By Khutso Uoane
Atiso Khanye has taken Boni bike riding to a whole new level. With the help of 10 Million Makers, The Ground Movers and the Soweto Drift Academy, Atiso has established the Are Bapaleng Boni Challenge in Orange Farm, Johannesburg. Boni bikes are not your everyday bike – they are works of art with frames that are modified to be low and fast. Bikes are fitted with sound systems, and painted to stand out from the crowd.
On 16th December 2022, the Day of Reconciliation, children and youth from Orange farm and surrounding areas will battle it out across six categories: Speed, Spin, Swag, Stance, Crew and Sound.
Orange Farm needs an event like this. With high levels of unemployment and crime, a lot of young people find themselves negatively affected by various societal issues – they find themselves lost to the world. As a member of Orange Farm’s community policing forum, Atiso has witnessed the impact of crime first hand – both being shot himself and losing team members to senseless violence.
The idea for the challenge started when Atiso was on patrol and met a group of young people who were passionate about bike riding. He then saw an opportunity to create a platform where these young people can showcase their skills and talents. “The reason why I started this initiative is that I realised that bike riding can keep young people away from crime and give them something healthy to get involved in. Children as young as ten make their own bikes, they deserve a space to show their talents to the world.” he said.
In English, Are Bapaleng means “let’s play”- but to Atiso, Are Bapaleng has a very profound meaning. “When I was 3 years old, I developed a lump on my spinal cord, then at the age of 5, I was admitted at Chris Hani Hospital. My childhood was very tough as I could not go out and play with other children- I spent half of my childhood indoors. So, this is why I named this initiative Are Bapaleng” Atiso said.
For Atiso, running Are Bapaleng Boni Challenge is not always a walk in the park. “We currently lack sponsorship and donations- this makes us unable to reach young people in other communities and areas”
Despite the challenges, Are Bapaleng remains unshaken- the future is promising. “All I can say is that the future looks bright for Are Bapaleng Boni challenge- all thanks to 10 Million Makers, Soweto Drift Academy and The Ground Movers”.
Are Bapaleng is launching in Orange Farm (in Johannesburg) although the aim is to expand it to other communities. Are Bapaleng Boni Challenge cares about young people and through its activities, Are Bapaleng gives young people hope for a better and brighter future.
Khutso is studying PR and Communication Management at UJ. She hopes to use her talents to make a difference to people around Southern Africa. You can reach her on Khutso.uoane19@gmail.com.