After earning the accolade of being the only woman in her cycling club to complete the Cape Argus Cycle Tour last year, Fathima Seedat is determined to do it all over again.
This time, she is fuelled by a passion for humanity and is taking Rubeena Jadwat and Pranav Gokul along for the ride.
Fathima and her team are part of the Africa Muslim Agency, a humanitarian organisation. The #RidingForHumanity drive aims to purchase bicycles for people in northern Africa.
“We use bicycles for leisure, but many people use it as a necessary means of transport. From transporting building hardware to taking women to hospital to give birth, having a bicycle is like having a car for them in the village,” said Fathima.
She emphasised although the majority of the population in these countries are Muslim, the charity was not limited by race or religion and aimed to help those in need.
“I’ve only started cycle training for the last two months. I’ve been cycling before but not at this intensity. We cycle about 30 kilometres twice a week, depending on the area we choose,” said Rubeena.
Her aim was not just to complete the race, but do it for charity and for the children.
While Fathima has cycled in the Argus before, this will be Rubeena and Pranav’s first ride.
Pranav (22) became inspired after watching Fathima take on the challenge last year.
“At school, I participated in adventure racing. My first race was a 25 kilometre ride up Tigerskloof. Before the race, a fellow cyclist gave me a valuable piece of advice; she said ‘no matter how tough it is, don’t get off your bike’ – this has stuck with me,” added Pranav.
“In total, there are 12 other cyclists in South Africa who will be cycling for charity as part of the #MAD campaign (which stands for Making A Difference),” elaborated Fathima.
The trio will participate in 109km ride which takes place on March 8.
Fathima mentioned that once a cyclist could cycle for 70km, they could take on the Cape Argus Cycle Tour with ease.
“The altitude also plays a big part when cycling. At the coast, it is easier to breathe. We know we can do it!” she said confidently.
The trio is part of the Newcastle Wheelers Club, and other members will also be taking on the Argus.
“The cyclists are committed, focused and supportive. They motivate their members; it is truly amazing,” said Fathima.
The team appeals to the community to support the drive and donate a minimum of R1 for every kilometre they rode.
“You can make a positive difference to the people in Africa. Imagine the reward you will feel knowing the bicycle you donated was used to transport a women to hospital to give birth. Your reward would be endless,” concluded Fathima.
For more information and to make a pledge, contact Fathima Seedat on 083 786 5587.
ALSO READ: From Newcastle to Cape Town in 20 days
Contact us
WhatsApp: 082 874 5550
Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za
Make sure you follow us for constant updates:
