Resilience in Motion: Limpopo Cyclists Arrive in Cape Town After 14-Day Journey
Stanley Staples
After an epic 14-day journey covering nearly 1,700 kilometres, three young men from Limpopo have officially arrived in the heart of Cape Town, completing a grueling cycling trip aimed at inspiring youth and steering them away from drugs.
The trio — Maxwell Ndou (24), Gauta Mahlakoane, and Karabo Mokoo — were greeted with cheers and applause as they entered the Cape Town city centre this morning. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis personally welcomed the group at the finish line, applauding their grit and determination.
Their journey, which began in Limpopo, saw them pass through the scenic yet demanding Du Toitskloof Pass, reaching the Huguenot Tunnel on Monday morning after a much-needed break in Laingsburg and Worcester over the weekend. The stopover allowed them to seek medical assistance, including physiotherapy, after a taxing two weeks on the road.
Ndou, who suffered a knee injury last week after falling off his bike, continued to power through despite renewed pain on Monday. After icing his injury and resting briefly, he insisted on getting back on the saddle to finish the ride.
“I wasn’t going to quit now,” said Ndou. “We’ve come too far, and this is bigger than just the three of us.”
His teammates, Mahlakoane and Mokoo, equally worn out from the long days of cycling, also took advantage of the break to recover and refocus.
To honour their incredible effort, the Limpopo government has organized a special welcome party at a hotel in the Cape Town City Bowl. Their visit will include a full itinerary of sightseeing activities, including trips to Robben Island, Table Mountain, and the V&A Waterfront — turning their achievement into an unforgettable experience.
Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba praised the trio’s accomplishment and said the province would support their future ambitions, including forming a cycling club to help other young people stay off the streets and away from drugs.
“What these young men have done is no ordinary matter,” said Ramathuba. “They have not just thought outside the box; they have kicked the box and redefined what is possible. Their courage and innovative spirit are a testimony to the potential of our youth.”
Their remarkable ride stands as a bold symbol of resilience, community spirit, and hope for a generation seeking purpose.
