Youth-led organisation Wheel Warriors is steadily becoming a platform for empowerment, leadership development and skills growth among young people in Orange Farm and surrounding communities.
Founded by Lucky Niewenhout, Nkosinathi Zikalala and Vuyo Martin Mofokeng, the organisation was officially established in 2025 with a vision of creating safe, empowering and developmental opportunities for youth, particularly those from underserved communities.
The organisation was formed in response to the growing need for positive youth development programmes, safe recreational activities and practical skills development opportunities within local communities.
The founders recognised that many young people continue to face challenges such as unemployment, social exclusion, lack of opportunities and limited access to developmental programmes. Wheel Warriors was therefore created to use cycling, youth empowerment activities, leadership development, digital skills and community engagement as tools to inspire discipline, confidence and positive social impact.
Co-founder Lucky Niewenhout said the organisation was built on the belief that young people need both support and opportunities to reach their full potential.
“We wanted to create a platform where young people feel seen, supported and inspired to grow,” said Niewenhout.
“Wheel Warriors is not only about cycling. It is about empowering young people through skills development, leadership opportunities and community involvement so they can build a better future for themselves and their communities,” Niewenhout emphasised.
Although cycling remains one of the organisation’s key focus areas, Wheel Warriors has expanded its work into several youth development initiatives, including digital skills training programmes, school holiday programmes, youth leadership development, mentorship support, social awareness campaigns and community engagement activities.
The organisation also collaborated with the City of Johannesburg during a school holiday digital skills programme hosted at the Orange Farm Skills Centre, where young people were introduced to practical digital learning activities and technology-related development opportunities.
Wheel Warriors continues to work alongside community stakeholders and youth development networks to create opportunities that positively impact young people in Orange Farm and neighbouring communities.
One of the organisation’s inspiring success stories is that of Msizi Yende, who became actively involved with Wheel Warriors during its early stages through volunteering and participation in youth activities and community initiatives.
Through support networks linked to Wheel Warriors, Yende was introduced to the Basic Package of Support (BPS) programme at the Orange Farm Skills Centre. His dedication to personal growth and involvement in youth development activities later opened further opportunities within the broader youth development ecosystem.
As a result, he was selected for the Kwerhu Group Holdings Project Management Learnership Programme, a structured workplace development initiative focused on project management skills, practical training and employability development.
He is currently continuing with the programme, with his journey reflecting the type of growth, leadership development and empowerment that Wheel Warriors aims to encourage among young people.
Niewenhout said the organisation remains committed to creating meaningful opportunities for youth through sport, empowerment programmes, digital inclusion and leadership development.
“Youth development is not only about participation, but about creating long-term opportunities that build confidence, growth and positive social change within communities,” Niewenhout added.
