THREE determined cyclists from the Gauta BMX club embarked on a monumental journey that has captured the hearts of millions of South Africans and beyond.

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about”. What was so momentously said by author Margaret J Wheatley was profoundly echoed closer to home, after three young men made tremendous waves for their lengthy journey across the nation — by bicycle.

Now dubbed “Gauta BMX”, the boys — hailing from Burgersfort, Limpopo — have bravely embarked on a 1 700-kilometre journey to Cape Town on nothing but their two wheels (or six, since they are three).

Beginning their journey with no funding and no backup, Gauta Mahlakoane (22), Karabo Mokoo (21) and Maxwell Ndou (24) embarked on this adventure after only mere months of cycling together. Despite various tumultuous hurdles, the boys have been resolutely chronicling their journey on TikTok, which has amplified news of their great quest.

Beginning their epic journey on April 2, the biking trio has gained vital traction across the media — and social media alike — stealing the hearts of many who applaud their efforts. They’ve underscored their mission as aiming to provide a positive outlook for the youth of their communities, to inspire other young people to chase their dreams, and to embrace a healthy lifestyle.

They hope that their journey will inspire other youths to steer away from drugs and gangsterism, which have plagued black communities for decades.

Certainly, the biking trio has stolen the hearts of the nation and beyond. Their arduous plight has certainly triggered valuable discourses about societal influencers where the youth is concerned — particularly poverty and gangsterism that ravages post-apartheid South Africa. Many have been left asking the important question: why are these young boys not being spotlighted for their immense venture?

Although there has been a massive outpouring of support across the nation, with many giving various forms of emotional and physical support, financial assistance, sponsorship and more, it seems their valuable story is being sorely undermined by mainstream media and government agencies.

The journey of the Gauta BMX boys is more than just a story about tricks and tracks, it is a powerful testament to the resilience and raw potential of youth in underrepresented communities.

These young riders have brilliantly emulated what it means to “walk the talk”. Against countless odds, they have embarked on a stringent journey that most professionals would not dare to take on. They have chosen to be a shining example of putting one’s money where one’s mouth is.

In a world saturated with empty promises and performative posts, there is something profoundly powerful about those who physically live out their mission. Words are easy, but sweat, movement, and real-life action carry the kind of weight that can shift culture.

When people show up, day after day, embodying their purpose through physical presence and persistence, they inspire on a level that cannot be faked. Whether it’s a youth leader riding miles to volunteer, an artist turning concrete walls into messages of hope, or an athlete training against the odds to uplift their community — these actions become contagious. They turn belief into movement.

The most powerful message isn’t always spoken. Much of the time, it is lived. What these young boys are essentially doing is challenging others to do more than talk — to be the mission.

This is an extremely refreshing expedition being undertaken, particularly by the younger crop of our nation — the youth — which is frequently accused of being the “lazy generation”. Stories such as these certainly demolish that reckless stereotype.

What is blatantly clear is that there is a fire rising in this generation — a fearless energy that refuses to wait for permission. Across streets, schools, universities, workplaces, religious spaces, social spaces — and beyond — young people are no longer just talking about change; they’re leading it. And certainly not from the sidelines.

They’re out front, physically stepping into roles of leadership, of advocacy, of community activism, and breathing life into all that they believe in.

Not only advocating for youth empowerment, but also advocating for empowerment through sports, is a widely underrated topic. According to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), this year, more than 44 million South Africans are unable to access private healthcare and rely solely on our severely strained public health systems.

Furthermore, participation in sports vastly declines following high school years, increasing health risks for the youth. The fact is that sports are vital for the promotion of physical and mental health. They are a key contributor to community development — promoting participation, cohesion, Ubuntu, and a much better quality of life overall.

This isn’t just symbolic, it’s revolutionary. When youth lead with action, they show us that passion isn’t passive. They remind us that leadership isn’t about age; it’s about courage, conviction, and the willingness to stand up and do. We must stop this regressive attitude of underestimating young leaders.

Instead, we should be clearing the path for our youth — and when they sprint ahead, we need to keep up. The future isn’t waiting. It’s already in motion, and youth are driving it forward.

Their journey has certainly been a rallying cry for investment in youth-driven initiatives. Not only are sports options extremely limited in countless communities across our nation, they tend to be exclusionary, particularly where resources — such as BMX bicycles and sports equipment — are concerned.

These are the youth — the leaders of tomorrow — and their story is our roaring call to action. Remember Margaret J Wheatley’s profound words: “One of the things we need to learn is that very great change starts from very small conversations held among people who care.”

These are the Gauta BMX boys. This is the true calling of our society and the path to our ultimate transformation.

* Tswelopele Makoe is a gender and social justice activist and the editor of the Global South Media Network. She is a researcher and columnist, published weekly in the Sunday Independent, Independent Online (IOL), Global South Media Network (GSMN.co.za), Sunday Tribune and Eswatini Daily News. The views expressed are her own.

** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, Independent Media, or IOL.

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Inspiring Youth Empowerment: The Gauta BMX boys' journey of courage