Save our Club House

23 Years of Service, 23 Years of Silence

To the Mayor

Sol Plaatje Municipality

Kimberley, Northern Cape

CC Riders is one of the oldest and most respected biking clubs in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Our history is one of unity, service, and unwavering dedication. Yet in our own hometown, Kimberley, we face a quiet but deeply frustrating struggle that many may not be aware of.

For the past 23 years, we have been trying—unsuccessfully—to secure a lease for a property that was initially offered to us by the Sol Plaatje Municipality.

Let us provide some context.

More than two decades ago, we were based at the field and clubhouse now known as Rugga Inn. At that time, municipal and rugby officials approached us and requested we relocate to the nearby soccer field. In return, they promised to rebuild the facilities we had established, maintained, and grown at our original site. We trusted our municipal leadership. We agreed.

That promise was never honoured.

Since then, year after year, we have knocked on every possible door. We've spoken with mayors, municipal managers, councillors, speakers, chief whips, and sports committees. Each time we made progress, municipal elections brought new faces, and we found ourselves back at the beginning. We’ve submitted countless applications, emails, and follow-ups—with no results. Not even a lease.

And yet—we have never stopped serving.

CC Riders has likely contributed more to the wellbeing of Kimberley’s communities than any other organisation of its kind. We've supported municipal outreach efforts, invested thousands of rands in community upliftment, and assisted countless individuals and institutions: from old age homes to schools for special needs learners, from cancer organisations to families of missing children. We’ve run biker safety campaigns, provided resources to delivery drivers, donated school shoes, and escorted thousands of matriculants to their dances with dignity.

Through our annual Big Hole Rally, we generate hundreds of thousands of rands for the local economy and create temporary employment. We’ve brought energy to major public events, including sporting matches and beauty pageants, such as Miss Teen International.

We have done all this quietly, consistently, and without asking for recognition—only for fairness.

So, once again, we must ask:

Why?

Why is it so difficult for the municipality to finalise a simple lease—especially for an organisation that has already proven its dedication to this city? Why is a promise, made in good faith, still unfulfilled after 23 years?

We are not asking for favours.

We are not asking for privilege.

We are asking for what was promised.

We are asking for what is right.

Kimberley deserves better. CC Riders deserves better.

If a city cannot honour the commitments made to those who serve it tirelessly, what message does that send to its people? What kind of future are we building?

This is not just about a lease.

This is about trust.

This is about honour.

This is about justice.

We call on the Sol Plaatje Municipality to stand by its word—finally. Not for us, but for the principles of integrity, accountability, and community upliftment that should define local governance.

We remain ready to serve.

We now ask you to do the same.

With respect,

CC Riders Motorcycle Club

Kimberley, Northern Cape

CC Riders MCC    Contact the author of the petition