Randburg resident takes part in Freedom Ride

SOWETO – Blairgowrie local resident Ray Funnell took part in the Freedom Ride cycling initiative for Mandela Day which took place on 20 July.

The 35km Freedom Ride began on the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge and cyclists rode through the streets of Orlando, Soweto. It passed Newclare Cemetery where Walter Sisulu is buried, the historic Orlando Stadium, then along Vilakazi Street and ended at the Hector Pieterson memorial in Soweto.

Entrance to the event was free, with participants only asked to donate R67 to the Bicycle Empowerment Centre in Soweto if they could.

The initiative, hosted by Johannesburg City Cuncil, was held to commemorate the late Nelson Mandela and also as part of the council’s vision for a healthier, more connected and efficient city. It also aimed to raise awareness about cycle safety and bicycles as a form of transport and recreation.

“The Freedom Ride seemed like a perfect way to celebrate the legacy of our Madiba by bringing people together in a common purpose,” said an enthusiastic Funnell. “It was such an inspiring sight arriving at the start of the event and seeing hundreds, if not thousands of cyclists, wearing yellow Mandela Day T-shirts.”

Funnell, a leukaemia survivor and proud supporter of the Sunflower Fund, joined up with fellow survivor Tak Hiemstra, who was doing his debut tandem ride with his son, Frans.

“It was a fun ride at a gentle pace so we had plenty of time to chat on route. It only took about 90 minutes to reach our destination at Vilakazi Street.”

At Nelson Mandela’s old home, they were greeted by the sound of traditional drums and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of Soweto.

“We each tied a coloured ribbon to the freedom memorial and then set off on the return journey. It was a just brilliant. I will definitely be doing it again next year, hopefully all my family and friends will be joining me for this event too,” concluded Funnell.