The FirstRand TransAfrica Adventure is a tantalising challenge – 1 200km of gruelling riding over 12 days, climbing 15 000m from the Cederberg to the rolling hills of Shongweni, all in aid of Ingane Yami Children’s Village
story hayley dennyson photographs richard gorven and stephen pilbrough
“I suppose it’s about making the impossible possible,” says event founder John Armstrong. “We wanted to do something that would make people say ‘You’re crazy’ to draw attention to the incredible things happening at Ingane Yami Children’s Village.”
Rather than being a race, the FirstRand TransAfrica Adventure is exactly that – an adventure and a chance for the 16 participants to “stand in the gap”, to make a difference in the lives of those who are not able to do it for themselves. The route was plotted using Google Earth to cover varied terrain across five provinces, four national parks and six spectacular passes, including Parkhuis, Gannaga, Ouberg and Sani! “Did we reccy it before we went? Did Livingstone reccy his trip before he set off?” John asks. “It’s an adventure, a challenge.”
After driving for two days, the riders set off on April 2, 2016 from Elands Bay in the Western Cape. From there they rode into the Karoo. Conditions were tough, with high temperatures, wind and rough terrain making for difficult riding. “There were aches and pains, sunburn and even a few stitches, but above all it’s a personal challenge, an opportunity to think and appreciate where you are in life. It’s amazing what you think about when you’re on your bike for eight hours a day,” says John, who has been a member of the board at Ingane Yami since 2007.
Each morning, the team would gather for a few moments to listen to one of the riders before they set off. “It could be a prayer or a thought for the day, but a recurring theme was ‘You may be successful but are you significant?’” While fundraising and awareness are the main goals of the event, it is also an opportunity for people to leave a legacy.
There were a number of highlights. Stage five started “in the middle of nowhere” in the Eastern Cape. “It was a magical moment. We had gathered in a little town and, unprompted, children from the local school came out to sing the national anthem.” Goosebump stuff!
April 16 saw the team take on the final stage, with some incredible climbs between Nottingham Road and Shongweni, where the riders were met with an emotional African village welcome – 150 family and friends gathered to celebrate their return.
For the 16 riders, the FirstRand TransAfrica Adventure is a huge commitment, both in terms of time and money. Riders cover their own costs and pledge to raise at least R20 000 for Ingane Yami. Then there’s the time it takes to train, plus two weeks away from family and work to complete the challenge. “Most of us are self-employed, so it is a significant sacrifice,” says John, who is director of Royal Union Financial Services.
There’s a huge amount that goes into an event of this magnitude and volunteer support drivers helped keep things running smoothly. “We have capped the event at 16 riders to retain that personal experience and to keep the logistics manageable,” John continues.
Originally conceptualised as a once-off event, the FirstRand TransAfrica Adventure has raised over R1,1-million in two instalments. Thanks to sponsorship from FirstRand, every cent raised goes into a dedicated education fund for the Village’s children. This will be used to cover the cost of teachers, bursaries, textbooks and stationery. »
FirstRand was on board from the moment they heard the vision behind this epic event. “South Africa’s future success is entirely dependent on the next generation having the necessary education, life skills and confidence to make a difference in the workplace, in their families and in their communities,” says Kirsty Lamberti Fisher, Head: Branding and Communications for FirstRand. “There are many young people who do not have access to opportunities to develop the necessary skills to succeed in life.”
Ingane Yami (“My Child” in isiZulu) Children’s Village is a cluster foster care scheme in Shongweni, providing a home for orphaned and vulnerable children. The 30-acre plot was bought in 2009 and, to date, over R10,5-million has been spent on infrastructure and sustainability.
“We believe that restoring the family unit is essential to raise children that are healed, whole, valued, loved and nurtured,” says Michele Hughes. “Designed in the form of a vibrant community, the village will ultimately consist of 25 houses (each home to a carefully-selected foster mother and six children), a community hall, sports field, clinic, school and various other facilities. We value the uniqueness of each child’s life and believe that as one person’s life is truly transformed, the knock-on effect will be enormous.”
At present, the village is home to 13 children, with six houses completed.
“There were no medals for completing this gruelling challenge, but every cyclist left with significance in their hearts, knowing that they have played their part in changing the future for a handful of children – rewriting stories from pasts of brokenness and hopelessness to futures full of potential and opportunity,” Michele concludes. *
www.transafricaadventure.org
www.inganeyami.com
Michele Hughes 079 692 2535
The riders for 2016: Rob Futselaar, Julian Cox, Justin Bircher, Harry Stott, Bruce Titmuss, John Armstrong, Ross Thompson, Fraser Pirie,
Brad du Plessis, Henry Collins, William Wilson, Karen Thompson and Christo Botha.
Scenery: Travelling through rural areas and national parks, riders were exposed to some spectacular scenery, which few people will see.
Man and child: Christo Botha with Anton at Ingane Yami Children’s Village. The crew were given a heartwarming welcome by family and friends, happ