We’re off on our 2026 virtual cycle/walk/run challenge!
Week 5 progress update from
Speedy Springbok …
We now have a long, straight stretch of open road in front of us so we can burn up the kilometres – 150 in total before we reach the beautiful town of Swellendam, which is steeped in history (it is the third oldest town in South Africa) and is characterised by its beautiful Cape Dutch architecture. In the eighteenth century it became a gateway to the interior and a rich agricultural area with wheat and oats being important crops. An interesting twist is that it declared itself a republic in 1795 but that lasted less than six months! The area is botanically diverse with an abundance of wild flowers and fynbos and there are three nature reserves, including the Bontebok National Park.
Swellendam Rotary Club was approached by the Mayor of the town in October 2022 with a request that the Club facilitate and enable a crèche and preschool to be built in the Rondomskrik area, a poor community which was increasing rapidly in numbers. The lack of early childhood education was resulting in high failure rates at primary and secondary level and the knock-on effects of that. Not to do things by half, the Rotarians energetically rose to the challenge and in April this year the Swellendam Rotary School opened the doors of a new, purpose-built facility which can take about 120 children.
The GRCT was approached to provide nourishing e’Pap breakfasts, which was agreed to after one of the trustees visited Swellendam and met with the Rotarians in February.
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Shared Stories
George Szabo
This was a very different challenge – not running, walking or cycling but a 4,500 mile, 4×4 safari through Zimbabwe, Moçambique, Botswana and South Africa, visiting 8 game reserves and seeing an amazing variety of animals, birds and habitats. Speedy Springbok would be very impressed! A highlight was Gorongosa in Mocambique, which was devastated during the civil war but now rehabilitated through donor money and partnering with the local people. – an inspiring example of the power of partnership.
Note: The first photo shows the intrepid travellers watching the Second Springboks-All Blacks rugby test on the banks of the Zambesi and the second in Gorongosa as the sun is beginning to set.
Jenny Jennings
My grandchildren, Wilf, Jemima and Clemmie Welsh (8, 6 and 3) have cycled, scooted and walked 15 miles for the Trek and, as they did so, they asked lots of questions about e’Pap and the children who benefit from it. In the photo you can see the joy of completing the challenge written all over their faces!