The 2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Cycle Challenge was a movement of purpose that brought together spirits and wheels for a cause that reached far beyond the finish line. Every kilometre covered this past Saturday, 8 November 2025, represented hope, opportunity and the promise of a brighter future through the Lesedi La Afrika Endowment Fund. The Fund raises money for student financial aid, social impact initiatives and the long-term sustainability of Sol Plaatje University.
More than 120 cyclists set off from the SPU South Campus under grey, cloudy skies, their energy unhindered by the weather. Riders came from various towns and regions, including Itsoseng and Taung (North West), Hartswater and Jan Kempdorp (Northern Cape), Bloemfontein, Bethlehem and Welkom (Free State), and Maseru (Lesotho), with one entrant joining from KwaZulu-Natal. Together, they united with the wider Kimberley community to champion education and upliftment.
Before the race began, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Professor Paul Green, warmly welcomed both returning and first-time cyclists to the 5th Annual Vice-Chancellor’s Cycle Challenge. He said the event is not only a celebration of cycling, but a growing movement of people united by their love for health, wellness and community impact. Professor Green reminded participants that the Cycle Challenge holds a special place in the province as the only officially sanctioned road cycling event in the Northern Cape, recognised by Cycling South Africa. He highlighted that this year’s theme, Riding for Impact, reflects SPU’s commitment to “Changing Lives and Enabling Brighter Futures” through the Lesedi La Afrika Endowment Campaign, a long-term initiative designed to enrich student lives and ensure the University’s sustainability for generations to come. “Each kilometre you ride today contributes to that vision,” he said. “Every turn of the wheel helps light another student’s path to success.”
At the prize-giving ceremony, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Debra Meyer, reflected on the day’s success and congratulated participants, saying, “In my view, everyone who got on a bike today is a winner.” She praised the cyclists for their commitment to fitness, discipline and pride in their participation, noting that the event embodied SPU’s growing culture of wellness and purpose-driven engagement.
Professor Meyer recognised the organisers and volunteers for hosting a safe and spirited event and commended the marshals for their dedication and care along the routes, ensuring a smooth and secure race for everyone involved. She also acknowledged the generosity of the event sponsors and partners whose contributions made the day possible. Their support, she said, reflects a shared belief in the University’s mission to build a sustainable future through education and community impact. “Every small contribution matters. We are grateful for your generosity,” she added.
She went on to recognise the participation of Faculty of Education staff members who joined the race: Ms Heidi Hanekom, Lecturer in Natural Science Teaching and Ms Fatima Ajimudin, Lecturer in Mathematics Education as well as Ms Timolene Sanderson, Officer: Administration in the Information and Communication Technology Department. She commended their example of dedication and community spirit.
Her words brought the event to an inspiring close, reminding participants that every act of giving, no matter how small, helps build a brighter future for others.
From start to finish, these cyclists led the pack. Congratulations to our 2025 winners!
25km Male:
- Mr Atlegang Ntshoe: 1 hour 11 minutes and 32 seconds
- Mr Jacobus Johannes Rossouw: 1 hour 11 minutes 47 seconds
- Mr Danie Steyn: 1 hour 11 minutes 50 seconds
25km Female:
- Mari-Zanne le Roux: 1 hour 14 minutes 30 seconds
- Millicent Selloane Itumeleng: 1 hour 24 minutes 26 seconds
- Marne Sciocatti: 1 hour 35 minutes 24 seconds
Click here for the full 25km results.
50km Male:
- Meyer Botha: 1 hour 17 minutes 58 seconds
- Marcel Karsten: 1 hour 23 minutes 26 seconds
- Ben Van Der Linde: 1 hour 24 minutes 18 seconds
50km Female:
- Ulrike de Wit: 1 hour 31 minutes 36 seconds
- Karin Erasmus: 1 hour 37 minutes 10 seconds
- Heidi Hanekom: 1 hour 42 minutes 21 seconds
Click here for the full 50km results.
100km Male:
- Egon Cambell: 2 hours 37 minutes 49 seconds
- Izak Strauss: 2 hours 41 minutes 13 seconds
- Jean Fourie: 2 hours 41 minutes 14 seconds
100km Female:
- Elmien Voster: 3 hours 40 minutes 58 seconds
- Anica du Toit: 4 hours 4 minutes 36 seconds
- Carla van Jaarsveld: 5 hours 4 minutes 35 seconds
Click here for the full 50km results.
Click here to download all the action shots and happy moments from the day.
