Pedals, takkies and tunes: Sun City GM Kasi Ride champions mental health
More than 4 000 participants laced up and joined the annual Sun City GM Kasi Ride for a day of fitness, fun and community spirit, all to raise awareness for mental health and wellbeing.
Image: Supplied
The annual Sun City GM Kasi Ride once again brought together fitness enthusiasts, families and community members for a day that blended sport, entertainment and purpose, all in the name of raising awareness for mental health and wellbeing.
Now in its fourth year, the event has become a much-anticipated highlight on the resort’s calendar, growing in both scale and spirit since its inception.
“It was a phenomenal event,” said Sun City general manager and founder of the initiative, Brett Hoppé. “Mental health awareness and care is critical and Sun City is gratified to have started this initiative which has grown over the past four years. Registrations, though free, were capped at 4 000 and closed a month before the event date, a clear sign of the strong community support it continues to receive.”
Held on Sunday, 26 October 2025, the GM Kasi Ride invited participants to lace up their takkies or hop on their bicycles for scenic 21km and 10km routes winding from the resort through the neighbouring townships of Mogwase, Mabele-a-podi and Ledig. The event encouraged participants to experience the region’s natural beauty while promoting physical and mental wellbeing.
Cyclists and runners took to the roads around Sun City for the annual GM Kasi Ride, raising awareness about mental health and wellness.
Image: Supplied
The morning kicked off at Sun Park with a workout zone that featured muscle activation and stretching sessions before ramping up with aerobics, Zumba and even a King of Squats challenge. There were also demonstrations in self-defence techniques, promoting empowerment alongside fitness.
A mental health awareness address delivered by Grace Tsele, Acting Deputy Director-General at the Department of Health, took centre stage in the afternoon at the Entertainment Court. This was followed by a lively performance by Mmabana.
Hoppé was joined by MECs Galerekwe Tlhapi (Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation) and Bitsa Lenkopane (Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism), along with Unathi Nkayi, for the prize-giving ceremony, where winners were recognised across several categories:
21km men cyclists: Jeffrey Khuduge, Thato Sekhute, Francois Cloete
21km women cyclists: Ester Masinga, Thandiwe Dzanibe, Nkoni Mochekgechekge
21km men runners: Gopolang Sefanyetso, Dickens Tshenobo, Ikalafeng Rapula
21km women runners: Kelebeletse Mosweu, Tlhalefo Kwate, Thato Mogosi
10km men runners: Lesley Chifumbi, Collen Mongake, Kalvin Mashoane
10km women runners: Kelebogile Muyanga, Danelle Duplooy, Rose Nameng
As the day wound down, the celebration shifted into full gear with a high-energy concert featuring Mingus Entertainment, LKG, Young Stunna, Zee Nxumalo and Focalistic, bringing music lovers to their feet and capping off the day with a burst of dance and joy.
More than just a fitness event, the GM Kasi Ride has become a symbol of community unity and wellness, promoting open conversations about mental health through an atmosphere of camaraderie, positivity and fun.