En-route from Tzaneen to Tanzania with Nyiko
Nyiko Masango is well on his way on his journey of over 3 400km to Tanzania.
Letaba Herald got hold of him in Malawi and share some of his experiences thus far.
The journey into Africa was a dream he had since 2014.
“In 2011 I cycled with a group of friends, from Durban to Nkowankowa stadium, that’s what gave me the confidence to attempt this feat,” Masago said.
Read: Tzaneen to Tanzania with pedals
He left Tzaneen with a group of friends on Tuesday 24 September, it was a 70km send off, and after that he was on his own.
“My first stop was Louis Trichardt, it was easy, second stop Beit bridge, on the third we had challenges with the support car since the one I was using couldn’t go across the border, so I spent day three fixing the car challenge, it was sorted and I continued in Zimbabwe,” he continued.
Masango said that the cycling was awesome but the economics of Zimbabwe are in shambles. “My cycling kit got stolen in a town called Masvingo, and I couldn’t make purchases with a Visa card or withdraw money, since ATM’s there don’t have cash. I got delayed again, another day without cycling.”
“All the hick-ups were sorted in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“The people in Zimbabwe are very friendly. I was together with my support team, hosted by strangers and I made new friends.” The cycling continued after all the drama was sorted. He was then heading to Mozambique. “Mozambique was done in two days, since I was just crossing to Malawi, the language barrier was huge in Moz, the majority of them don’t converse in English, we just used sign language,” he tells.
When the Herald spoke to Masango he was in Malawi and looking forward to cycling by the lake. To him the journey thus far have been challenging for his spirit, soul and body.
“It started as a personal mission. Then Tzaneen took notice. Now the whole country is watching.”
Nyiko’s journey can be followed on his personal Facebook page and twitter.
Herald is also publishing daily updates of his journey on our Facebook page.
“The support is overwhelming. Everyday I get texted of people wanting to help see this mission through. I still have two weeks to get to mount Kilimanjaro. Letaba Herald’s support and contribution will make a difference since I’m traveling with a support team. Thanks to GTEDA, Martin Molewa, Tshwale family, Innocent Seroba, the municipal manager of Greater Letaba Municipality my friends for your support.”
Keep paddling MrDynamixs, Tzaneen and the whole country is following you on your mission.
