Cape Town’s 24-hour community cycle challenge aims to raise R1 million for children in Langa

In a unique blend of sport, community spirit, and charitable giving, Cape Town’s biggest 24-hour community cycle challenge is set to take over Bishops’ Piley Rees field on 6–7 September 2025. This much-anticipated event invites friends, families, schools, and corporate teams to come together and pedal for a purpose. This is all in the name of raising R1 million for children in Langa.

The initiative supports the VUSA Rugby & Learning Academy, strategically located at 22 Bitterhout Street in Langa. Catering to children aged 4–13, the Academy’s mission encompasses academic support, early learning development, rugby coaching, and much-needed psychosocial care. Every rand raised during this cycling marathon is directed straight into VUSA’s transformative programmes.

This year’s fundraising efforts focus on expanding literacy initiatives, aiming to ensure that more children can read with comprehension by Grade 4. The funds will also contribute to the completion of a new VUSA hub, envisioned to feature a reading garden, kitchen, deli, and safe learning spaces. Additionally, plans are set to strengthen academic support through hiring more facilitators and equipping them with enhanced educational resources.

Reflecting on previous successes, the VUSA Academy shared, “Last year, your support helped us repair our Digibus (a mobile classroom), build a new library and computer lab, and create a practice space for our social worker. That’s a classroom on wheels, books in little hands, and a quiet room where care happens.” Such statements underscore the tangible impact of community engagement in reshaping the lives of impoverished children.

Since its inception in 2021, the cycle challenge has burgeoned into a citywide movement, resonating with the collective energy of schools, corporates, and families rallying behind the Academy. With ongoing support from Bishops Diocesan College, Investec, and an array of community sponsors, this event has firmly established itself as a highlight in Cape Town’s charitable calendar.

The commitment to community impact is further amplified through BackaBuddy, the official fundraising platform. This partnership empowers every cyclist and team to raise donations, succinctly illustrating how small individual contributions can amalgamate into substantial change. The results are impressive and indicative of the growing community involvement:

• 2021: R217,392
• 2022: R535,168
• 2023: R909,883.10 (1,141 donors, 43 campaigns)
• 2024: R1,080,403.94 (1,337 donors, 77 campaigns)
• Total invested (2021–2024): R2,742,847.04

This year has already seen 52 active campaigns, with 257 donors contributing R218,605 toward the R1 million target. From 09:00 on Saturday, 6 September, until 09:00 on Sunday, 7 September, teams will pedal tirelessly through the night, all while being fortified by upbeat music, tantalising food from local trucks, and vibrant live entertainment. Whether competing for lap counts or simply engaging in the euphoric atmosphere, each participant plays a pivotal role in helping children in Langa dream bigger.

“This isn’t just a ride, guys—it’s a flip’n revolution,” remarked one enthusiastic cyclist last year, capturing the very essence of this profound event.

Individuals or teams, including corporates, schools, community clubs, alumni groups, and families, are all encouraged to sign up. And for those who may not be able to cycle, making a donation is a powerful way to keep the wheels of change turning. To support the VUSA Rugby & Learning Academy, visit their BackaBuddy campaign [here](https://www.backabuddy.co.za/organization/2025-vusa-cycle-challenge).