Nedbank has renewed its sponsorship of the prestigious Tour de Great Dyke, marking the seventh edition of the cycling event, which will take place from November 7 to 9, 2024.
The 328-kilometer race will begin in Selous and end in Zvishavane, attracting more than 300 cyclists. As they journey through the heart of Zimbabwe’s Great Dyke, participants will pass through several towns, including Chegutu, Kadoma, Kwekwe, Gweru, and Shurugwi, with community activations at each stop, powered by YAFM radio.
Munyaradzi Hwengwere, Chairperson of Buy Zimbabwe, emphasized the importance of the Great Dyke, calling it one of Zimbabwe’s most significant natural treasures.
“The Great Dyke is a unique geological marvel, the longest and widest of its kind globally, comparable only to Victoria Falls in its value to Zimbabwe,” Hwengwere said. He noted that the region is not only the backbone of the country’s mining sector but also a key driver of urban development. “Over 70% of Zimbabwe’s foreign currency earnings are linked to mining, much of it from the Great Dyke,” he added.
The Tour de Great Dyke, which first launched in 2016, goes beyond cycling by fostering community wellness, promoting environmental awareness, and showcasing investment opportunities within the mineral-rich corridor. Major mining companies like Mimosa, Unki, and Zimplats continue to support the event, underscoring the link between mining and community development.
A crucial component of the tour is its partnership with the Gifted Children Foundation, which has sponsored the education of over 100 talented children from disadvantaged backgrounds, with some advancing to tertiary education.
The race will follow a three-segment route, with each leg named after its sponsoring mining company. Cyclists will ride the Zimplats lap from Selous to Kwekwe, followed by the Unki lap to Unki Mine, and conclude with the Mimosa lap to the final destination in Zvishavane.
Hwengwere underscored the symbolic importance of the tour, stating, “It’s not just about cycling but demonstrating that miners are conscious of their responsibility to the community and the environment. It’s about taking pride in the resources that fuel the nation.”
With wellness, philanthropy, and environmental stewardship at its core, the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke promises to unite communities and showcase Zimbabwe’s abundant resources while supporting future generations.
