Cyclists on a quest to make a difference touring towns around the country

Azhar Vadi, Zaheer Pahad, Ebrahim Essay and Ponty Moletsane rode into Burgersfort on Friday and Lydenburg on Saturday. Their aim is to make the ride an eye-opening project while documenting the challenges faced by learners seeking an education despite long-distance travel and the dangers faced along the way.

They started their journey in Musina, Limpopo on February 17 and their tour will end in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday.

Last week Tuesday they left Musina and made their way to Louis Trichardt. On Wednesday they visited Polokwane and on Thursday they rode into Tzaneen.

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The cyclists arrived in Burgersfort on Friday and visited a local school, Tubatse Primary. They handed over school supplies and sports kits to encourage pupils in rural areas to dream big and make something of their lives.

Later that afternoon they paid a visit to the staff of Burgersfort Toyota, where they were given a much-needed break to recuperate.

Burgersfort Toyota also provided them with a place to overnight. The cyclists managed to get in a good rest at Burgersfort Lodge before the ride to Lydenburg. Entering Lydenburg, they stopped over at Lydenburg Convenience Centre Engen/Barcelos. The area was set up like a playground, with jumping castles and entertainment for the kids. Children from various schools invited to take part in the event played games and enjoyed some goodies prepared for them.Vadi, one of the cyclists, said that they often visit rural and disadvantaged schools.

“We analyse the condition and situation of the school. We also find out what their needs are and try to find out how we, as humanitarian journalists, can help the school in fulfilling those needs. During our visits we give motivational talks and hand out gifts,” he said.

Mohammed Cassim, of Lydenburg Convenience Centre Engen/Barcelos, said, “As a local business and members in the community of Lydenburg, our aim is to empower and motivate learners from local schools, as it is our community.

We invited all the local schools to join to attend the event. Entheos Christian School, Laerskool Lydenburg, Marifaan Primary School, Mashishing High School and Estralita are the schools that came out to attend this fun-filled event,” he said.

Cassim would also like to thank all the parents and kids that took part in cycling to escort the team from Salaamedia in and out of the town.

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A special thanks to Phoenix Security and the local Thaba Chweu traffic officials for assisting in co-ordinating the traffic on both days. On Sunday the team left Lydenburg for Carolina. After that they will proceeded to other towns before reaching their destination.