3 men.
Over 1 million people.
One message
In South Africa a child is raped every 3 minutes.
Most of them are young girls between 8 and 12
and most of them have been raped by someone
they know.
If
Last year General Lamoer (WC Prov Commissioner) challenged
men to stand up against abuse, because in 97% of rape cases
men are responsible.
A group of businessmen heard this call and what started out as
participation in the Pick ‘n Pay Cape Argus Cycle race, ended
up as a 10 day journey that not only changed the lives of those
they met, but also their own. The group of 3 men, under the
guidance of sport scientist, Dirk Louwrens, decided to cycle from
Johannesburg to Cape Town ending the tour by participating in
the Cape Argus. The aim, to spread the message that men must
not rape and abuse.
With only one back up vehicle, no medical or mechanical
support and facing extreme challenges, the tales of their
tour can fill pages. They got lost in the Freestate and ended
up cycling deep into the night. In the Karoo they had to face
temperatures of 42degrees and saw tires melting on the trailer.
This inspired them to jump over a fence and seek the refuge of
a farm dam! They joined hands with the SAPS Family Violence,
Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units and stopped at
8 schools on the way to Cape Town. Media got wind of this
incredible journey and it was shared all over South Africa. In the
end their message reached 8000 children directly and more
than a million people via the news channels.
you are a man who likes to influence people, bring
positive change and like a challenge, then this event
should be in your diary too!
This was the birth of Xtreme For Kids Cycle Tour, which will take
place in February/March 2014 again. The group hope to be
able to include 10 new riders and also a hand cycle team under
the leadership of Mathys Roets. The theme of 2014 is “Be A
Hero” and during this tour bicycles sponsored by Exxaro will be
handed out to kids as part of the presentation.
The beneficiary of this tour in Matla A Bana, A voice against
child abuse. This NGO, founded by ex-hostage Monique
Strydom, helps 20 000 abused children every year through
various projects.
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www.matlaabana.co.za
Monique Strydom 0832129824
CORPORATE SOCIAL REVIEW