A 9 Countries Tour On A GSXR-1000cc
Nurse and avid biker Kagisho Leeuw, also known as Love Smith, embarked on an epic nine-country tour in April 2022. The journey began in Lesotho, where Leeuw was welcomed by the Mahata Mmoho MCC. From there, they enjoyed the twisty roads around Thaba Tseka and Mohale Dam. The next leg of the tour was set to take Leeuw to Cape Town, but on the way he received devastating news: fellow biker Wonder Hleza had gone missing. Tragically, Hleza was found deceased nine days later. Leeuw, who hails from Maologane Village in Kuruman and is currently based in Potchefstroom, North West, owns a K6 GSXR 1000 motorcycle which he affectionately named “Covid Micron,” in reference to the global pandemic. May Hleza’s soul rest in peace.
Despite facing numerous challenges on his solo tour, biker Love Smith refused to let anything stand in the way of his journey. After a long and difficult ride, he arrived in Windhoek, Namibia, just after 11:00pm, cold but determined to get some rest. The next morning, he was greeted by the Eenghoshi Namibia Bikers, who accompanied him on a ride to Swakopmund along the stunning Namibian coastline. Along the way, Smith had the opportunity to experience the thrill of riding on a quad bike through the dunes and even took a camel ride through the desert. These unforgettable moments were made possible by the Eenghoshi Namibia Bikers, who went above and beyond to make Smith feel at home and even booked him into a nice hotel and filled up his tank. The following morning, they escorted him to Angola, proving that the bond of brotherhood in the biking community is alive and well.
“From Angola I rode to Botswana but I had to sleep in Rundu because it was getting dark and I had to cross a place full of wild animals. I booked myself in a guest house, and later I went out to play with other kids. It was great, I was welcomed by strangers and I realized that in Africa….We Are One. After clubbing I immediately went to sleep. Uncle alarm did his job and I woke pronto allowing Covid Micron to warm-up and idle a bit. As I got on my bike the receptionist said “Sorry Sir, here is your refund, Basanta paid for your stay with us”. Who is Basanta? Oh he is a guy in Africa Tours group. My phone rings, I answered. “Hello brother I’m a bit delayed but just wait for me at Shell garage” said Basanta. Ok, I’ve never seen this guy but he sounds African. I waited at the garage and remembered Khishi’s words “…RELAX…”. Few minutes Basanta arrived and said “sorry brother I’m on duty but I’ll will escort you”. Something said check if he has colours, and yes he did. He turned out to be a member of Eenghoshi Namibia. He escorted me 220km and filled up my tank when we departed. I was so emotional and happy at the same time. He warned me of wild animals on the road, I silently said “I can be wild if need be”. I rode down a very long road to Kasane Botswana. Botswana was great, I managed to get a ride on a boat which took me to Kasangula Bridge. It had always been my dream to see the only place in the entire world where you get water from 4 countries meeting at the same point through the Zambezi river. The feeling was indescribable, I even remembered how I used to struggle with Map Work in high school. For a moment I thought I must upgrade my geography marks. I rode to Zambia in Livingstone and Woooow!!!! The hospitality was great. I did not know anyone but I felt safe and at home, yes I am an African. Not because I was born there, But because my heart beats with that of Africa. I felt spiritually connected with my continent and it’s people. Not because of the colour of my skin but because my mind, body and soul is in tune with our beloved continent”.
During his time in Zambia, Smith was amazed by the lack of police and traffic officers on the roads at night, a contrast to what he was used to. He also had the chance to visit the stunning Victoria Falls, an experience that left a lasting impression on him and further deepened his appreciation for the natural beauty of Africa. Determined to make the most of his time on the continent, Smith took the opportunity to get up close and personal with the local wildlife, even going as far as chasing lions into their cave. Through it all, Smith remained true to himself and his identity as Kagisho Leeuw, refusing to let anything hold him back.
Smith’s entry into Zimbabwe was fraught with challenges, including an offline speed point machine and a lack of change. Despite these obstacles, he persevered and eventually made his way to Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), where he participated in the Hyena Rally and enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow bikers. From there, Smith traveled to Mozambique, where he was treated to a unique and beautiful side of the country that he had not previously experienced. Eventually, it was time for Smith to return home to South Africa. His epic tour had taken him to nine different countries and allowed him to fully appreciate the beauty and warmth of the African continent. Smith credits the success of the tour to the many people who participated and helped him along the way.
Words By: Kagisho Leew
