy,
pressured into roles that cater to creating guilt by association for
1. Societal Scrutiny
male expectations. even unaffiliated or clean clubs.
Motorcycle clubs are still often
viewed with suspicion by the public 3. Male Club Gatekeeping Bridges Between Brotherhood
and media. The conflation of all Some traditional male clubs refuse and Sisterhood
MCs with outlaw or criminal activity to acknowledge female-led clubs Despite tensions, there are hopeful
continues to undermine the or allow women to wear patches. signs of alliance and mutual
charitable, community-building, Others demand subordination or respect.
and disciplined aspects of many support roles, even when female Joint Rallies
legitimate clubs. clubs have equal (or superior)
riding discipline and organisational More events are now co-hosted by
2. Law Enforcement Pressure
prowess. male and female clubs, particularly
B o t h m a l e a n d f e m a l e charity rides, safety campaigns,
clubs—especially those with 4. Safety Concerns and memorial events. These
national presence—are subject to Female riders are at increased risk shared platforms promote unity
scrutiny by SAPS and other for harassment on the road, and respect.
authorities. Large rallies, patch particularly when riding solo. Even Mentorship
meetings, and ride-outs are often group rides can attract unwelcome
monitored or restricted. attention, and in some cases, Some older male riders have
violent threats. begun mentoring female clubs in
3. Internal Politics
areas like route planning, security,
Power struggles, jealousy, and the or legal compliance. In return,
misuse of authority are common in Unique Challenges Faced by women offer fresh perspectives on
both male and female clubs. Titles Brotherhoods community outreach and club
such as "President" or "Sgt-at- While male clubs have the ethics.
Arms" can create ego clashes and advantage of tradition and Cross-Club Friendships
disrupt club unity. structure, they too face particular
hurdles: At the grassroots level, friendships
4. Generational Shifts between male and female riders
1. Internal Violence and Rivalries
As younger members join with new are softening old divisions. Shared
ideals—more inclusive, less Male-dominated clubs are more rides, BBQs, and tours are
hierarchical—the old guard often likely to face inter-club rivalries that increasingly common.
resists. This tension exists across escalate into violence. Disputes Recognition of Skill
both gendered spaces, creating over territory, patch disrespect, or
friction in leadership and culture. betrayal can turn deadly. As more women prove themselves
on the road—with powerful
2. Mental Health Suppression cruisers, fast sportbikes, or
Unique Challenges Faced by The emphasis on toughness and grueling adventure rides—the
Sisterhoods
e m o t i o n a l c o n t r o l c r e a t e s respect grows. Skill speaks louder
Despite their shared love for riding, environments where mental health than gender.
women's clubs face specific struggles are buried. Suicides,
obstacles: substance abuse, and unspoken The Way Forward: Shared
trauma are significant concerns.
1. Legitimacy Roads, Shared Respect
3. Aging Membership
Many female riders report feeling South African motorcycle culture is
pressure to prove that they are Some brotherhoods struggle to at a crossroads. Brotherhood and
“real bikers.” From skepticism at attract younger members who see sisterhood both face existential
petrol stations to passive rigid traditions and hyper- questions: How do we remain true
aggression at rallies, female-led masculine culture as outdated. The to our codes without becoming
clubs constantly navigate being failure to adapt is leading to relics? How do we grow without
underestimated or dismissed. declining numbers in certain clubs. losing identity?
2. Sexualisation 4. Legal Consequences of For brotherhood to endure, it must
Outlaw Affiliations reckon with toxic traditions,
Women riders are often subject to
sexualisation—objectified at Certain high-profile MCs have embrace emotional resilience, and
LHR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 11 JUNE 2025
