Nissan celebrates pioneering Qashqai’s 10th anniversary in style

February 2017 marks 10 years since the Nissan Qashqai crossover first went on sale, and the brand is celebrating in style. Customer events and media activities are taking place across Europe to mark the occasion.

Brian Joss – Nissan is the first brand to reach the 10-year milestone for one simple reason – the Qashqai is the model which pioneered the crossover segment as the automotive industry and car-buying consumers know it today.

A decade ago, there was no vehicle which successfully mixed the practicality and desirability of an SUV with the size, efficiency and dynamic performance of a compact hatchback.

The Nissan Qashqai: 10 years since the crossover went on sale. Picture: Motorpress

The Qashqai’s innovative design and versatile packaging started life in 2002, during the development process for what was originally intended to be the new Nissan Almera. The creative team decided to go back to the drawing board and conceived a car which truly reflected what buyers were looking for, and delivered on Nissan’s brand promise – Innovation and Excitement for Everyone.

The first generation of the Nissan Qashqai went on sale in February 2007 and was an instant success. Close to 100,000 examples were sold across Europe before the end of the year, and Nissan has never looked back.

In 10 years of the Qashqai, more than 2.3 million examples have been sold in Europe, which makes it the region’s best-selling crossover. The car has won more than 80 awards, including 19 recognising it as the ‘Car of the Year’.Paul Willcox, chairman of Nissan Europe, commented: “When the Qashqai launched in 2007 it was unique in the market place. It has remained as the number one crossover because it has stayed true to its original ideals, and because we have innovated and consistently added technology through the life of the car.”

That process of ongoing improvement to the Qashqai is perfectly illustrated by the addition of Around View Monitor, Nissan’s acclaimed 360° parking camera technology. It was added to the Qashqai in 2010, when the car received many mid-lifecycle enhancements. Similarly, in 2014 with the launch of the second-generation Qashqai, Intelligent Park Assist was integrated.

Nissan’s pioneering spirit has unquestionably changed the European car market. In the decade since the Qashqai was launched, C-segment crossover sales in Europe have gone from zero to 2.6 units in 2016 alone. Almost all mainstream automotive brands now have a Qashqai rival, with 21 direct competitors in the market place. However, the inventor of the segment remains the number one model.

In 2016 Nissan sold 261,429 Qashqai in Europe (including Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan). This is a 10% market share, and represents 5.2% growth over the previous 12 months.Success has spread beyond Europe, with global sales of the Nissan Qashqai standing at 3.3 million units across 137 countries worldwide over the 10 years. Today the Qashqai is on sale in 99 markets.

Nissan celebrates pioneering Qashqai’s 10th anniversary in style

Redesigned Triton “most advanced pick-up” developed by Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa has launched a  completely redesigned Mitsubishi Triton. The 2017 model, the fifth in the lineage, is the most advanced pick-up yet developed by Mitsubishi..

Brian Joss – The SUV established itself as a customer favourite in markets such as Australia, Brazil, Europe and the Middle East. In South Africa, the range will be premiered by the Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 Di-DC MIVEC Double Cab.

“From the onset, the brief to designers and engineers was to maintain the essence of the Triton, but also to improve on aspects of ride, handling and comfort to create a truly SUV-like experience from behind the wheel. The team has certainly complied and has earned the new Triton the signature of Sport Utility Truck among owners, dealers and within the company,” says Nic Campbell, general manager at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa.

The new Mitsubishi Triton: launched in South Africa. Picture: Quickpic

Campbell explains that engineers have improved 185 key areas of the Triton, compared to its predecessor, ranging from deepening and reinforcing the loading bay, revising the shape of the bonnet for aerodynamic efficiency and refining the driving position for improved in-vehicle visibility and comfort.

Other elements such as the distinct J-line between the cabin and the load bay have been reworked for benchmark interior space. This is immediately apparent to all passengers, particularly those seated in the back of the double-cab models.

The central design theme behind the new Triton was “athleticism”, which is evident in the exterior design of the new pick-up range.

