Three cyclists from Burgersfort, Limpopo—Ndo Maxwell, aka DeGoat, Mahlakwane Gauta, aka "Gauta BMX", and Karabo Marks—arrived in Cape Town on Monday after they embarked on a 1,700km journey to Cape Town to raise funds and sponsorship for their bike club. They are standing alongside Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis (left) and MEC Ricardo Mackenzie (right).
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
THREE young Limpopo men who captured the nation's heart with their journey all the way to Cape Town, on Monday reached the end of a physically and psychologically challenging cycle.
The cyclists driven by passion, perseverance and a spirit of unity, are Karabo Mokowo from Riba cross in Sekhukhune District aged 21, Mahlakwane Gauta from Ga Mathabathe-Makgoba Capricorn District aged 22, and Ndo Maxwell from Vhembe aged 24.
The three cyclists, known as Gauta BMX, have been on a mission to cycle all the way to Cape Town with hopes of inspiring young people across the country.
Their campaign is also dedicated to raising awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and other social ills affecting South African communities.
As they have travelled across the country they raised support and managed to collect donations. Many fellow South Africans were inspired by their journey as they followed along on social media.
The cyclists arrived at City Hall just after 2pm on Monday.
Maxwell was moved to tears with what they were able to achieve, as he overcame injuries along the way.
"It wasn't easy to reach Cape Town. It was a hectic journey but through the support and love of South Africa, we've managed to reach our destination safely. I've been through a lot... Wow, and (we're here) for the first time in Cape Town. Even with my mother beside me."
Mokowo said: “I want to thank all people, we love support. This trip was very difficult but through your support and love we've managed to arrive here in Cape Town."
Three cyclists from Burgersfort, Limpopo— (right to left) Ndo Maxwell, aka DeGoat, Mahlakwane Gauta, aka "Gauta BMX", and Karabo Marks—arrived in Cape Town on Monday.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
Cultural Affairs and Sports MEC Ricardo Mackenzie, joined them on his bicycle for the last stretch.
"Many people have prayed for you to arrive safely here in the Western Cape, and we're pleased to welcome you here this afternoon. It is an incredible achievement and millions of South Africans are proud of you.”
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis congratulated the young men on their achievement.
"We've been following you, we've been following the money you have raised, and the reason you have been raising it.
"In the course of this journey, you have captured the nation's hearts, and you've captured Cape Town's hearts,” Hill-Lewis said.
"We want to welcome you with all of our hearts."
Limpopo Health MEC, Dieketseng Mashego, was among officials from the Limpopo provincial government who came to support their local heroes.
“We are sent by the Premier of our province, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, to say to our heroes we love and support them. We are very much proud of you."
Three cyclists from Burgersfort, Limpopo—Ndo Maxwell, aka DeGoat, Mahlakwane Gauta, aka "Gauta BMX", and Karabo Marks—arrived in Cape Town on Monday after they embarked on a 1,700km journey to Cape Town to raise funds and sponsorship for their bike club. Here are standing alongside Limpopo MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Funani Maseko, Limpopo MEC for Health, Dieketseng Mashego, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sports, Ricardo Mackenzie.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
Award-winning producer DJ Karri, who had been alongside the cyclists for the whole of last week, said while it was a difficult journey in a car, it was much more difficult on bicycle.
"This is very special for these boys... I joined the boys on Monday and when I got there I could see that they were about to give up but I told them, 'don't give up'.
"I told them that it is important to finish what you've started. I kept motivating them because it was not easy. They made it possible..."
Nonkululeko Twala, who has been following their journey, said it made her emotional "because I know how hard it is for someone who has never been to a coastal town to get to Cape Town".
"I've been here for two years and I am in awe of how I got here. That is what motivated me about the boys... I've been waiting since last night, I wanted to fetch them from the (Huguenot) Tunnel but I knew it was going to be chaos.
"It's exciting and I am so happy for them. I am in awe."
Three cyclists from Burgersfort, Limpopo—Ndo Maxwell, aka DeGoat, Mahlakwane Gauta, aka "Gauta BMX", and Karabo Marks—arrived in Cape Town on Monday after they embarked on a 1,700km journey to Cape Town to raise funds and sponsorship for their bike club. Here they are standing alongside supporters.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
Dr Riedewhaan Allie, from the Western Cape Foundation of Community Work, said: "A week ago, when I got involved while the group were still cycling from Welkom in Free State and making their way to Beaufort West, nothing was finalised about how and where the group was going to finish.
"The on-the-road changes made the ETA difficult to assess, with planned stops with both the Khayelitsha and Langa Cycling Hubs squeezed in. These were important connections to help inspire local youngsters to also believe that nothing was impossible.
“The BMX group certainly put seasoned cyclists to shame with an enormous ride and guts to tackle the road from Limpopo to Cape Town."
Cape Times
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