Amputee Banetsi rides again

After a horrific accident in February last year that nearly took his life, Banetsi Mphunga, of Khayelitsha, is back on a motorcycle saddle.

“We were riding in the Northern Cape when a car crashed into my bike. I was admitted to a hospital in Kimberley and later transferred to Cape Town,” says Mr Mphunga.

His broken leg was festering, and the doctors recommended amputation - a decision he had already come to terms with, he says.

“I had spoken about it to my wife and my child, and they supported me. I promised them I would ride again.”

Mr Mphunga says nothing hurts a motorcycle owner like the instruction to never ride again after an accident.

“That emotionally kills you. If you want to kill a biker, tell him not to ride. Then bid farewell to that person because his last ride came to him prematurely.

“We do or die. That is life. I survived so that I don't stop living my life. I lost a leg, not my ability to continue living my life. That is how important life is to me.”

Almost a year after the accident, Mr Mphunga is a bubbly fountain of hope and positive vibes. In April, he criss-crossed the Eastern Cape participating in the Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month .

“Before the accident, I was training people to ride, and I hope to continue so.”

Kasi Riders motorcycle club president Samuel Simons says they are thankful for Mr Mphunga’s recovery and return to the saddle.

“His never-die attitude gives all our members strength. He is a fighter.”

If not attending a biking rally, you are sure to find Mr Mphunga recording wisecracks on TikTok.