Cycalive initiative builds bridges and creates bonds between young South Africans
HOUGHTON – The first project to be endorsed by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Cycalive annual relay cycle ride to Durban kicked off on Sunday 28 July.
The group of youngsters who embarked on this year’s Cycalive annual relay cycle ride from Johannesburg to Durban left on 28 July with a rousing send-off by motorcyclists.
They departed from the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory after being addressed by various delegates and alumni.
Grade 11 boys of Torah Academy were joined by their partners of Moletsane High School and Pace Commercial Secondary School, both from Soweto, on the 750km route to Durban along the back roads.
Part of the team were cyclists from Israel brought out by Partnership 2Gether, principals and teachers from the three schools and a support team of medics.
The highly successful project has fulfilled many of its objectives including building bridges and forming bonds between young South Africans and their respective communities. The initiative also raises funds for much-needed educational projects, highlights the importance of road safety, particularly relating to cyclists and encourages leadership, a spirit of adventure and self-confidence.
Cycalive alumnus Siphiwe Mngadi told the riders that the ride to Durban was not a race but a journey. Mngadi who participated in this initiative in 2013 said the journey helped him to understand diversity.
“Even though we come from different backgrounds, we are all human beings and when we work together we produce greater results,” he said.
Chief Rabbi of Johannesburg Warren Goldstein told the cyclists that unity which comes from the sport was immense.
“On the sports field, everyone is the same. We then realise that indeed we are all connected. We are all brothers and sisters with one father from heaven who holds us together,” he said.
Isaac Herzog, chairman of Jews Agency for Israel also addressed the cyclists. “Remember when you cycle there are a lot of ups and downs and moments of joy,” he said.
Herzog added that the journey would formulate an incredible partnership for all the groups involved.
The cyclists will deliver care packages to patients at Newcastle Hospital and for learners with disabilities at Ethembeni School in Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal as well as various rural schools along the way.
They will arrive in Durban on 1 August with a welcome by civic dignitaries and community leaders.
Details: www.torahacademy.co.za
