Dear valued Wing Riders South Africa family members
As a member of Wing Riders SA, you are automatically deemed to be part of the family, regardless of where you reside.
Over the past year, since the 2023 Wing Fling, we as the WRSA family have faced bad news and experiences, but we have also been fortunate to embrace new life.
This year, I must begin my report with the terrible losses we, as a Wing family, have faced. You can imagine the heartbreak we experienced at the end of November and the beginning of December 2023 when we had to say our final goodbyes to Anton Rademeyer and Frikkie de Wit. Both Anton and Frik had attended the 2023 Wing Fling just a month earlier, although we all knew that Anton was already quite ill.
Then, in early 2024, we also bid farewell to Alan Casey, one of the long-standing stalwarts of our association. Alan attended the 2023 Central Chapter AGM with his wife, Linda. Sadly, Alan ultimately lost his battle with cancer.
To Anton, Frik, and Alan, we salute you. We miss them dearly, but we are privileged to still have all three ladies as part of our family, two of whom are present here at the 2024 Wing Fling.
I also know that many of our members have faced serious illnesses, undergone extensive treatments, suffered strokes, and are still on the road to recovery. To all those enduring these challenges, or who have family members facing hardships, please know that we stand with you, offering our strength and support as you navigate through these difficult times.
On a brighter note, I would like to congratulate all parents and grandparents who welcomed new babies into their families this year. Cherish every moment, and for the grandparents – be sure to spoil your grandchildren and create lasting memories with them.
In our Wing Riders world, there is no “South” or “North,” no “Coastal” or “Inland.” There is, and should always be, only Wing Riders South Africa. We all follow the same rules and respect one another. In our Wing Rider family, we all belong.
To all our current members, please accept my heartfelt thanks for continuing to believe in this association and for upholding the high standards set by our predecessors. Rest assured, the National Council, along with the Chapter committees, will always be there to assist wherever and whenever necessary to ensure that our standards, objectives, and aims – as outlined in the Constitution – are maintained.
As Wing Riders, we truly care for each other. We do not just respect one another; we live in solidarity. We rely on the knowledge, experience, and expertise of our fellow Wingers and appreciate their help whenever it is needed – whether it is fixing mechanical issues with our bikes and trikes, or improving their aesthetics. This solidarity among us is what makes us strong.
In 2023, we celebrated our 40th anniversary by gifting each member a WRSA celebration shirt. I was thrilled to see Chapters asking members to wear their anniversary shirts at certain outruns throughout the year. This camaraderie is what being part of the Wing family is all about.
Since my 2023 annual report, we have seen changes to the Constitution proposed by Johan Hattingh, all of which were accepted by the National Council and approved at the 2023 AGM. This shows our commitment to continually improving and adapting for the future. In order to grow and attract younger members, we must evolve with the times while staying true to our association and the Wing family values.
The foundation of who we are is clearly laid out in the WRSA Constitution. The “who, why, and how” is described in greater detail in the extensive Member Manual, which originated from the Western Cape Chapter. These documents are there for us to use and explore. I encourage everyone, as I have many times before, to read through them and contribute to the important information they contain.
In 2024, we witnessed the “rebirth” of the Garden Route Chapter, along with continuous membership growth across all three Chapters. This is truly heartwarming for WRSA as a whole. Well done to everyone involved, and a warm welcome to all new and returning members.
In closing, I would like to sincerely thank all outgoing Chapter and National Council members for their selfless service during their terms. Serving on committees is voluntary, and I know that at times, it was probably not what you expected. Yet, you took on the responsibility and contributed generously to the success of WRSA and your Chapters. To the newly elected Chapter committee members and National Council members, a warm welcome, and best of luck with your upcoming tasks.
Thank you all, and may your future with WRSA be filled with happiness and carefree rides.
Warmest regards
Pieter Fourie
