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Titi Mashele is a transport planner passionate about shared micro-mobility. While all manner of lightweight vehicles like segways and golf carts fall into this camp, bicycles are Mashele's preferred mode of transport. So much so that he's built his life around them. His love for cycling began at a young age but took on a more concrete form in 2018 when he co-founded Joburg's beloved Banditz Bicycle Club with Tebogo Galagala.
Founded in Soweto, the club is now headquartered at 44 Stanley's Cycle Boutique; their retail outlet with bikes for hire and a workshop space. This is also where many of Banditz's social rides kick off, including the Homies Night Ride, 5AM Club, and the popular Girls on Bikes, an initiative increasing women's access to the city through bike riding lessons and group rides. We touched base with Mashele about creating a community around cycling and the many places his wheels take him around the city.
"We have seen people from all walks of life. Our community is so diverse. Some people have found love, others have found best friends."
Why did you and Tebogo Galagala decide to start Banditz Bicycle Club?
We wanted to have our own cycling club and crew that we could ride with. You know how when you're young and you just want to hang out with your friends? It was really that, and how it reminded us so much of our childhoods riding bikes with friends. Also, the [Covid-19] pandemic made us want to connect more with people.
Tell us about the community you've created and the people you've seen coming through.
Wow! We have seen people from all walks of life, so many tourists from all over the world. Funny, we have two French YouTubers wanting to cycle with us for their channel. Our community is so diverse, it's full of creatives and like-minded people who really love other people. The community has also become this eco-system where people hire each other and put each other on jobs. Some people have found love, others have found best friends.
Joburg, a bike-friendly city?
Joburg isn't the friendliest bike-riding city, but we make it what it is, hence the name Banditz. We take over the roads and make cars notice us. We take up space and remind drivers that we must all share the road.
"Joburg isn't the friendliest bike-riding city, but we make it what it is, hence the name Banditz."
Tell us about the success of Girls on Bikes.
Aw man, Girls on Bikes is our baby. The women who come for lessons and eventually start participating in group rides have loved it. It's like watching a child learn how to walk. It's even become a non-profit company with my sister, Karabo Mashele, running it.
If someone is interested in joining one of your rides, what's on offer?
We currently have Homies Night Ride every Thursday, Girls On Bikes every second Saturday, and we have the 5AM Club from Thursday to Sunday mornings (follow @banditzbicycleclub on Instagram for updates).
Home is...
Not just a pile of bricks, it's where the heart is.
Your favourite Joburg suburb, and why you choose it?
Mulbarton in the south of Joburg. I grew up there, riding my bicycle with friends and just being mischievous.
"What makes someone a Joburger? The city will make you streetwise."
What is a surprising thing people might learn about Joburg by having a conversation with you?
Hahaha! The cool wine spots in Joburg. And the amount of places you could go to at night on a bicycle.
What three things should a visitor not leave Joburg without seeing or experiencing?
Homies Night Ride, Mr Pants wine bar, and groove in Soweto.
One song that's about Joburg or makes you think about this city?
Run Jozi by AKA ft K.O. The song sums up Joburg; the video was shot on the Nelson Mandela Bridge.
The most memorable meal you have eaten in Joburg?
A meal at Kwa Mai Mai actually (read our interview with artist Lindo Zwane, whose latest exhibition honours the women of Kwa Mai Mai market).
If you could buy one Joburg building which would it be?
Carlton Hotel [in Marshalltown]. I would bring it back [The once five-star hotel hosted the likes of Henry Kissinger, Hillary Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, and Whitney Houston, but it has been closed and left disused since 1998].
If you were the Joburg mayor for one day (average tenure) what would you change?
No cars in the city for the day; a car-free day.
"See Joburg on a bike, you will love it more."
Favourite Joburg label, and why?
Thesis Lifestyle. It's quintessentially Joburg. You could be anywhere in the country and people would know where you're from just by wearing Thesis.
What makes someone a Joburger?
Being streetwise. The city will make you streetwise.
What do you love most about Joburg?
The buzz. Joburg has this buzz, it's just busy.
What do you least like about Joburg?
The way the CBD has been run down.
Your number-one tip for a first-time visitor to Joburg?
See Joburg on a bike, you will love it more.
The perfect weekend in Joburg includes...
A drink at Mr Pants wine bar on Friday, a bike ride in the city on Saturday afternoon with dinner in Rosebank, and chilling in Soweto on Sunday at Native Rebels.
Three words that describe this city.
Vibrant, colourful, and amazing.
Check out some of our previous #MyJoburg interviews for more insights into the city:
#MyJoburg with Bambo Sibiya, artist
#MyJoburg with Zydia Botes, textile designer and entrepreneur
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