BoS | From Rental Rider to Road King: Corneille Salem Kalala's Life Transformed by Honda Ace Win

For Corneille Salem Kalala, a dedicated delivery rider for Woolworths Dash, this wasn't just another week; it was one where his life took an extraordinary turn. Crowned the Ace African King of the Road, Kalala is now the proud owner of a customised, one-of-a-kind new Honda Ace CB150 and a year’s supply of Motul oil, a dream come true for a man who has been diligently saving to buy his own motorcycle.

The winner Corneille Salem Kalala is crowned (top left). Congratulating him are Helena Paul Mercia and Jacky, in front is Mike Puzey, owner of Bikers Warehouse

Kalala was one of over 500 hopeful participants in the keenly contested competition, developed and managed by Biker’s Warehouse. His victory came down to a moment of serendipity and, as he believes, a touch of ancestral guidance. "I was reminded about the event shortly before the winner would be drawn and felt my ancestors were on my side," Kalala recounted with a beaming smile. "I decided to make a last-ditch dash to be at the lucky draw, and for me to choose the key that started my brand-new Honda Ace is a life-changing event!"

For years, Corneille has been renting a bike from a friend to make his deliveries, meticulously putting aside every Rand he could towards owning his own set of wheels. Winning this "zero-kilometre" Honda, complete with a year's worth of essential lubricants, means his hard-earned savings can now be directed towards a more profound purpose: caring for his family, especially his mother.

"This is truly unbelievable," Kalala expressed, still visibly emotional. "This Honda Ace isn't just a bike; it's freedom, it's security, and it means I can better support my mother and my family. My ancestors were definitely looking out for me today."

The 10 lucky participants chose their keys and got called up at random to see who had the key that would start the new Honda Ace

The excitement reverberated through all involved parties. Helena Harrison, Motorcycle Sales Manager from Biker’s Warehouse, shared her delight, "The Ace African King of the Road competition was designed to celebrate the spirit of delivery riders, and Corneille truly embodies that spirit of perseverance. We're thrilled to have played a part in this life-changing moment and to support a community who live, breathe and rely on two-wheels."

From Honda SA, Paul Jacobs, National Sales Manager for Motorcycles commented, "The Honda Ace CB150 is built for reliability and performance, and we couldn't think of a more deserving recipient than Corneille. We are incredibly proud to see our motorcycle making such a positive impact on someone's life and empowering them in their daily work."

Corneille Salem Kalala's journey from renting to reigning, truly highlights the transformative power of a single moment, and a brand-new bike.

“Seeing the joy on Corneille’s face is what it’s all about,” said Mercia Jansen, Motul General Manager for Southern and Eastern Africa. “Motul is proud to support such a meaningful initiative. With our high-quality oil protecting his new Honda Ace, he’s not just getting a smoother and more fuel-efficient ride — he’s getting a bike built to last. That means more reliability, fewer breakdowns, and a stronger foundation for a sustainable future on the road.”