The combined engineering effort, which has radically improved the new Triton over its predecessor, is perhaps most evident inside the cabin, which was purposely shaped to mirror the same level of comfort and convenience as Mitsubishi’s range of SUV-models and iconic Pajero.

The driver has the benefit of a new dashboard with easy-to-clean surfaces chosen for practicality. Range-specific features on the new model include an intuitive touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and USB audio input as well as the keyless push-button Stop/Start system.

There is cruise control, dual-zone auto air-conditioning, a reverse camera, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment and leather upholstery, to name a few of the standard creature comforts.

The cabin has been stretched by 20mm to 1 745mm, while shoulder room ‒ both front and rear ‒ has been improved. Subtle changes include redesigned seats offering additional bolstering and higher density foam for more comfortable long distance driving.

The Mitsubishi Triton is fitted with a next-generation aluminium block four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. The new engine offers the ideal combination of a fast spooling turbocharger with an unconventionally low compression ratio of 15.5:1 which aids responsive torque delivery at low engine speeds.

The 2.4 MIVEC engine features an all-aluminium cylinder block construction with reinforced steel piston sleeves for durability and an integrated common rail direct injection system. This engine weighs 30 kg less than its predecessor.  

Power delivery is rated at 133 kW at 3 500 rpm with torque peaking at 430 Nm at 2 500 rpm. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.6 litres per 100 km in a combined cycle.

The new 2.4 MIVEC turbo-diesel delivers power to the rear (2H), or all wheels (4H if 4×4) through the choice of a shorter-shifting six-speed manual gearbox, or a five-speed automatic transmission.

The new Mitsubishi Triton Double Cab GLS Exceed achieved a full five-star safety rating in the Australian NCAP safety performance test. The foundations of this high safety rating have been laid in the engineering and manufacturing of the new Triton with large quantities of high-strength steel in its safety cell as partner to Mitsubishi’s patented Reinforced Safety Evolution (RISE) technology. This is coupled to features such as a fully collapsible steering column and additional side-impact bars in the doors.

Redesigned Triton “most advanced pick-up” developed by Mitsubishi

I had a great holiday and it shows, now what?

Stick to realistic fitness resolutions in 2017!

Ivana Buchanan is the group training specialist at Zone Fitness, a nationwide gym chain with 22 gyms across South Africa.

The festive season is at an end and, unfortunately, so is our careless bliss regarding what we eat and how much we exercise. Most people return home after a brief vacation just to find all the winter flab they had originally lost (to fit into their swimming costumes in the first place) is right back where it once was. 

The truth is, we usually gain weight a lot quicker than we lose it and we resort to unrealistic New Year’s resolutions in the hope of shedding the guilt and those few extra pounds – only to give up after a week. 

Here is a guide to choosing realistic resolutions that you wouldn’t mind sticking with. 

The moment of truth 

We can’t all look like models on a fitness magazine because that’s a combination of rare genetics, strict discipline and the magic of Photoshop. Despite this we are all beautiful in our own way, and we should do our best to bring that beauty to the forefront. 

“You can start by avoiding exercises and eating plans that aim to achieve unrealistic weight goals. Instead, we should aim to be healthy versions of ourselves,” says Ivana Buchanan, group training specialist at Zone Fitness. “Gyms are equipped with machinery that offer a wide range of exercises to choose from. Focus on strength training as well as attaining cardiovascular fitness. It is important to maintain a healthy balance between the two.” 

What you put in is what you get out. 

Something about diets just makes people want to dig into a tub of ice-cream. Diets are probably loathed more than most things, especially because it seems so hard to just go through with it. But what if it could actually be liberating? 

As soon as we stop perceiving diets as a restriction, we might not be so tempted to cheat before we’ve even begun. “Healthy eating should be viewed as a lifestyle shift and not a strict regime. If you can adopt a lifestyle where the only goal is to eat as healthy as possible, there will be room for a day where you can still eat your favourite chocolate,” says Buchanan. 

 Again, balance is key.

You are not alone 

We often feel like our situations are completely unique (“no one gets what I’m going through!”). Nothing is further from the truth. It is highly likely that people are so involved with their own insecurities that they don’t even notice that extra roll on your tummy. 

