Plett cycling mission builds hope
More than R150 000 has been raised to boost underprivileged youngsters with cycling talent in Plettenberg Bay.
Rainmaker Solutions – a UK-based business and digital transformation specialist – and its charitable foundation, the Buffalo Foundation, held a weekend of giving between April 14 and 17 in aid of the Kwano Cycling Academy.
Patron for the foundation and chief executive of Rainmaker Solutions Jan Joubert said they saw “fantastic support” with donors about R150 000.
“Last year was the first time we held a day of giving and we raised £8,000 (R134 000) for children living in an impoverished community in South Africa. Many of the children in Kwanokuthula live in poverty, don’t eat well and struggle with school. The risks of being drawn into gangs, violence and drugs are ever present. The Kwano Cycling Academy gives them a way out and a sense of purpose,” Joubert said.
He added the Buffalo Foundation community had displayed its generous spirit once again this year by increasing the donation amount through an online fundraising effort.
“These donations will make a very real difference to young lives in Kwanokuthula. The Kwano Cycling Academy will be expanding its sporting and education programme, giving many more children from the local community a very real chance of a better future.”
The academy plans on using the funds to purchase a new technology-equipped classroom, as well as paying for an after-school educator for a year. They will also be expanding the programme to include girls from the local school.
“The goal of the Buffalo Foundation is to change lives for the better. Together with our supporters and the amazing team at Kwano, I am proud that we are making a difference.”
The academy was launched in partnership with the Murray High School in Kwanokathula in 2014 and has a vision of using cycling as a catalyst to uplift historically disadvantaged youngsters and communities.
The academy’s mission is to identify, coach and nurture young cycling talent; combine cycling and education; focus on common values and life skills; promote a healthy lifestyle including nutrition and exercises and to produce employable graduates.
“I love riding for Kwano because it keeps me away from the streets, doing deals and bad things,” one of the youngsters, Siphelele Plaatjies said.
Fellow rider Siphe Ncopayi said he too enjoyed riding. “This bike is my best friend, I love it very much. I want to be a pro.”
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Source: Knysna Plett Herald News