Inspired by his love for animals, toughie Tienie Maree from Brackenfell sets off for the second consecutive year on the gruelling Munga Grit Tankwa Challenge on Wednesday 29 November, in aid of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
Inspired by his love for animals, toughie Tienie Maree from Brackenfell sets off for the second consecutive year on the gruelling Munga Grit Tankwa Challenge on Wednesday 29 November, in aid of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
“Last year I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect, this year I am nervous because I do know what to expect,” he told TygerBurger on Tuesday prior to his departure to Bloemfontien where the race starts today.
Known as the toughest race on earth, this ultra-marathon mountain biking event spans 1 100 km of the arid Karoo.
During the non-stop endurance race, riders race against the clock having only 120 hours to reach the finish line in Wellington before the clock stops on 4 December.
But it seems Tienie is prepared to do more than suffer.
Munga participation comes with a dire warning issued in the race preparation documents which reads, “A high level of independence and self-sufficiency required. If you get bitten by a snake or have a heart attack in the middle of nowhere, there is a chance you may die. Let this sink in because when you sign up for the Grit Tankwa, you are accepting this fact.”
For Tienie its is all about the animals.
“It is physically, emotionally and spiritually hard. It is you against the race, but I am prepared to suffer a bit for the animals who will benefit from this initiative,” he says.
“Life on the streets for an animal means hunger, exposure to the elements, a high risk of abuse and no help if they become sick or injured. This race won’t be easy, but I’m prepared to suffer so that animals don’t have to.”
He finished the race in 117 hours last year, raising R51 000 for the SPCA. Of the 117 hours he rested 54 hours, that for sleeping and eating.
“My body took a helluva knock. My hands and behind was raw from the non-stop riding, but it was so worth it. It was in the end a great experience.”
He was not planning to repeat the race this year, but had a quick change of heart when the SPCA approached him earlier this year.
“I want to improve my time this year and will also be sharing my experience on Instagram @Makatienie,” he says.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is currently facing their toughest challenge yet.
“In the last financial year, we experienced a 27% increase in surrendered animal admissions and all indications are that this year will be worse than ever. It’s really tough,” says SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham. According to her 41% of the more than 2 500 animals coming through their doors every month were once someone’s pet, but are now no longer wanted.
“The SPCA’s animal care facility is being placed under severe pressure by the more than 1 000 unwanted animals being surrendered into their care every month. The SPCA never turns any animal away. We’ve seen first-hand what happens to animals when shelters who are at capacity turn them away,” explains Abraham.
“The SPCA doesn’t charge people who are giving up their pets a fee to hand them in. It’s one of the many services provided by the organisation to prevent animal cruelty. We can’t allow animals to pay the price when pet owners are unable to make a financial contribution.”
She says all incoming animals must be quarantined, health checked, behaviourally assessed, fed, vaccinated, exercised, groomed, de-fleaed, dewormed and seen by a vet.
“Kennels must be cleaned and disinfected, litterboxes emptied, cleaned and refilled, blankets and bowls must be washed and sanitised, but most importantly, little heads must be rubbed, fears must be soothed, and little hearts must be mended.”
It’s estimated that this service will cost the organisation R4,6 million rand this year.
“We’re thankful to Tienie for challenging himself in a way that highlights both the crisis we currently find ourselves facing and the suffering of animals that will result if we don’t meet it.
“Tienie is taking on this incredibly tough challenge, so we can take on ours. For 120 hours, he’ll be far from home and its comforts, he’ll be exposed to the elements, face uncertain terrain and at times we’re sure he’ll feel quite alone. There is a profound connection between this and the daily plight of an animal living on the streets. We think he’s a hero,” says Abraham.
To get behind Tienie and help him over the finish line visit https://capespca.co.za/get-involved/team-spca/munga4mutts/
