Two Stellenbosch University (SU) employees are currently cycling in the 2022 ABSA Cape Epic to raise funds for a student-led charity organisation that aims to provide allowances to SU students. This is according to Francois Swart, one of SU’s employees currently cycling in the event.
Stellenbosch University employees Robert van Staden and Francois Swart during an outing on the rough terrain at Rusty Gate Mountain Resort. “The trial development of the [2022 ABSA Cape Epic] has been amazing, it asks more from a mountain biker and is also tougher because we’re older and our bodies don’t adapt as easily as they did when we were younger,” stated Van Staden, a faculty manager in education at Stellenbosch University. PHOTO: Supplied/Francois Swart
Swart, manager in development planning and design at SU, and Robert van Staden, a faculty manager in education at SU, are hoping to raise R200 000 for #Move4Food.
#Move4Food provides SU students with food allowances in an attempt to put an end to student hunger, according to the Maties Alumni website.
The race
Swart and Van Staden will donate whatever prize money they’re awarded. This amount can range from R12 000 to R300 000, depending on their overall position at the end of the Cape Epic, according to Swart. He added that “people can donate any amount and can contribute throughout the Cape Epic”.
Stellenbosch University employees Robert van Staden and Francois Swart are currently participating in the 2022 ABSA Cape Epic. “Cycling is the fastest growing sport in the world and with changing bike designs, it results in riders having a higher technical level,” stated Francois Swart, manager in development planning and design at Stellenbosch University. PHOTO: Supplied/Francois Swart
Stage 1 of the Cape Epic started at Lourensford Wine Estate on 20 March. Stage 7, the final stage, will take place on 27 March and will start in Stellenbosch and end at Val de Vie Estate.
In this competition, Swart and Van Staden will be competing as a pair for the first time. “We are not riding for a podium, but for the experience of the event as well as the awareness we will bring for #Move4Food,” Van Staden added.
The pair has already raised R45 000 in donations through this initiative. According to Swart, donations have been made by SU staff members, as well as the public. “We are not experts in raising funds, we are just the vehicle that provides awareness by cycling and by the use of social media,” said Swart.
A worthy cause
“The fact that we are doing this for charity motivates us and gives us a purpose,” said Swart. “The most important thing for us is not the funding, but the awareness that we can bring to the public about #Move4Food.”
“My personal motivation is that students shouldn’t go to bed hungry,” said Van Staden. “This fits the [nature of the] Cape Epic well because it’s all about eating well, exercising well, and how nutrition is critical.”
The Cape Epic is a physically demanding event for cyclists. Francois Swart, manager in development planning and design at Stellenbosch University, and Robert van Staden, a faculty manager in education at Stellenbosch University, are cycling to raise money for student-led charity #Move4Food. INFOGRAPHIC: Liam Abercrombie
“If we can help even one student, that’s enough for us,” stated Swart. “Education is a solution for many people, and students can’t be successful in their studies if they’re hungry.”
#Move4Food really appreciated the efforts of Swart and Van Staden to raise money on behalf of the student community, said Lizzie Witbooi, who works with #Move4Food’s logistics. Any donations, no matter the amount, will make “a huge difference to students in need”, said Witbooi via email correspondence.
In 2020, #Move4Food raised and distributed R494 450 in food allowances to 656 SU students, according to GivenGain, a fundraising website for non-governmental organisations.