Tebogo Galagala

Born and raised in Soweto, Tebogo "ShaakirtheCyclist" Galagala is an auto technician and foremost a passionate cyclist and entrepreneur dedicated to creating a safer and more inclusive environment through cycling. With a lifelong love for bikes, Tebogo’s journey into cycling truly took off when he partnered with Titi Mashele, a like-minded friend who shared his vision for using cycling as a tool for positive change in the city. A shared vision led to the opening of Biking Bandits in 2021, an urban cycling club, and the recent creation of Cycle Boutique, a business venture that promotes urban cycling as a mode of transportation through bicycle rentals, social rides and cycling initiatives across the city. They have aimed to make urban cycling more accessible for all not just for some and make it affordable. Since their launch, they've hosted hundreds of social cycle events by day and by night, and have introduced 'Girls on Bikes', an initiative open to all cyclists rallying behind creating safer cycling experiences for women in the streets of Johannesburg.

Driven by the motto 'Love what you do and do what you love', Tebogo aims to break barriers in the cycling community, advocating for it to be accessible to all South Africans, regardless of race. Raised with strong values of discipline and dedication by his supportive parents, Tebogo's work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit are at the core of his endeavours. Though his business is still in its early stages, Tebogo remains focused on its growth, always striving for progress while balancing his passion for cycling and social change.