Grueling 500km cycle and run sees funds raised for 2 orphans’ education

Ballito resident Rod Spencer and 5 others ran and cycled their way across KwaZulu-Natal to give 2 Manguzi children a chance at a better life.

On Wednesday the group of 6 were on the final day of their 500km trip from Hilton College to Manguzi near the Mozambican border, to raise funds for a year of education for 2 orphaned children.

The Manguzi Edition was dreamt up by Hilton College housemaster and science teacher, Kwanda Sibiya, as a way to raise funds for education in his home community.

Sibiya grew up the son of a cabbage farmer in Manguzi, before a newspaper clipping of Mark Shuttleworth inspired him to follow a career in science.

Now the master of Falcon House, Kwanda has joined with the Kolisi Foundation and Sport for Lives to give the gift of opportunity to a boy and a girl, aged 5 and 6.

“When I heard what Kwanda was planning, it really resonated with me. I was also in Falcon House so there were lots of natural touch points for me,” said Rod, who is also the founder of Deep Rural.

The group started on Youth Day (June 16), covering about 60kms for 8 consecutive days.

“We generally start with a 7/10km run and then cycle the remaining distance. Often we are figuring it out as we go, so there have been some interesting moments so far!” Rod said on Monday.

Although spirits have been high, the constant exertion has been draining.

“We are very fortunate to have a physio with us. The group has also been incredible, riding together and encouraging each other when things get tough.”

The campaign hopes to raise R90 000 to cover the costs of mentorship and schooling for the children for 1 year, so far they have raised R75 544.

Any extra funds will be directed to the Kolisi Foundation.

You can find the campaign at sportforlives.org/campaigns/sport-for-lives-manguzi-edition.