SIX cyclists from Cradock took part in a charity ride from East London to Cradock to raise funds to provide feminine hygiene products to girls from three high schools in the local community.
The team members who cycled were Tax Mtambo, his brother, Makosi, Lavuyo Mali, Xolile Mdolo, Katosie Letlake and Joe Jongile,
Tax Mtambo said it was hard work pedalling the 278km, but that they were very happy with the results of the journey as they succeeded in collecting enough money to buy 1 660 packets of pads. These were divided among JA Calata, Matthew Goniwe and Michausdal senior secondary schools.
The presentation took place on February 14.
Mtambo said that they had received donations from local institutions and that people along the way also generously donated to the cause.
“We started cycling in East London on October 9 last year. The first day was the most strenuous because we had to spend the first night at Alice – a full 120km away,” Mtambo said. They were able to spend that night at bed-and-breakfast accommodation sponsored by Toyota Cradock.
The second day took them to Bedford and finally to Cradock where they were met by traffic officers who escorted them into town.
The presentation was attended by school principals, representatives from the Departments of Health and Social Development, and members of church fraternities.
Mtambo said that in certain communities, girls regularly stayed out of school due to not having sanitary pads, but with this donation they would be able to attend every day.
