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Are the Controlling Bodies of Motorcycle Clubs in
South Africa Really Performing Their Elected Duties?
By Staff Writer, · S e r g e a n t - a t - A r m s : federation in interactions
Oversees discipline and with external parties,
security within the club. including law enforcement,
LHR Motorcycle Magazine
Introduction media, and other clubs.
· Road Captain: Plans rides
Motorcycle clubs in South Africa and ensures safety during · Regulation and Discipline:
have a long, complex history. From club events. Enforcing club rules and
friendly social groups to fiercely codes of conduct, resolving
loyal brotherhoods, and, at times, I n l a r g e r m o t o r c y c l e c l u b conflicts, and sanctioning
organizations shadowed by federations or umbrella bodies, members when necessary.
controversy, these clubs shape elected committees or boards may
much of the country's motorcycle coordinate between clubs, resolve · Financial Management:
culture. Central to their operations disputes, liaise with authorities, and Ensuring transparency and
are the elected controlling promote motorcycle rights and proper use of club funds.
bodies—leadership structures safety. · Organizing Events and
charged with guiding, representing, Rides: Facilitating social
and regulating their clubs. The Official Duties of Elected gatherings, charity rides,
Controlling Bodies and community outreach.
But the question remains: Are these
controlling bodies truly performing Official duties commonly ascribed · Advocacy: Lobbying for
their elected duties? Do they to these leaders include: motorcyclist rights, road
g o v e r n e ff e c t i v e l y a n d Representation: Acting as safety, and legislation
transparently, or have they become · the voice of the club or beneficial to riders.
symbolic figures overshadowed by federation in interactions · C o m m u n i c a t i o n :
factionalism, corruption, or inertia? with external parties, Maintaining open lines
This investigative article delves into including law enforcement, within the club to promote
the roles, responsibilities, media, and other clubs. unity and information flow.
challenges, and realities facing
motorcycle club leadership in South · Regulation and Discipline:
Enforcing club rules and The Reality on the Ground: Do
Africa.
codes of conduct, resolving Leaders Meet Expectations?
Understanding the Structure of conflicts, and sanctioning
Motorcycle Club Governance To assess if controlling bodies are
members when necessary. fulfilling these duties, we spoke to
Before evaluating effectiveness, it's
· Financial Management: multiple sources within the South
essential to understand what Ensuring transparency and African motorcycle community: club
controlling bodies in motorcycle proper use of club funds. members, former leaders, industry
clubs typically do. experts, and even local authorities.
· Organizing Events and
Most established clubs have a Rides: Facilitating social 1. Representation and External
formal or informal leadership gatherings, charity rides, Relations
hierarchy. Positions often include:
and community outreach. In many cases, leaders have shown
· President: The highest-
· Advocacy: Lobbying for a strong desire to maintain a
r a n k i n g o ffi c i a l w h o motorcyclist rights, road positive public image for their clubs.
oversees club operations safety, and legislation They engage with community
and external relations.
beneficial to riders. projects and charity events, striving
· V i c e - P r e s i d e n t : T h e to counteract negative stereotypes
· C o m m u n i c a t i o n :
s e c o n d - i n - c o m m a n d , Maintaining open lines often associated with motorcycle
assisting the president and within the club to promote clubs.
stepping in when needed.
unity and information flow. However, challenges persist.
· Secretary: Responsible for The Official Duties of Elected According to several club insiders,
communications, meeting Controlling Bodies some leaders have limited reach
m i n u t e s , a n d r e c o r d - beyond their own circle and
keeping. Official duties commonly ascribed struggle to influence public policy or
to these leaders include: build effective bridges with law
· Treasurer: Manages club
funds, dues, and financial · Representation: Acting as enforcement. Mistrust remains high
transparency. the voice of the club or on both sides, and efforts at
LHR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 06 JUNE 2025
