As the calendar edges toward November, the roads that cut through Zimbabwe’s Great Dyke once again prepare to host a spectacle of endurance, unity, and community spirit — the 8th edition of the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke. Set to run from 6 to 8 November 2025, this year’s Tour promises not only athletic challenge but also a reaffirmation of shared values among the region’s mining communities, sponsors, and supporters.
For Mimosa General Manager, Stephen Ndiyamba, the event holds deep personal and professional meaning.
“This is more than just a date on the calendar,” he reflects. “It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of our community and the power of sport to unite and inspire us.”
A Ride Through the Heart of Zimbabwe
According to YAFM, the event organizers, preparations are well underway, with 300 cyclists expected to take part. The three-day Tour will follow its traditional route — a symbolic and scenic journey through the mining belt, beginning in Selous and weaving through Chegutu, Kadoma, Kwekwe, Gweru, Shurugwi, before concluding in Zvishavane.
The route, which mirrors the geological stretch of the Great Dyke, captures not just the physical beauty of the region but also its economic heartbeat. The Great Dyke contributes 60% of Zimbabwe’s mining revenue, and the Tour has become an annual celebration of that resilience and potential.
This year’s edition carries the theme “Riding for Opportunity, Wellness and Charity”, reflecting the Tour’s evolving role as a platform for promoting health, teamwork, and giving back to underprivileged communities. Proceeds will benefit the Gifted Children Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping talented but disadvantaged children across the Great Dyke through education and mentorship.
The Spirit of the Great Dyke
For Ndiyamba, the Tour is not merely a sporting event — it is a reflection of the spirit of the Great Dyke itself: long, resilient, and rich with collective strength.
“The funds raised and the awareness generated are vital,” he notes, “but the true importance lies in the community spirit it ignites — a shared endeavour that strengthens the bonds between us all.”
The 2025 Tour will feature an exciting new element — an 80-kilometre competitive race from the Unki turnoff in Shurugwi to Zvishavane, designed to test elite riders’ endurance, strategy, and teamwork. This segment is expected to add a thrilling edge to the event, attracting seasoned athletes and amplifying the Tour’s reputation as a regional showcase of athleticism and cooperation.
YAFM Project Manager Ebson Hungwe confirmed that preparations are “progressing smoothly,” adding that this year’s Tour has drawn interest from Mozambican cyclists, marking a milestone in the event’s growing international appeal.
“Each year, the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke grows stronger and more inspiring,” Hungwe said. “This international participation shows how the Great Dyke story continues to resonate beyond our borders.”
Cycling’s Global Legacy
The Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke is part of a broader global cycling tradition that stretches back more than two centuries. The first bicycle prototype — the Laufmaschine — was created in 1817 by Karl von Drais, and by the 1860s, the addition of pedals transformed it into a true vehicle of freedom. By 1903, the Tour de France had been born, setting the stage for mass cycling competitions like the Giro d’Italia (1909) and Vuelta a España (1935).
Over time, cycling evolved from recreation to a powerful symbol of endurance and equality, producing global icons like Eddy Merckx, Miguel Induráin, and Chris Froome, the Kenyan-born British rider whose success has inspired many African cyclists.
Zimbabwe’s own cycling culture has grown steadily in recent years, with events like the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke helping nurture both local talent and community pride.
More Than a Sport
For Ndiyamba, who has participated in past editions, the lessons learned on two wheels extend far beyond the finish line.
“The discipline and perseverance I’ve cultivated on the bike have been directly applicable even in boardrooms and in leading teams,” he explains. “On the road, titles and designations fade away — what matters is effort, spirit, and commitment to the team.”
That perspective reflects a broader truth: sports can break down barriers, foster understanding, and build bridges across social and professional divides.
“Some of the most valuable insights I’ve gained haven’t come from formal meetings,” Ndiyamba adds, “but while cycling alongside colleagues from all levels of our organisation. Sports create a more cohesive and communicative environment for everyone.”
Wellness, Charity, and Community
The Tour’s wellness focus is also a timely reminder of the importance of healthy living within Zimbabwe’s mining communities. The event promotes not only physical fitness but also mental resilience, teamwork, and environmental appreciation — as riders experience the beauty and challenge of the Great Dyke terrain.
Even for those not on the saddle, Ndiyamba’s message is clear, “You don’t have to ride 350 kilometres to start. Maybe it’s a daily walk, a weekly football game, or a hike in our local landscapes. The key is to move, to start, and to embrace an active lifestyle.”
A Ride Toward a Stronger Future
As the countdown to November continues, the Great Dyke readies itself once more for the whirl of wheels, colour, and community energy that define the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke.
It is a ride that connects people — from miners to managers, from local heroes to international guests — all propelled by a shared belief in wellness, opportunity, and charity.
“Hopefully we’ll see you on the road, on the trail, or on the course,” says Ndiyamba. “Let’s pedal, stride, and swing our way to a stronger, more united Great Dyke.”