Talk about the insecurities you have with your partner and your friends. You might be surprised to find that they feel the same and end up with a gym partner. Buchanan states that: “gym partnerships lead to enjoyment and an increased sense of commitment towards our partner and the exercise involved.” 

There is no secret to happiness and a perfect body. There is, however, a very simple recipe to achieve a healthy lifestyle and it starts with a healthy mind. Food nourishes our bodies, but it is also there to enjoy. Enjoy food and enjoy your body. And in the end, find the balance between the two.

I had a great holiday and it shows, now what?

Romantic Valentine’s Picnic by the Sea @ the Radisson Blu Waterfront Cape Town

This Valentine’s Day enjoy an exclusive picnic for two on the rolling lawns of the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. 

Soak up the scenery and watch the sun go down while enjoying a delicious picnic prepared by Chef Norman Heath.  

The picnic basket includes freshly baked baguette, marinated olives, summer berry salad, Asian basted chicken skewers, a selection of local cheese and biscuits, peanut butter brownies and a bottle of wine.

Guests also get a blanket, umbrella and a great spot on the water’s edge to picnic with your loved one.

The Valentine’s picnic at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront starts at 6:30pm on Tuesday, 14 February 2017. 

The cost for this Valentine’s picnic is R695 per couple.

Book your Valentine’s picnic now on +27 (0)21 441 3000 or capetown.foodandbeverage@radissonblu.com

Hashtag: #ValentinesPicnic

Tweet: Romantic #ValentinesPicnic by the sea @RadissonBlu_Cpt for 2017

Romantic Valentine’s Picnic by the Sea @ the Radisson Blu Waterfront Cape Town

Book Review: Black Queen

Black Queen

White King

Check Mate

William O’Dowda

Partridge

Review: Brian Joss

This is a Romeo and Juliet story of a different kind. Firstly, it’s non-fiction; secondly it’s written by a white Canadian, not Shakespeare, who “married” a black woman and hoped that eventually she would move in with him. We never know whether she does. But hope springs eternal. Sub-titled Race Relations Seen Through the Lenses of Lover’s Chess, O’ Dowda examines the themes of racism, xenophobia, tribal authority and gender rights on “the South African checkerboard of love”. The author has a warning it seems for all white men who are contemplating getting married to a black woman. The book basically is a “risk assessment”. “By all means look at your options, but open your eyes to South African realities.”

O’Dowda says he met his wife-to-be when she was a waitress who was working at a Chinese restaurant and while he was waiting for his takeaway order he slipped away to buy some roses from Pick n Pay, gave her a rose with his business card, along with the payment and a generous tip. His ploy worked and she called him soon afterwards, and they met after hours for the first time. So began an uncertain and unusual courtship, especially for O’Dowda who had to understand the various rites and traditions of tribal courtship. O’ Dowda’s story is divided into four: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, which was one of discontent. The author writes about Lobola (the bride price); Ukuthwala (abduction, which happens when the family disapproves of the pending union); Inhlawulo ( a fine the man has to pay if he gets the woman pregnant out of wedlock) and the Ukuvuma ceremony (the reception the bride’s family hosts when they accept the groom). The author also describes the wedding reception braai where he received complaints that he served only wine, beer and soft drinks. But no spirits. There is no plot line as such: it is a story of a marriage seen through the author’s eyes and he quotes extensively from media clips about customary marriage, tribal authority, gender rights and alcoholism which is a big motif in his experience.  There is a lot of philosophising and general observations about black-white marriages. This slim volume gives a personal view of inter-racial marriages and it goes a long way towards unravelling  The book has been translated into SiSwati and is titled Umlabalaba Wetitsandzani.

Book Review: Black Queen

Hoener met die Rooi Skoene – Besprekings open op 24 Januarie 2017

Besprekings vir die nuwe Koos Roets fliek, HOENER MET DIE ROOI SKOENE, open op Dinsdag, 24 Januarie 2017, om 16h00. 

