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“They're also an opportunity to showcase responsible
riding.”
and efforts at dialogue sometimes anonymous member. Communication remains a mixed
falter. “Some leaders treat the club as bag. Some clubs maintain strong
“ W e w a n t t o b e s e e n a s their personal piggy bank.” internal communication, fostering
responsible citizens and advocates loyalty and collective decision-
for riders, but some clubs are still Th i s l a c k o f tr a n s p a r e n c y making.
m i s u n d e r s t o o d o r u n f a i r l y undermines trust and morale within O t h e r s s u ff e r f r o m p o o r
targeted,” said one federation clubs, weakening leadership communication, secrecy, and
official. legitimacy.
rumor mills, which breed distrust.
“Our leaders try to engage with 4. Organizing Events and Social Modern communication platforms,
police and local government, but Activities like WhatsApp groups and social
it's an uphill battle,” added a club Leaders generally succeed in media, help but also introduce
president from Gauteng. organizing rides, social gatherings, challenges in managing messages
2. Internal Regulation and and charity drives, which form the and misinformation.
Discipline backbone of club life.
Challenges Facing Motorcycle
Enforcing discipline within clubs is Cape Town and Johannesburg Club Leadership in South Africa
often the toughest task for host numerous annual motorcycle Several factors complicate the
leadership. Motorcycle clubs value events, often coordinated by club ability of controlling bodies to fulfill
loyalty and brotherhood, and leaders, drawing hundreds of their duties:
disciplining members can lead to participants.
internal strife. These events serve dual purposes: 1. Rivalries and Fragmentation
Some clubs maintain strict codes, fostering camaraderie and Historical rivalries and ideological
and leaders exercise their authority improving public perception. d i ff e r e n c e s f r a g m e n t t h e
d e c i s i v e l y . O t h e r s f a c e “Our charity rides help break down motorcycle community.
factionalism and power struggles, barriers,” explained a well-known These divisions make cooperation
weakening their ability to manage club road captain. difficult and undermine collective
discipline effectively. “They're also an opportunity to action.
In some instances, leadership showcase responsible riding.” 2. Legal and Social Stigma
disputes have resulted in splinter However, logistical challenges and Law enforcement often views
groups, damaging club unity and financial constraints sometimes motorcycle clubs with suspicion,
causing fragmentation. limit the scope and frequency of associating them with criminal
“When a leader tries to sanction a these events. activity.
member, it can cause tension that 5. Advocacy and Lobbying
leads to divisions,” a former This stigma limits leaders' ability to
sergeant-at-arms explained. Advocacy efforts for motorcyclists' engage openly and constructively
rights and safety are critical but with authorities.
“It's a delicate balance between inconsistent.
authority and respect.” 3. Resource Constraints
Some controlling bodies actively
3. Financial Transparency and campaign for improved road Many clubs operate with limited
Management funds and rely on volunteer
conditions, legal protections, and leadership.
Financial mismanagement is a awareness campaigns. Others
recurring complaint. Members lack the organization or resources This reality constrains professional
express frustration over opaque to influence policy effectively. management, event planning, and
accounting, unaccounted funds, “We're fighting for recognition and advocacy work.
and questionable expenditures. better treatment on the roads,” said 4. Internal Power Struggles
While many clubs operate on tight a federation spokesperson. Leadership roles can be coveted,
budgets, others collect significant “But the political will and unity leading to power struggles that
dues and donations, especially among clubs are often lacking.” distract from governance.
when hosting large events. Without Fragmentation between clubs and
clear oversight, opportunities for rivalries impede cohesive lobbying Such conflicts can paralyze clubs
misuse arise. and alienate members.
“I've seen club funds disappear efforts. 5. Lack of Formal Training
without explanation, and leaders 6 . C o m m u n i c a t i o n a n d Leaders often ascend based on
dodge questions,” said an Transparency
LHR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 07 JUNE 2025
