Pedaling for Dignity: LLLer participates in Cycle Tour for #Move4Food

Pedaling for dignity: LLLer participates in Cycle Tour for #Move4Food

Tendani Tshauambea, a postgraduate LLB student, and active member of the Listen, Live and Learn (LLL) programme, recently took part in the Cape Town Cycle Tour (CTCT) in early March 2024. In collaboration with the Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), he used his participation as a spirited effort to raise funds to curb the food insecurity crisis faced by Stellenbosch University students through the #Move4Food fundraising initiative.

The Cape Town Cycle Tour (formally known as the Cape Argus Cycle Tour) was established in 1978 to raise awareness for the need for cycle tracks within Cape Town and surrounding areas. Covering 109 km (68m) and hosting an estimated 30 000 cyclists from all over the world, this monumental initiative has become one of the staples on the calendar of the City of Cape Town. It is also the biggest timed cycle race in the world, making it not only the most prolific but historic cycle race worldwide.

Having taken up cycling as a hobby in 2022, Tshauambea sought to challenge himself by incorporating his love for cycling with an opportunity for social impact through this fundraiser. “In SU, food insecurity is a challenge which unfortunately affects a sizeable group of students, which is compounded by the perception of SU being a monied institution and therefore without any material need among its student body. #Move4Food aims to bridge the gap of food insecurity, which strips away the dignity of students while negatively affecting their academic progress” said Tshauambea.

While the idea of incorporating the #Move4Food fundraiser only took place after deciding to participate in the CTCT, he shared his appreciation at the different forms of support he has received so far. “I had no bike, or knowledge of competitive cycling, but the support from the LLL programme has driven me to be brave and bold in what I do. Therefore, I asked around and was able to be fully kitted out for the tour. The LLL programme is a space of encouragement and student support, this was clear through my own experience participating in this event”.

In support of his efforts, Tshauambea received a goodie bag provided by the DAR, encouragement from the LLL and Senior Living Spaces leadership and invaluable contributions towards his fundraising initiative from the university community more broadly – from a variety of students and staff. He hopes to inspire fellow students to challenge themselves to do their part for social impact and peer-to-peer support.

2024 marks the seventh anniversary of the student-centered #Move4Food fundraising initiative which Tshauambea describes as “heartwarming”, having received about R1000 through his GivenGain profile, which will be going towards #Move4Food. As an annual event, #Move4Food provides numerous opportunities for participation during the year, culminating in “Giving Day”. More information about the initiative can be found on the SU Alumni website. Any donations towards the initiative can be made through the GivenGain website throughout the year.

“While my fundraiser was merely a bucket in the ocean that is food insecurity amongst students, I am encouraged by my peers who have supported this initiative, which shows that we can all pay it forward in our own way and contribute our bit towards ensuring that all students can study and live in dignity even after our time in SU,” added Tshauambea. “As students, we should not anticipate food insecurity in our institutions but when food insecurity becomes a reality, we ought to show up for each other. That’s what matters after all – showing up for each other.”