Cyclists set off from Sun City at 6am on Thursday, beginning their 1 749 km journey to Cape Town to raise funds for destitute children.
Image: Supplied
Nine cyclists, including one remarkable 80-year-old, left Sun City at 6am on Thursday, 26 February, on an extraordinary 1 749 km journey to Cape Town. Over the next few days, the team will ride from Sun City in the North West to the V&A Waterfront ahead of the Cape Town Cycle Tour, pushing their physical limits to raise funds for destitute children.
Now in its 23rd year, the Route of the African Sun Charity Cycle Tour is not a race, but a test of endurance, teamwork, and purpose. The tour has a clear focus: raising funds for initiatives that provide essential support, mobility, and opportunity to young people in vulnerable communities.
“This is not a race, but a team-based challenge where all riders commit to staying together over the full distance,” organisers said. “Riders will experience endurance threshold building through long days in the saddle, strong team camaraderie, and the satisfaction of contributing to a meaningful cause, while being supported by a dedicated support crew throughout the tour.”
The team consists of nine cyclists, supported by a specialised crew including medics, media, and technical support personnel. Every participant will complete the full distance together as a team, riding standard bicycles with no e-bikes permitted. Sun City has sponsored the Charity Cycle Club with accommodation and cycling gear, ensuring the team is equipped and supported for the demanding journey ahead.
In return, the club will channel funds raised during the cycling tour into the purchase of bicycles. These bicycles will be donated to beneficiaries nominated by Sun City, extending the impact of the journey far beyond the finish line.
The Route of the African Sun Charity Cycle Tour team rides together over eight days, combining endurance, teamwork and purpose.
Image: Supplied
“The initiative goes beyond sport; it is about purpose. The donated bicycles will help promote healthy lifestyles, encourage physical activity, and provide a more affordable mode of transport for individuals in need,” says Khanyisile Makhubalo, acting Sun City's Socio-Economic Development and Stakeholder Engagement Manager. “Moreover, through this partnership, Sun City reaffirms its commitment to social impact and sustainable community development.”
Johann Maré, organiser of the event, shared his admiration for the team’s commitment: “Each year, the Route of the African Sun Charity Cycle Tour brings together cyclists from around the world, and this year is no exception. We are incredibly proud of the diversity and determination within this group, who have stretched themselves for a meaningful cause. Their commitment and spirit have been nothing short of inspiring.”
In 2025, approximately R130 000 was raised and the donation of 15 bicycles was secured. These were distributed to seven local primary schools, to assist the schools’ general workers with a reliable mode of transport, helping them reduce travel challenges and improve daily accessibility.
Among last year’s cyclists was Ernest Horn from Bloemfontein, who has now completed the Tour for an impressive 16th time. Horn, now 70 years old, reflects on the experience: "This is a great experience, like we would say in South Africa, dit gaan oor vasbyt (it's about perseverance). It teaches you the ultimate endurance to carry on, come rain or shine, whether you're riding with or against the wind. What is even more amazing is that you get to marvel at our country’s beauty, from the Karoo to the mountains, all while receiving so much support."
The 2026 Route of the African Sun Charity Cycle Tour began at Sun City Resort on February 26 and will finish at the V&A Waterfront on March 5, just ahead of the Cape Town Cycle Tour on March 8.