In a bid to improve literacy in rural, under-resourced schools across South Africa, St John’s College staff member Sibusiso Buthelezi has joined founder of the Cycle4Change project Lindsay van der Byl in an endurance cycle from the Union Buildings in Pretoria to the Houses of Parliament in Cape Town by 20 August.
The pair set off on their 1 550km endurance cycle on 10 August and have made it as far as Bloemfontein thus far.
The Rosebank Killarney Gazette spoke to Buthelezi to learn about his motivation for taking on this long journey.
“I grew up in the rural village of KwaHlathi near Ladysmith with little access to books, especially English ones,” he said.
“My grandmother worked as a domestic worker in Joburg and used to bring home books for us with lots of pictures. We used to look through the books and create our own stories using the pictures because we couldn’t read. If I was able to read at an early age, it would have helped me to make a better life for myself.”
He explained that the purpose of the trip was to raise awareness about the problem of illiteracy in South Africa and encourage people to donate a book for every kilometre that was covered.
“The money raised and the books collected will be donated to rural schools across the country following the trip. I want to help create libraries in schools that don’t have them.”
Buthelezi began working at St John’s College 13 years ago as a painter. While painting on the school grounds, he developed a love for music and later on took two lessons a week and completed his Grade 5 in classical piano.
He later developed an interest in IT and inquired about taking classes at the school. “They said that I needed to find at least 30 people to join an IT class, so I gathered together 40 people to get classes for six Saturdays. This happened every year and eventually, I got involved in teaching and taught the ground staff and their high school-aged children as well.”
The #Cycle4Change social enterprise works hand-in-hand with non-profit organisations, non-governmental organisations, communities and schools to fulfil their purpose of promoting literacy.
The men will cycle anything between 70km and 280km each day on their trip to Cape Town.
“We have been pleased to receive a lot of recognition from drivers on the road along the journey,” said Buthelezi.
Supporters can follow him on Facebook at Cycle4Change_za or look at the St John’s College Facebook page to learn of their progress on the trip. Those who would like to donate to the worthwhile cause can contact them through those pages to arrange a financial donation or drop off books at St John’s College in Houghton.
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