Kaartjies kan vooraf bespreek word via Ster Kinekor en Nu Metro vir hierdie riller-komedie wat kykers gaan laat regopsit, ril en skater van die lag en vanaf Vrydag, 27 Januarie 2017, in fliekteaters landwyd te sien sal wees  www.sterkinekor.com www.numetro.co.za. 

Terwyl Bonnie van der Byl (Lizz Meiring), ontvangsdame van die internasionaal bekende De Waal Teateragentskap tot laataand op ‘n stormagtige nag lustig en ongestoord by haar lessenaar oor die telefoon voortklets, lê die lyk van haar baas, die suksesvolle, maar minder gewilde sakeman en impresario, Du Toit De Waal (Deon Lotz) met ‘n dolk in sy rug op die kantoortafel agter haar rug.  Sy skakel die polisie en by nadere aanskoue van haar bloeiende baas, word sy oudergewoonte flou.  As sy met die flitslig van Konstabel Mickey Mentz (André Weideman) in haar oë bykom, is die lyk skielik skoonveld …

Hiermee is die tafel gedek vir ‘n vinnige bewegende, spannende en skreeusnaakse riller-komedie vol verrassende kinkels waarin die ontvangsdame met haar bekkige papegaai, Napoleon, en die hoogs beneukte, geïrriteerde en grieperige speurder. Kaptein Hendrik Greyling (Louw Venter), sentraal staan.

Die misterie rondom die naam Hoener met die rooi skoene word vroeg in die verhaal reeds tot groot vermaak van Konstabel Mentz opgeklaar.  Tydens ondervraging waarin al die karakters op kantoor in ‘n klousterfobiese ruimte saamgegooi is, word allerlei geheimpies ontbloot … Cecilia de Waal (Dorette Potgieter), die aantreklike veel jonger vrou van die baas, het meer as een skelmpie,  die ouer privaat-sekretaresse Miss Enith Conradie (Lida Botha) is jare lank al verlief op die baas, die ligsinnige Roxie Roos (Laré Birk) is die baas se minder gewillige pretpoppie op kantoor, die sjarmante Percy Celliers (Geon Nel) doen nie sy werk nie en die ouer klerk, Harold Berrington-Smith (Flip Theron) is ‘n ‘tail gunner’.  In hierdie storm van verdagmakery en beledigings verskyn die baas se lyk skielik perdfris en gesond op die toneel …

Sake neem ‘n interessante wending as die lyk van Cecilia se skelmpie, Jacques Petout (Jacques Theron), met ‘n meswond in die rug op op die sandduine ontdek word … en nog ‘n slagoffer, ook met ‘n meswond,  reg voor Bonnie se oë by die kantoor-hysbak inmekaar sak.  In kompetisie met die kaptein om die moord(e) op te los, word Bonnie die selfaangestelde speurder wat bewyse soos ‘n selfoon, sleutel en ‘n bebloede nota as troefkaart gebruik om die erg koorsige speurder ore aan te sit.  Haar planne loop sleg skeef as die ontmagtigde Kaptein Hendrik Greyling tydens die hoogtepunt van die storm in ‘n geslote kas opeindig, terwyl die moordenaar op haar toeslaan… 

Hoener Met Die Rooi Skoene is ‘n riller-komedie, met onverwagse kinkels in ‘n netso vreemde kabel … en ‘n infame leuen wat eers teen die einde nek-omgedraai word en word vrygestel op 27 Januarie 2017 deur Ster Kinekor Entertainment.

