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Brotherhood vs Sisterhood: Inside South Africa's Motorcycle
Club Culture and the Challenges They Face
Bond Brotherhood includes
By Staff Writer
physical, emotional, and
Introduction: More Than Leather Brotherhood in motorcycle culture
and Chrome is steeped in history, ritual, and sometimes even financial
symbolism. Rooted in post-war protection.
Motorcycle clubs (MCs) in South
Africa have long been associated American biker traditions and later 5. Code of Silence – Internal
with a sense of camaraderie, shaped by local South African issues are kept within the
rebellion, loyalty, and a distinct contexts, it is more than a word—it club; what happens in the
subcultural identity. For decades, is a code. club stays in the club.
t h e i m a g e o f t h e g r i z z l e d For men in MCs, brotherhood Strengths and Limitations
biker—decked out in a patch- implies a deep, often unspoken This tight-knit loyalty has allowed
covered leather vest, roaring bond. It is forged in loyalty, shared male motorcycle clubs to endure
across open roads with his danger, and mutual respect. for decades, often outlasting
brothers—has symbolised a form Members are expected to have mainstream institutions. But it has
of alternative brotherhood that each other's backs in all situations, also led to an insularity that resists
transcends blood ties. Yet, a whether on the road, in conflict, or change, fostering environments
parallel movement has been in the face of legal and societal where toxic masculinity, secrecy,
quietly but firmly growing: pressure. and exclusionary practices can
sisterhood.
K e y C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f thrive.
As more women take to the saddle Brotherhood:
and assert their place in the MC 1. Loyalty – Once you're in, Sisterhood: A Rising Force
scene, a natural comparison you're expected to ride or
e m e r g e s . W h a t d o e s d i e — l i t e r a l l y a n d While women have always been
“brotherhood” truly mean within figuratively. part of MC culture—historically
South African motorcycle clubs? relegated to roles as “old ladies”
How does “sisterhood” differ in 2. Hierarchy and Structure – (wives or girlfriends of patch
dynamics, expectations, and Most male-dominated MCs members) or supporters—the
acceptance? And perhaps most operate with a strict chain of e m e r g e n c e o f a l l - f e m a l e
critically—what are the unique command: President, Vice motorcycle clubs is a relatively
challenges each group faces in a President, Sergeant-at- recent but powerful development in
subculture still shaped by Arms, Road Captain, South Africa.
patriarchal norms, shifting values, Treasurer, etc. Sisterhood in the biker world is
and societal scrutiny? 3. R i t e s o f P a s s a g e – different in form and expression. It
This article dives deep into these Prospecting is typically tends to be more nurturing,
questions, unpacking the lived grueling. New members communicative, and community-
realities of both brotherhood and must earn their patch oriented while still demanding
sisterhood within South African through service, loyalty, and courage, resilience, and a fierce
time. love of the open road.
Mcs.
Brotherhood: The Traditional 4. Mutual Protection – K e y C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f
LHR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 09 JUNE 2025
