In the heart of Cape Town, amidst the roar of engines and the thrill of speed, lies a group of bikers with a unique mission. NONTOBEKO AISHA MKHWANAZI reports.
RACEINFO_CPT is no ordinary biker club, but a community of riders bound together by a shared passion for motorcycles and a desire to leave a positive impact in society.
Founded in 2012 as a biker club, RACEINFO_CPT’s co-ordinator, Zaahir Gallo, says this social network has evolved from a group of racing enthusiasts to a force for good, using their love for biking as a platform for charitable initiatives.
According to Gallo, the club’s journey into charitable endeavours began with the realisation that Ramadaan presented a unique opportunity to give back to the community, and this inspired the birth of Masjid Ziyaarat Programme.
He notes that the aim of this initiative is to foster connections within the Muslim community by visiting lesser-known masajid during Ramadaan.
‘One Sunday afternoon during Ramadaan, we were taking our rides and enjoying the open road and found ourselves in Hout Bay. We were far from home and needed to pray Asr (afternoon prayer), we followed the adhaan (call to prayer) and found our way to the masjid and made salaah. After salaah, looking around, chatting, we asked ourselves, how many other masajid, we were unfamiliar with. This sparked the idea for the Ziyaarat Masjid Programme,’ says Gallo.
The programme runs every Sunday within Ramadaan, creating an atmosphere of excitement for the club members, community, and congregants of the masajid the club visits.
Gallo notes that ‘the club selects and contacts masajid to visit during Ramadaan. In most cases these masajid are on the outskirts of Cape Town and are not well-known for collecting fitrah donations so the club collects that along the way,’ says Gallo.
He also highlights that while the programme builds connections,it is also about fostering unity within the Muslim community in order for the needy to be able to have groceries for Eid.
‘Being bikers, our Sunday mornings are spent hitting the road and returning home before most people have even had breakfast. However, during Ramadaan, we felt a need to channel our energy into something meaningful. Hence, we collect fitrah,’ says Gallo.
RACEINFO_CPT sought to make a difference. However, they also faced a challenge of identifying those in need of fitrah.
‘In mitigating this challenge, we partnered with SANZAF Paarl, which has a database and can identify eligible recipients. As a club, we handle the collection, purchasing, packaging, and transportation of fitrah hampers, delivering them to SANZAF’s office with dignity and respect,’ says Gallo.
Gallo also confirms that the club’s decision to deliver through SANZAF rather than directly to individuals stems from the club’s commitment to preserving the dignity of those in need.
‘We respect people’s dignity, and as the club we cannot bear seeing them in long queues and their dignity not being protected. For us it’s about more than just giving; it’s about doing so with humility and compassion,’ says Gallo.
He also notes that for RACEINFO_CPT, charity isn’t just about writing a cheque, it’s about hands-on involvement and instilling a sense of responsibility so that even future generations may also be inspired.
‘It’s easy giving money over to an organisation and walking away. But it’s a different feeling when doing it yourself, when you join in through buying, packing and delivering (the entire process) there is a sense of fulfilment in the heart that one can never get from anywhere else. It is a unique feeling of gratitude, humility and love for Allah’s creation and that our children ought to learn and practice so they can carry on the legacy,’ says Gallo.
As they crisscross the Western Cape, visiting masajid, sharing laughter with different communities and collecting fitrah, RACEINFO_CPT also leaves a legacy of compassion and unity, embodied in the Qurans they gift to each masjid they visit.
‘The niyaat in that is the esaale thawaab of our friends that we have lost along the way and to also keep us safe on the road,’ says Gallo.
He further urges the public to join RACE_INFO CPT in their quest to change and put smiles on the faces of the needy as they receive the fitrah hampers.
‘Last year we reached 80 parcels to the value of R500 per hamper while R10 000 cash was given to SANZAF. This year, we aim for more, but we can only achieve that through the help of the community. We accept donations, however, we also strongly encourage participation, so everyone is welcome whether you are a biker or not (you are free to come with your car) and help us buy, pack and deliver to SANZAF,’ adds Gallo.
He also invites the public to join them as they explore various Masajid over the next two Sundays.
‘Our recent masjid visit was Kalk Bay and the experience we had was breath-taking from the conversations, to the atmosphere and the warm reception. We could feel the brotherhood. So, do come and join us. For more information on how and where to join us, check out our regular updates on venues, time and dates on our social media pages,’ says Gallo.
With an excited tone and passion, Gallo expressed that the club hopes to expand their initiatives and reach even more people in need, our goal is to continue making a positive impact, one ride at a time.
With each journey, RACEINFO_CPT leaves behind more than just tyre tracks; they leave a legacy of compassion, unity, and hope. As they rev their engines and hit the road, they remind us that kindness knows no bounds, and that even in the midst of speed and adrenaline, there is always room for compassion.
For more information or to donate contact RACEINFO_CPT via email: raceinfo299@gmail.com, visit their Facebook page @ RACEINFO_CPT, contact Zaahir Gallo: 079 881 4715 or visit their offices at Shukrul Mubeen Masjid in York Road, Lansdowne, Cape Town.