Lys van fliekteaters waar HOENER MET DIE ROOI SKOENE sal speel:

STER KINEKOR TEATERS

The Bridge PE	Tygervallei	Cape Gate	Bayside
Somerset Mall	Eikestad	Garden Route Mall	Mimosa Mall
Gateway	Mall of the North	Secunda	Cradlestone
Mooi Rivier	Matlosana Mall	Wonderpark	Centurion City
Brooklyn Comm	Forest Hill	Kolonnade	The Grove
Irene Mall	Cresta	Vaal Mall	Carnival City
Mall at Carnival	East Rand Mall	Riversquare

NUMETRO

Canal Walk	Walmer	Worcester	Welkom
Key West	Parkview

ONAFHANKLIKE TEATERS

Atlanta Cinema (Swakopmund)	Epic Mall@Reds (Pretoria)	Epic Northridge (Bloemfontein)	Maxi Cineplex Zambezi (Pretoria)
Minimax Cine (Cape Town)

Kyk die fliek se lokprent hier:  https://youtu.be/1xgCBPYCW5Q

Sosialemedia skakels:

Facebook:           http://ift.tt/2fnfHNN

Twitter:                @HoenerMovie

Instagram:          hoenermovie

Hoener met die Rooi Skoene – Besprekings open op 24 Januarie 2017

Sedgars SWD Cricket League fixtures

The log leaders, Union Stars (45 points after 12 matches) will take on the bottom of the log NMMU George (12 points after 11 matches).  Western Hope (3^rd position – 35 points after 12 matches) will meet Harlequins (5^th position – 27 points after 12 matches) at the Military Sport Club where they can consolidate their position. 

Mossel Bay (27 points after 13 matches – in 6^th position) and George (29 points after 13 matches), who are both still contenders for the qualifying round will log horns at the Van Riebeeck Stadium.   Ramblers (22 points after 12 matches – in the 9^th position) will take on Pirates (2^nd position – 40 points after 13 matches) whilst Sussex (7^th position;  40 points after 13 matches) will host Pacaltsdorp United (23 points after 12 matches – 8^th position).

The fixtures are:

Saturday 

Premier League

Harlequins Forces vs Western Hope, Mossel Bay vs George, NMMU Madibaz vs Union Stars, Ramblers vs Pirates United, Sussex vs Pacaltsdorp

Promotion League

Ladismith vs Dysselsdorp, Beaufort West vs Bongolethu, Glen Roses vs Calitzdorp, Hartenbos vs Melkhoutfontein, Albertinia vs Riversdale, Thembalethu vs Slangrivier, Kwanonqaba vs Kranshoek Cobras

Reserve League

Union Stars C vs NMMU Madibaz George B, Harlequins Forces B vs Union Stars B 

Women’s League

Riversdale vs Thembalethu, Western Hope vs Harlequins Forces

Sunday

Premier League

NMMU Madibaz George vs Sussex

Promotion League

Mayflower vs Bongolethu, Melkhoutfontein vs Albertinia

Reserve League

Bongolethu B vs Harlequins Forces B, Union Stars B vs NMMU Madibaz George B, Western Hope B vs Thembalethu B, Hartenbos B vs Pirates United B,

Ramblers B vs George B, Pacaltsdorp B vs Sussex B 

Women’s League

Thembalethu vs Union Stars, Harlequins Forces vs Mossel Bay

Sedgars SWD Cricket League fixtures

Four newly constructed UWC science learning centres to support the teaching and learning of school science in the Eden & Central Karoo Education District

The Science Learning Centre for Africa of University of the Western Cape (UWC-SLCA) has won a number of awards for its far-reaching support programmes to improve the teaching and learning of science and mathematics.

Programme

In order to facilitate this process it has teamed up with corporate organisations to improve the infrastructure in which these gateway subjects are taught so as to provide a creative space in which teachers’ and learners’ interaction with science and technology can be advanced. In 2011 UWC-SLCA in partnership with Garden Cities Archway Foundation started the construction of science laboratories called UWC Science Learning Centres (SLCs) at Western Cape schools. In 2016 the Western Cape Education Department joined the partnership and contributes one-third of the costs associated with the SLCs. On Tuesday 31 January 2017, the Rector of the University of the Western Cape, Prof Tyrone Pretorius, CEO of Garden Cities Archway Foundation, John Matthews and principals of the respective schools will open four new UWC Science Learning Centres at schools in the Eden & Central Karoo Education District of the Western Cape, namely

1. Murray High School, Plettenberg Bay
2. Percy Mdala High School, Knysna
3. Tyholora Primary School, George
4. Garden Route Primary School, Mossel Bay

These four schools will bring the total to fourty (40) SLCs constructed with a further eight to be opened soon. The construction of the science learning centres is an extension of the curriculum support provided by UWC-SLCA and serve as reward for committed science teachers, school management and learners.

