Dale is up for the challenge

Dale Bannatyne is one of the 12 participants chosen to be a part of the 2016 Unogwaja team.
The Unogwaja Challenge is a 10 day, 1 660km cycle from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg to take on the Comrades Marathon on the 11th day.

This human feat was set and inspired by Phil Masterson-Smith in 1993, his nickname being Unogwaja which translated from Zulu means ‘Hare’. Masterson-Smith lived in Cape Town at the time and could not afford the train fare to Pietermaritzburg for the start of the Comrades – he climbed on his bicycle and cycled there.
This feat showed his courage and determination and has now being adapted in the form of a challenge and known as the ‘ultimate human race’ for 12 individuals on an annual basis.

“It was an incredibly emotional day for me when I heard that I was selected back in September of 2015, but at the same time it hit me like a punch in the face – what lies ahead of me is going to be immensely tough to say the least,” he said.

But the Unogwaja is so much more than a team of 12 cyclists, cycling to raise awareness, and then running 89-odd kilometres.

“It is about a group of people who care so deeply for this stunning country of ours that it will make you cry. I am getting involved in this awesome charity event, this time to raise funds and awareness for education in the primary school sector,” said Dale.

Dale Bannatyne (far right) in his Unogwaja Kit.

Leading up to the Unogwaja Dale will be hosting a fund raiser in the form of a ‘beer & brains’ quiz that will take place at Witbank Yacht Club on April 1 and he encourages individuals and teams to get on board for a night of brain racking and fun. The funds will go towards the Unogwaja light fund and will be making a huge difference to the lives of those that are less fortunate.

“We are giving a hand up to those that need it most,” he said.

Dale went on to say that he had been lucky enough to have the support of quite a few businesses in and around eMalahleni.

“I want to thank The Digital Academy, Struction Contractors, Apex Glass, Timber City, Denby’s Liquor, The Witbank Yacht Club, Kay’s Interiors, Sandwich Baron and
Tullis & Associates. I am incredibly grateful to them all as well as Frank Flowers for offering to host the evening for me and all the individuals, family and friends that have helped me out,” he said.

The evening promises to be great night of fun for all and an opportunity to raise funds for such a great cause.