In partnership with the National Cycling Academy Forum (NCAF) and supported by Coronation Fund Managers, we have launched the #ridewithme campaign. This campaign aims to inspire individuals and companies to make a lasting difference to the lives of South Africa’s top, township cycling academies and their deserving teams of racing cyclists. Through the campaign we encourage sustainable financial contributions to these academies via dedicated donation platforms Givengain and Backabuddy. We will also continue to collect gear, bicycles and equipment via prominent local cycle stores – Cycle Lab SA, Chris Willemse Cycles, Olympic Cycles and Bruce’s cycles (cycling kit is welcomed but not a core need).
Donation links are in descriptions below, but can also be directly found by clicking on the names of the academies: Bonga Cycling Academy, Songezo Cycling Academy, Tshwane Urban Riders, Shakaskraal Cycling Academy, Ekurhuleni Cycling Academy and Legadima Cycling. These funds will go directly to the academies, used for nutrition, race entries, transport, cycling & training equipment and specialised training. Regular updates on the use of these funds, and the impact made, will be generated by Ride2Live and the NCAF. While once-off donations (especially racing bikes, wheels, cycling computers/GPS and trainers) at the identified cycling stores are welcomed, individuals and brands are encouraged to support the NCAF and the (registered NPO) academies to form lasting and sustainable relationships – whether it be financial, mentorship, training or otherwise. We ask corporates to reach out to Ride2live and the NCAF should they wish to support these academies, especially in these difficult times. Email us on: Ride2live@electricink.co.za
IMPACT A CYCLIST’S LIFE IN CAPE TOWN
Contribute financially on Givengain (BCA) and Backabuddy (Songezo Cycling). Donate kit, gear and equipment directly at the following Cape Town partner stores: Chris Willemse Cycles and Olympic Cycles.
THE BONGA CYCLING ACADEMY: KHAYELITSHA The Bonga Cycling Academy was founded by Bonga Ngqobana, South Africa’s first (and only) black directeur sportif. Their mission is “to run a consistent and sustainable sports development program providing children with opportunities to participate in recreational and competitive sporting activities while contributing to the social upliftment of the community.” Founded: 2014 Number of cyclists: 21 You can find out more about them on their website and follow them on facebook Featured rider: Avuyile Thole (aged 17) Recent Achievements: Cape Town Cycle Tour 2020 – time 2h56, position 40th/325. To impact Avuyile and his teammates’ lives you can donate financially on Givengain; or drop gear, equipment and kit directly at Olympic Cycles in Claremont or Kenilworth and Chris Willemse Cycles in Bellville.
SONGEZO JIM CYCLING ACADEMY
The Songezo Jim Cycling academy was founded by one of South Africa’s most well-known black cyclists – Songezo Jim. The team is really excelling under Songezo’s expert guidance and regularly placing high up in the field in local races. Founded: 2016 Number of cyclists: 35 You can find out more about them on their website and follow them on facebook Featured rider: Sibusiso Motsopi (aged 17) Recent Achievements: Cape Town Cycle Tour 2h48, 19th/325. 2020 Tour de PPA 1/16 , 2019 Cape Town Cycle Tour 13/242. To Impact Sibusiso and his teammates’ lives you can donate financially on Backabuddy; or drop gear, equipment and kit directly at Olympic Cycles in Claremont or Kenliworth and Chris Willemse Cycles in Bellville during June and July or contact Songezo on +27 73 270 7872
IMPACT A CYCLIST’S LIFE IN TSHWANE
Contribute financially on Givengain
Donate kit, gear and equipment directly at the following Tshwane partner store: Bruce’s Cycles
The Tshwane Urban Riders (an NPO registered local cycling club based in Mamelodi, Pretoria East) was founded in 2011. As a result of the great interest generated by the club in the Mamelodi community, it started a cycling development programme that is targeted at young cyclists between the ages 10 to 18 years during 2013.
In accordance with the Club’s slogan, Fak”uMoya… (township slang translated to “being an influence “to the community), the club is striving to create a positive attitude and culture in the Mamelodi community with particularly focus on the youth. “What we are doing is more important than what we claim we do. So we ensure we set the right examples for the youth in our community and those that join our cycling group.” Read the full Ride2Live Feature here. Founded: 2011 Number of cyclists: 28 seniors & 17 juniors. You can follow the Tshwane Urban Riders on facebook by clicking here. Featured rider: Reabetswe Makofane Recent Achievements: Dischem Ride 4 Sight (62km) – 9/1477 overall & 1st in age category; Bestmed Tshwane Classic 2019 – 8th in age group. To IMPACT Reabetswe and his teammates’ lives you can donate financially on Givengain; or drop gear, equipment and kit directly at at Bruce’s Cycle Stores in Pretoria.
IMPACT A CYCLIST’S LIFE IN DURBAN
Contribute financially Backabuddy
Donate kit,gear and equipment directly at the following Durban partner store: Cycle Lab Cornubia
SHAKA’S KRAAL CYCLING ACADEMY
Shaka’skraal Cycling Academy was started by Sanele Shabalala, an avid and strong cyclist who lives within the Shakaskraal community.
Founded: 2017
Number of cyclists: 15
Follow Shaka’s kraal cycling academy on facebook by clicking here.
Featured rider:
Nhlanhla Mthembu (20) – mountain biker
Recent achievements: Illovo Wartberg Classic (10th overall) & 4th in age category.
To IMPACT Nhlanhla and his teammates’ lives you can donate financially on Backabuddy; or drop gear, equipment and kit directly at Cycle Lab Cornubia in Umhlanga.
IMPACT A CYCLIST’S LIFE IN JOHANNESBURG
Contribute financially on Givengain (Ekhuruleni) or Backabuddy (Legadima)
Donate kit, gear and equipment directly at the following Johannesburg partner stores: Cycle Lab Fourways & Cycle Lab Boksburg
EKHURULENI CYCLING CLUB
Founded: 2016
Number of cyclists: 25
You can follow the Ekhuruleni Cycling Club on facebook here.
Featured rider:
Siyabonga Mthembu
Recent achievements: Dischem R4S 2020 1/147 group DL; FastOne 2020 2/158 group CL
To IMPACT Siyabonga and his teammates’ lives you can donate financially on Givengain; or drop gear, equipment and kit directly at Cycle Lab Boksburg.
LEGADIMA CYCLING CLUB Legadima Cycling was founded in 2012 in Zandspruit. According to their mission statement “
We would like to leave a legacy of cycling that continues on for years to come. One where many future kids have the opportunity to participate in cycling and that the participation of the black community in cycling grows through the years. We hope that through cycling a safe place can be created to build friendships, learning how to support each other, sharing ideas and working together to tackle common community challenges. We hope that cycling can contribute towards the community living healthier lifestyles. We hope that the future of cycling could start cycling here, providing hope and creating a pathway for others to follow.”
Number of cyclists: 20 You can follow Legadima Cycling Club on their facebook page here. Featured rider: Sello Nangri (aged 17) To IMPACT Sello and his teammates’ lives you can donate financially on Backabuddy or drop gear, equipment and kit directly at Cycle Lab Fourways during June and July or contact Reginald on 084 458 9010.