The 7th edition of the Nedbank Tour De Great Dyke was officially pre-launched on Friday, with a call for sponsors and partners to rally behind the event aimed at supporting underprivileged children and promoting wellness. Scheduled from November 7-9, 2024, the charity race will see cyclists ride from Selous to Zvishavane, covering over 320 kilometers in three days along Zimbabwe’s Great Dyke, a geological marvel stretching over 500 kilometers from north to south, encompassing five towns and two cities.
Speaking at the launch, Ya FM Marketing Executive Chenai Mpofu emphasized that the tour is more than just an event—it is a significant milestone that intertwines the rich heritage of the Great Dyke with the hopes and future of underprivileged children.
“This tour is not just an event; it’s a powerful narrative that intertwines the rich heritage of the Great Dyke with the hopes and future of our underprivileged children,” said Mpofu. She highlighted the tour’s mission of connecting sponsors and partners with the community, bridging the gap between businesses and the people who are the lifeline of the Great Dyke.
Organized by Ya FM in partnership with Nedbank, the Nedbank Tour De Great Dyke aims to raise funds for the Gifted Children Foundation in the Midlands Province, providing access to education, mentorship, and essential tools for gifted but underprivileged children. “Through the Nedbank Tour De Great Dyke, we identify underprivileged gifted children and lift them up, giving them the opportunity to escape the cycle of poverty and become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow,” Mpofu stated.
A representative from Nedbank Zimbabwe Head of Operations Charity Mandaza echoed this sentiment, aligning the event with the bank’s commitment to community empowerment.
“As the money experts who do good, we believe in fostering a sense of community belonging and promoting education, which Nelson Mandela described as the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world,” the representative said. Emphasizing the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle, the representative added, “We want the Tour De Great Dyke to be associated with fun and positive impacts, rather than just the seriousness of business.”
The tour will feature robust community activations, engaging thousands of residents along the Great Dyke, including miners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Children, who have become the tour’s bedrock of support, are expected to come out in large numbers to cheer on the cyclists. Mpofu called on businesses and individuals to support the initiative, stating, “By supporting this tour, you are not only aligning your brand with the immense potential of the Great Dyke and beyond but also making a tangible difference in the lives of our nation’s future leaders.”
Expressing gratitude to Nedbank, YA FM, and the various mining companies involved, Mpofu underscored the importance of collaboration in driving positive change within the community. “This year marks the seventh edition of the Nedbank Tour De Great Dyke. Let us come together and change lives through the Gifted Children Foundation. Together, we can cycle for hope, wellness, opportunities, and above all, for a brighter future for our children,” Mpofu concluded.
