19th Cycalive send-off to Durban by Tokyo

The Torah Academy and the Nelson Mandela Foundation came together for a grand send-off in Houghton for the CycAlive team.

The ceremony took place at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory and saw male Grade 11 pupils from the academy school, along with their counterparts from Moletsane High School and Pace Commercial Secondary School, set off for a five-day relay ride to Durban in aid of charity.

One of the speakers was renowned businessman and patron of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Tokyo Sexwale, who took the time to wish the boys a safe trip. “You’re doing an exceptionally good thing, especially during the Olympics season, and my advice to first-time riders is to just stick it out.”

Sexwale also implored the young cyclists to maintain safety on their ride in remembrance of the late racing driver Gugu Zulu; and to show respect for motorists.

The race, which was started in 1998 by the Torah Academy, also featured cyclists from Israel.

Rabbi Dovid Hazdan, dean of the Torah Academy, spoke about the good example the youngsters were setting through their participation. “We’re giving an example to the country to look after and care for one another. It’s also about making a difference and working together to change the world,” he said.

The grand send-off included a special performance from the Field Band Foundation along with motorcyclists from Steel Wings and Rolling Thunder.

Sello Hatang, chief executive officer at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, concluded by sending the riders off with a special message.

“Seeing [you] off is a special moment for us because it’s an example of the youth taking charge of their destiny and all about social cohesion, so we wish [you] a safe journey,” he said.

The ride will see the team of 35 cycle 750km using back routes to Durban.

The CycAlive ride is focused on building bridges and forming bonds between young South Africans and their respective communities while inspiring ubuntu, optimism and commitment towards the common good of a positive future in South Africa.

Seventy-five percent of the proceeds will go towards assisting disadvantaged schools with much-needed school supplies.

Also read:

Torah Academy pupils to take part in CycAlive for charity

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