The achievement of learners and teachers in national and international benchmark tests paints a very bleak picture and one that highlights a national crisis. According to Prof Hartley “we have to start with the basics in terms of supporting teachers to have the confidence to teach science with an advanced level of understanding, knowledge and teaching skills. Similarly we have to be creative in providing learners with opportunities that will draw their interest and willingness to learn. Hence developing a culture of science teaching and learning will be a good start to improve NSC and other assessments. Certainly having a confident and knowledgeable science teacher in a conducive environment provided by the UWC Science Learning Centres is a step in the right direction.”

Organisations and funders that want to contribute to this exciting initiative are encouraged to make contact with the Director of UWC-SLCA, Prof Shaheed Hartley.

Four newly constructed UWC science learning centres to support the teaching and learning of school science in the Eden & Central Karoo Education District

KZN’s First Lady hoping for home comfort

Lali Stander – SAN LAMEER, 24 January 2017 – Melissa Eaton hopes that a return to her native Port Shepstone will kick her Chase to the Investec Cup for Ladies season into high gear as the headlines the field at the R250 000 SA Women’s Open alongside two-time champion Lee-Anne Pace this week.

Melissa Eaton; credit Sunshine Ladies Tour.

The 32-year-old Eaton narrowly missed out on a maiden Sunshine Ladies Tour victory when she lost the season-opening SuperSport Ladies Challenge by one shot to Kim Williams.

She caught fire with five birdies on the back nine at Huddle Park and early show of form sees Eaton eager to start the 54-hole championship, sponsored by the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, at San Lameer Country Club on Thursday.

“I maybe should have won here in KwaZulu-Natal in the past, but let’s go out there and see what happens,” said Eaton. “So much has changed in the last three months and I definitely didn’t expect to start the Sunshine Ladies Tour with a bang. Sometimes when you’re not expecting to win you can go out and turn it around.”

Eaton split her time between the Ladies European Tour and the Sunshine Ladies Tour from 2013, but when her money ran out, she change gears and joined Parkview Golf Club as the assistant golf director alongside golf director James Searson in October 2016.

“It is really expensive to support yourself in Europe without sponsorship, so when the Parkview offer came up, I didn’t hesitate,” she said. “The chance to put some roots down, but still do what I love has been really rewarding. We manage every aspect on the golf side at the club, from corporate golf days right through to tee times and marshalling. I love my job, the new experiences and I get to do some coaching, too.”

The shift from the competitive circuit to full-time employment has impacted positively on Eaton’s attitude coming into the Sunshine Ladies Tour’s fourth season and she showed her class at Huddle Park and with a top 20 finish at the SA Women’s Masters.

“I don’t have time to practice as much as I used to, but the change has done me the world of good,” she said. “Last year I pushed myself really hard to make enough money to sustain myself on the Ladies European Tour and, at times, it was to my own detriment.

“This year I have a job I love, a salary that gives me financial freedom and the whole of Parkview supporting me on the tour. To have the opportunity to play without Europe hanging like a sword over me is fantastic and it’s impacting positively on my game.

“I am far more relaxed, I’m hitting the ball with more freedom and I’m having fun again. I didn’t have the time to prepare for the SA Women’s Masters, and I felt out of sorts all week, but still managed to finish inside the top 20. This week I’m really looking forward at giving San Lameer another go.

“I’ve done well here in the past and love this course. The layout suits my game and I if the putter warms up, I think I can go nice and low. I’m rested and ready and rearing to go.”

The only drawback is that Eaton will not have her twin sister Nicola (Gutzeit), by her side.

“Nicola and I have played every SA Women’s Open since the championship returned to the schedule five years ago, but her baby boy is keeping her way too busy this year,” Eaton said. “She’ll be thinking of me, though, and the rest of the clan will be out here shouting their support.

