BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE – Beyond the roar of engines, leather jackets and the excitement of the open road, the inaugural +268 Bikers Club Rally carried a quieter message: that a biker community can also be a force for social good.
Representing the Minister of Housing and Urban Development at the inaugural rally in Mbabane on Saturday, Queeneth Masuku commended the +268 Bikers Club for using its platform to support communities through charitable initiatives and outreach.
Masuku delivered the Minister’s remarks during the event, which brought together local, regional and visiting bikers in the capital city for a weekend centred on motorcycles, entertainment, fellowship and community engagement.
The Minister described the rally as more than a gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts, saying it demonstrated community, discipline, brotherhood and a shared passion for the open road.
“Your generosity embodies the true spirit of Ubuntu,” the Minister said.
The remarks placed the club’s charitable work at the centre of the rally, highlighting how biker organisations can contribute to communities beyond recreational activities.
The +268 Bikers Club has been involved in community outreach, including donations of essential toiletries and clothing, demonstrating the practical impact of its initiatives.
According to the Minister, such efforts are significant because they show how organised groups can use their networks and platforms to support vulnerable members of society.
The rally was also recognised for its potential contribution to Mbabane’s urban and economic life. The Minister noted that events of this nature can create activity for the hospitality, tourism and small-business sectors while positioning Mbabane as a destination for lifestyle events and sports tourism.
She further emphasised that cities are shaped not only by buildings and roads, but by the people and activities that bring them to life.
The gathering therefore brought together several stakeholders, including the +268 Bikers Club, the Municipal Council of Mbabane, government representatives, visiting bikers and clubs from across the region, as well as members of the public.
However, with hundreds of motorcycles and riders taking to the roads, the Minister placed road safety firmly on the agenda.
She urged bikers to obey traffic laws, respect other road users and ensure that their discipline on the road matches their passion for riding.
“We want every single one of you to enjoy our mountain kingdom to the fullest and return home safely with unforgettable memories,” she said.
The Minister also congratulated the +268 Bikers Club on hosting its inaugural rally and expressed government’s support for initiatives that bring people together, stimulate economic activity and showcase Eswatini.
She officially declared the inaugural +268 Bikers Club Rally open, leaving riders with a message that extended beyond the weekend’s celebrations: the impact of the biking community can be measured not only by the distance travelled, but also by the lives touched along the way.
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