Bikers Unite to Surprise Honorary President with Memorable Birthday Gift
Road Eagles Motorcycle Association members gather in Gqeberha to honor their founder, Thembisile William Citwa, with a heartfelt present on his birthday.
In a heartwarming display of camaraderie and gratitude, members of the Road Eagles Motorcycle Club, along with four other motorcycle clubs, made their way to Gqeberha on Saturday, July 1st. The purpose of their journey was to deliver a special birthday gift to their Honorary President, Mr. Thembisile William Citwa, affectionately known as “Terror” or “William.”
With a reputation that extends far beyond the Cape region, William is a well-known figure in the biking community, having established himself as a dedicated rider since the early 70s. What began as solitary rides on his trusty 125cc two-stroke bike eventually evolved into a lifelong passion for attending rallies and forging connections with fellow bikers across Southern Africa and even abroad.
In 1997, William took the momentous decision to form his own club, the Road Eagles Motorcycle Club, which rapidly gained popularity and grew to over 100 members at its peak. Today, the club boasts a strong membership of 72 full members, including 5 prospects. Among them, 65 hold keys to the club, while 7 serve as pillions.
However, on this day, the focus shifted from the club’s history to the purpose at hand — celebrating William’s birthday in a truly memorable way. Wanting to express their deep appreciation for his guidance and mentorship, the members organized a surprise gift for their beloved “Tata.”
The present took the form of a stunning silver Yamaha FJR 1300, brimming with unleaded fuel and adorned with a personalized tank pad. Additionally, a brand-new helmet was included to ensure William’s safety on future rides. The surprise was overwhelming for William, his wife, and their children, who were moved to tears upon the unveiling of the gift.
Vuyo, the Regional Coordinator of the Western Region, shared the challenges they faced in keeping William’s presence a secret, ultimately resorting to convincing him that a biking magazine wanted to profile him for an article. As the current President addressed the gathered crowd, the Yamaha FJR1300 was surreptitiously brought forward, and William was informed that it was his to enjoy. Overwhelmed with emotion, William, his wife, and children shed tears of joy while CMA Pastor Ziggy blessed the new bike after the keys were handed over.
Capturing the precious moments, countless pictures were taken, with everyone eager to document this special occasion. A sumptuous feast was served, culminating in a grand cake to mark the celebration. What was originally planned as an hour-long program extended into a full-day affair, as bikers shared rally stories and jokes well into the sunset. Anticipating the following day’s adventures, a breakfast run was organized, providing an opportunity for William to take his new “baby” for a test ride.
It was a day filled with joy and contentment, as the collective efforts of the Road Eagles Motorcycle Club and their fellow bikers resulted in an unforgettable celebration for William and his family. Through this heartfelt gesture, they expressed their gratitude for his unwavering support and his role as a guiding father figure in their biking journeys.
