Zimpapers Sports Hub
MUNYARADZI HWENGWERE, the founder of the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke, has described the event as a resounding success.
The cycling extravaganza, which started at the Zimplats plant in Selous last weekend and ended three days later in Zvishavane, attracted both social and elite cyclists, and drew the most out of their endurance.
It was not a competition, but an event marked by camaraderie, charity and appreciation of natural resources that drive the economy.
“The event was a success, a huge success indeed, and we were happy to see so many athletes and people lining up the streets to cheer on the guys and getting the message,” said Hwengwere.
“The tour is a different event altogether for cyclists. It includes both elite and social runners keen on promoting wellness as a key driver of the economy.
“Cycling is one way of maintaining a fit body which carries a healthy mental state and with that, productivity is at its best for the miners, who are key in driving the mining sector and the community.
“Another part of the event is emphasising togetherness as cyclists cycled as a group, encouraging each other, with the slower ones being pushed along by the stronger and faster guys, knowing that at the end of the day, there are no winners; everyone who participates is a winner and has managed to get the organisers to achieve what they set out to do,” said Hwengwere.
The route runs along the Great Dyke, a mineral-rich belt that stretches for over 550 kilometres.
The zone employs hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans and supports millions and the economy.
“We were able, along the way, to talk about the Great Dyke and the minerals it has.
“Many people got to appreciate the significance of the race and the Great Dyke, which is why we started at Zimplats, rode through Chegutu, Kadoma, Kwekwe, Gweru and Shurugwi on our way to Zvishavane — the final destination,” said Hwengwere.
He said another key aspect of the tour is the creation of opportunities and their utilisation for the betterment of the nation.
“The Great Dyke offers so many opportunities for everyone and the purpose of the tour is to create an awareness, which we effectively achieved.
“Even the race itself was an example as we used so many services along the route feeding into tourism and others,” said Hwengwere.
He said the success of the event typified what unity of purpose can achieve for the nation.
“First, upon my mother’s death, we conceptualised the idea to honour her legacy of charity work. We decided cycling, a tour of this nature, with proceeds going to the Zvishavane-based Gifted Children’s Foundation, could be the way. Our home was always full of people out to be assisted in several ways.
“With the idea in place, there arose a need for the route to be identified, service providers, cyclists and ancillary staff. United as a team, we were able to pull the
event for seventh time running,” said Hwengwere.
