Bikers roar against gender-based violence

Around 300 bikers, mostly from the CC Riders Motorcycle Club (MCC), gathered at Okahandja’s soccer stadium over the weekend for the club’s first Golden Wings Rally – an event dedicated to uniting riders against gender-based violence (GBV).

The bikers raised funds to support non-governmental organisations working to combat GBV in communities across Namibia.

One such beneficiary is the Response Action Based Organisation (Rabo), led by Zachary Itodo, which provides around-the-clock assistance to victims of abuse.

Itodo says he was overjoyed to be chosen as the rally’s beneficiary, noting that every cent raised will go towards helping those affected.
“There should be no violence.

People often blame alcohol and other factors, but I say there should be no violence at all,” he says.

Itodo believes GBV can often be fuelled by words spoken in anger.

“Sometimes violence starts with the exchange of words,” he says, adding that “the best way is to take a sip of water and hold it in your mouth until you calm down – that way the situation can be defused”.

He says GBV is not limited to physical abuse, but also includes emotional, psychological, financial and sexual harm.

He urges Namibians to speak up for those suffering in silence, saying it is a collective responsibility to protect the vulnerable.

Okahandja mayor Beatrice Kotongondo joined the rally as a passenger on a Suzuki Hayabusa.

She praises the bikers’ initiative, saying their presence at the town sent a strong message that citizens are fed up with ongoing GBV cases.

“I’m thankful that, despite the dark clouds hanging over us, people still come out and speak up against GBV. It means our voices are not silent – we still say no to GBV,” she says.

Police chief inspector Catherine Walaula, the head of the police’s GBV Victim Protection Unit, also commends the bikers.

“You are not riding for yourselves, but for the women, men and children who are survivors, for those who did not survive, and for those still trapped in silence,” she says.

The event concluded with a drag race at the Okahandja airstrip, where Heinrich Slamet claimed victory on a Suzuki GSXR 1 000 with a time of 9.7 seconds.

CC Riders spokesperson Claus Peters has thanked the Okahandja community and the police’s traffic unit for their support during the mass ride through the town’s main street.

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