More than 40 cyclists came together from Helderberg, Strand, Gordon’s Bay, Khayelitsha, Croydon, Brackenfell and Blouwberg, including Bonga Cycling Academy, Blue Sky Cycling Academy, Velokhaya, and Khaltsha Cycles on Saturday 5 March for a cycle tour of Khayelitsha.
The “Sisonke cyclers”, as they are called, have the vision of bringing culture and community together through cycling and was initiated by police communications officer for Khayelitsha, Lowellan West, and Somerset West local Kim Mussman.
Mussman, an active member in the Helderberg cycling community, is a people development specialist that focuses on business and life coaching. This initiative is separate from her work, but she joined due to a passion for social change, and a belief that bringing people together through a common goal is one of the vehicles for social change.
“Separately from this, I am working with Bonga Cycling Academy to get more support for them, and from spending time with them and other cycling friends from Khayelitsha, I’m learning how important it is to have an appreciation of the culture, the rhythm, the community and lifestyle in the community that I am supporting.”
With this in mind, Mussman helped organise the tour, which attracted a “decent number” of cyclists from Somerset West, including Blue Sky Academy based in Zola, Strand.
The tour itself was conducted by Khaltsha Cycles who do tours around Khayelitsha, and also raise funds and support for the local businesses as well as provide the public at large with a better understanding of the culture and community in Khayelitsha. On the day, Mussman stated that one could feel the connectedness as more cyclists joined throughout the ride. “We visited a couple of sites in Khayelitsha, experienced art by local artists, and chatted about all things cycling – such as the excitement about the Cape Town Cycle Tour which most had entered. The excitement was compounded by a competition to name this cycling community. Go-Cycle, a cycling apparel shop in Somerset West, will be collaborating with artists from Khayelitsha to design a cycling shirt, where the winner of the naming competition won the first shirt! The cycling shirts will be available to purchase, and Go-Cycle will donate 10% of the proceeds towards local community projects,” said Mussman. The winning name was Sisonke, which means togetherness. “Our intention for this cycling community is simply to bring diverse groups of people together, through our common love for cycling, and see what evolves from this opportunity to network with each other.
“There are fantastic programmes in our community which need support, and there are people eager to provide support. Rides like this create an opportunity for them to engage with each other and learn about these programmes.”
Kenneth Stone of Blue Sky Cycling Academy said: “It was a privilege to be part of this ride and to learn about the art and artists in Khayelitsha. I salute them for passing on knowledge of the community and uplifting cycling”. He added that Blue Sky Academy has been focusing on cycling in the communities of Strand, Lwandle, Zola and Nomzamo for the past three years as a sport and to encourage healthy living.
“The magnificent tour to Khayelitsha was a learning experience, full of fun, and an opportunity to meet new groups of people. With gladness the Zola cyclists of Blue Sky and I shall join the next ride! Good job and many thanks for an unforgettable morning in Khaya!” said Stone.
Lubabalo Bongweni of Bonga Cycling Academy, which is based in Makhaza, said it was a fun day out exploring Khayelitsha on bicycles, checking out the impressive art works and murals.
“The Khayelitsha tour was an opportunity for Bonga Cycling Academy riders to meet and interact with riders from other areas and clubs. In an extremely friendly and accommodating setting, a lot of friends were made and a few long rides planned to foster the spirit of community among the different clubs and individuals.”
Bonga Cycling Academy’s goal is to give youth access to options when they finish school – whether that is professional cycling, further education, or employment.
Mussman said that following the success of this tour, they will be planning a ride every two months in different communities, with the next one being on Saturday 7 May. Connect with Lowellan West on 074 137 1731 or Kim Mussmann on 061 479 2496 for more information.
