Goodbye South Africa, we’ll be seeing you in August

The past few days on the road from Johannesburg to Beit Bridge have been absolutely incredible. We’ve experienced a perfect mix of breathtaking nature, amazing wildlife, kindness from strangers, and newfound friendships. After enjoying a hearty breakfast buffet and getting a glimpse of the lions residing at The Ranch Resort, which were actually raised there, we were granted the unique chance to walk alongside these magnificent creatures inside their enclosure. It was such an unforgettable encounter! With our spirits high, we continued our journey northward, heading towards Polokwane.

So, here’s what happened. After dealing with some boring admin stuff in Polokwane, my team and I, also known as Amanzi Awethu!, hit the road again. We were actually ahead of schedule, cruising along and chowing down on some tasty Chicken ‘Licken. We were making such good time that we decided to change our original plans and pay a visit to the friendly farmers of Limpopo.

A few hours later, we rolled up to Jim Scott’s farm just as he was getting ready to call it a day. We introduced ourselves, explained our journey, and told him we needed a place to crash for the night. A puzzled Jim agreed to let us set up our tent, which we named Ruby, in his workers’ compound. But he couldn’t help asking, ‘Why aren’t you using a bakkie?’

That night, a gentle breeze whispered through the air, as Ruby, my trusty companion, showcased her skills. It was a memorable Valentine’s Day for Alex and Murray, who enjoyed a romantic evening cooking dinner in the cozy shelter of the shower block. The following morning, as we packed up our belongings and attended to our pre-departure rituals, Alex struck up a friendly conversation with the farm manager. He found himself contorted in a rather cramped restroom, where even the smallest movement seemed impossible. To make matters worse, there was no space to close the door. In the midst of this uncomfortable situation, the manager zipped by on his motorbike. Alex gave a friendly wave, and the manager reciprocated before continuing on his way.

The next day was scorching hot, and we pushed through a good amount of miles. We finally settled in a cozy little B&B, around 40 kilometers outside of Louis Trichardt. People have been taking bets on how long it would take for Murray to have a tumble. But I think a safer bet would be on how many times Alex will attempt to set up a hammock before getting it just right. You would think that after sailing across the Atlantic, he would be able to tie a knot, but that’s not the case. Good thing he wasn’t aiming for a hammock in the high altitude.

Being just 40 kilometers away from Louis Trichardt, with two whole days to get there, the short cycling distances were a welcome relief for our knees and bums. We arrived at Ian ‘Spud’ McDonald’s farm around noon and spent a laid-back afternoon pampering our bikes and enjoying the wonderful humor and hospitality of the McDonalds.

When my team and I arrived in Louis Trichardt early on Friday morning, we quickly dropped our bikes off at Cycle Centre. Our first stop was Ridgeway College, where we were eager to have a chat with the students about our special project. To our delight, the school welcomed us with open arms, and we were blown away by the incredible things they were accomplishing.

Ridgeway College is not your ordinary school. They teach the Cambridge curriculum and are known for their high standards. But what makes them truly unique is that more than 30% of their students come from underprivileged backgrounds. These students have been given a chance at a better future thanks to the ambitious Sumbandila Scholarship Trust.

The Sumbandila Scholarship Trust, led by the amazing Leigh Bristow and managed by Jennifer McDonald, is a truly remarkable organization. They search far and wide in the rural villages of Limpopo, looking for bright young students with excellent academic records. Once they identify these talented individuals, they provide them with the funding they need to attend Ridgeway College, and in some cases, other institutions as well.

It’s worth mentioning that one of the Sumbandila boys is now studying at our old high school, St Alban’s College. This just goes to show the kind of impact this program can have on the lives of these young individuals.

Hey there, let me tell you a little bit about who we are and what Amanzi Awethu! is. Leigh asked us to speak to the students and share some info. It really hit close to home because some of the kids in that room come from homes where their moms still have to walk to get water from open, unprotected dams and streams. The students were curious, asked great questions, and really cheered us on. If you want to learn more about Sumbandila, visit www.sumbandila.org or email Leigh at [email protected].

What a busy morning it was at Norma and Anthony Scott’s home in Louis Trichardt! My family, Ant and Norma, warmly welcomed me and Amanzi Awethu! as we rushed to make last-minute repairs and preparations for our upcoming border crossing. We’re scheduled to leave early Sunday morning (19th), and once we venture into rural Zimbabwe, we’ll encounter fewer opportunities for reliable power and internet connection. As a result, our blog posts may become less frequent, perhaps only once every week or two. But don’t worry, we’ll make up for it by capturing the journey of Amanzi Awethu! with our cameras, eyes, and ears, and sharing it with you as vividly as possible. So stay tuned for more exciting updates. Cheers for now!

Siyabonga umhlobo wam!
Amanzi Awethu!

Siyabonga umhlobo wam!
Amanzi Awethu!