The countdown to the exciting 3000km cycle challenge

The countdown to the exciting 3000km cycle challenge passing through 50 South African towns has begun. With just over 14 days to go, cyclist Azhar Vadi hgas been hard at training making sure he is ready to be #Riding4SAeducation.
The mammoth ride is in aid of supporting schools in disadvantaged and rural areas of South African is scheduled to kick off on 7 February 2017 from the Musina border post in Limpopo and will end at Cape Point in the Western Cape by mid March 2017.
Among the identified needs are the building of toilets in schools with pit latrines, the provision of containerised kitchens and libraries, school shoes for learners who cannot afford them and bicycles to children walking extremely long distances to class every day.
Shamsheer Khan, a director at Salaamedia and Salaam Foundation said, “As South Africans we need to contribute positively to our country and the people around us. We face tough challenges and to make an effort in the field of education is the best place to start.”
The campaign has also been encouraging residents of various areas to forward suggestions of schools they are aware of that could benefit from the project. Details should be sent to info@salaamedia.com. People wishing to participate in the ride for any distance can also email the above address.
The cycle will pass through approximately 50 towns and cities along the following route:
Beit Bridge border, Musina, Louis Trichard, Polokwane, Mokopane, Mookgopong, Modimolle, Bela Bela, Hammanskraal, Pretoria, Laudium, Marlboro, Houghton, Robertsham, Soweto, Lenasia, Roshnee, Benoni, Springs, Evander, Standerton, Volksrust, Newcastle, Danhauser, Dundee, Glencoe, Ladysmith Colenso, Escourt, Howick, PMB, Durban, Port Shepstone, Margate, Harding, Kokstad, Mount Frere, Mthatha, Butterworth, East London, King Williams Town, Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth, Jeffrey’s Bay, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Swellendam, Cape Agulhas, Hermanus, Bot River, Cape Town, Cape Point.
“It will be a great physical effort on my part. I am not the most athletic of persons but I believe the cause will push me to achieve the distance. For the past year, Salaamedia and Salaam Foundation have supported several education projects in the country including digging boreholes in schools and putting up veggie tunnels. This is in fact an intensification and expansion of our commitment to SA education,” said Vadi.
He called on people to support the cause by coming out and welcoming the #Riding4SAeducation team as they visit different areas.
“Being welcomed by little kids, families and fellow riders is always something special. I look forward to that,” Vadi added.
Khan called on residents of the town to assist by spreading the message on social media and informing local media houses about the intended trip.
“We must create tremendous hype around the issue of improved basic education. This is the foundation for future growth in South Africa. We must raise the standards by raising awareness.”
Information on the cycle can be found on @salaamedia on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Daily training updates and Azhar’s ride can be followed here or on the Strava application.
Salaamedia practices humanitarian journalism, where consumers of the media are encouraged to participate and actively get involved in stories covered. Salaam Foundation is the humanitarian wing of Salaamedia and is a registered non-profit company.