“I’ve always put too much pressure on myself and I’ve never put three great rounds together here at San Lameer, but I’m taking this new attitude out there, and who knows, anything is possible.”

Eaton can expect stiff opposition from South Africa’s top golf export Pace, hunting a record first hat-trick in the national championship.

Other in-form players to watch include the newly-crowned SA Women’s Masters champion Carrie Park, who placed third in last year’s event, England’s Kiran Matharu, who tied for third in the SuperSport Ladies Challenge and Ashleigh Buhai (nee Simon), who shared second Matharu in the her first start at the SA Women’s Masters.

Last year’s leading amateur Lejan Lewthwaite will also be looking for her first pro victory at the course where she took second in 2016.

Entrance to the SA Women’s Open is free.

KZN’s First Lady hoping for home comfort

TransCape on a charity drive

The third edition of the seven-day mountain biking journey from the hamlet of Knysna to Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands takes place from February 5 to 11 over a distance of about 650km.

Photo: Jacques Marais

And while riders will be able to experience the wonder of travelling through some magnificent scenery, they will also have a chance to dip into their pockets to help those less fortunate. 

Despite the logistics involved in organising an event of this nature, race founders Lenore and Wayne Collett have also thrown their weight behind the charity aspect.

 

“When Wayne did the Cape Epic in 2008, which is when I fell in love with mountain biking, he wanted to ride for a charity and ended up with Africa Foundation,” (Lenore) Collett explained their motivation.

 

“They were raising funds for a community building project and we saw the unbelievable work they were doing. We have been involved with them ever since.”

 

A non-profit organisation, the Africa Foundation aim to uplift those living in poor rural communities, while also working towards conservation in South Africa.

 

With branches in Britain and the United States, the foundation have set up projects throughout the African continent to achieve their goals.

 

Collett said two of the projects for which this year’s TransCape would raise funds were a bursary programme run through the Community Leaders Education Fund (CLEF) and installing ablution facilities at the Bilton High School in Mpumalanga.

 

“There are so many young people in our rural areas who have potential, but they don’t have the opportunity to study. We want to open the door for the less fortunate to have a chance of getting a tertiary education.”

 

Collett added that the bursary project followed a strict qualification process.

 

“You obviously have to work according to your budget and the students have to give back to the community in their vacations in whichever field they are studying.”

 

The cost is R43 500 per individual annually and the parties are hoping to make it a reality for 100 people by next year.

 

The second project entails the installation of ablution facilities at Bilton High in the form of Enviroloos.

 

Collett said they wanted to create a healthy school environment and in doing so give pupils access to the education facilities they deserved.

 

She said the Enviroloo dry sanitation system was considered more effective than many similar ones.

 

“We need R330 000 for this project so we are effectively hoping to raise about half a million rand.

 

“Africa Foundation have a very good management system and companies who contribute are able to receive tax benefits, so it is easier for corporates.”

 

The TransCape, which was acquired by ASG Events last year, will also be raising funds for the Calitzdorp High School.

 

Collett said children who attended the school often had very little materially speaking and they raised funds to make donations to the school.

 

“The school has supported the event since its inception, with the pupils helping out at the venues and with the various functions. They are an awesome team to work with.”

 

Collett said they would raise these funds by promoting the project during the event and encouraging participants to make donations.

 

“We inform the riders each evening of our projects and it picks up momentum during the week.”

 

She said they would have a charity auction at Greyton on the Thursday with a three-night stay at the Ngala Safari Lodge in Mpumalanga as the prize.

 

For more info, visit http://ift.tt/2aui1AC.

 

Stage by stage:

 

Stage 1 – Knysna to Wilderness (80km)

Stage 2 – George to Van Wyksdorp (135km)

Stage 3 – Van Wyksdorp to Riversdal (81km)

Stage 4 – Riversdal to Swellendam (103km)

Stage 5 – Swellendam to Greyton (112km)

Stage 6 – Greyton to Villiersdorp (68km)

Stage 7 – Villiersdorp to Franschhoek (78km)

 

Cycling News

TransCape on a charity drive