Sandton entrepreneur cycles for mental health awareness
Sandton entrepreneur Bongani Chinkanda traded his desk for a bike to raise R160 000 for the South African Depression and Anxiety Group.
Local entrepreneur Bongani Chinkanda recently took on a 160km cycle challenge to highlight the realities of anxiety and depression.
The Sandton resident took on the Race to the Sun cycle challenge on May 7 from Hartbeespoort to Sun City in support of the South Africa Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag).
Sadag is a mental health non-profit based in Sandown that offers free telephonic counselling for mental health issues. The organisation is also involved in a number of other projects, including teen suicide prevention and mental health education and awareness.
While Chinkanda has only been cycling for two years, he is hoping to raise R160 000 in his first ultramarathon through a Back-a-buddy campaign, which launched in March.
“I thought why not cycle for R1 000 per km, hence R160k in total. I am hoping the campaign will raise awareness around depression and anxiety, especially for professional black males,” he said.
Having already raised over R40 000 for the campaign, Chinkanda emphasised that every bit counts. He would like to appeal to the community to support this worthy cause.
Sadag founder Zane Wilson shared his appreciation for Chinkanda’s valuable contribution toward breaking the stigma and initiating important conversations around mental health.
“Sadag is thankful to Bongani Chinkanda for his initiative and for raising funds, all donations will help us continue our services,” said Wilson.
If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/160in160
Need someone to talk to? Contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group helpline on 0800 567 567.
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/299787/sadag-launch-support-group-for-panic-and-anxiety/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/297335/run-supports-sadag/
