Cyclists tackle 1,900km journey to fight bullying and promote child safety in rural schools

This week, six committed cyclists set off on a challenging 1,900km ride across South Africa, driven not only by endurance and stamina but by a crucial mission: to fight bullying in schools and promote child safety in often-overlooked rural areas.

The Xtreme for Kids Cycle Tour, organised by the award-winning child protection NGO Matla A Bana, A Voice Against Child Abuse, has evolved into a powerful movement since its inception in 2013.

Initially launched to raise awareness and funds for children who have suffered abuse, the tour now serves as an active outreach campaign. It brings essential child protection programming to schools located in remote regions of the country.

This year’s cycling team is led by Garth Briggs, Managing Director of Wolf Security, and includes a diverse mix of high-profile professionals and dedicated first responders: Izak Du Plessis (Director, Moore Stellenbosch), Andre Theys (Head of Operations, V&A Waterfront), Kai Bellman (German entrepreneur), Holder Marshall (Director, Stellenbosch Trail Fund), and Warrant Officer Jenestin Julies from Riebeeck West SAPS.

Over 12 strenuous days, the cyclists will make their way from Johannesburg through the Free State, Eastern Cape, and Karoo, ultimately ending their journey in Cape Town.

They will also stop to visit schools in towns such as Winnie Mandela, Aberdeen, Willowmore, De Rust, and Montagu. Accompanying them will be a theatre troupe that will perform an interactive anti-bullying show aimed at engaging students and delivering valuable lessons.

Among the highlights of the initiative is Captain Bully Buster, an animated character portrayed by actor Reagan Reece Carolissen, who is on a mission to "sniff out the bullies" and teach children methods of self-protection.

The engaging performances have already impacted over 100,000 learners across South Africa through the anti-bullying program.

"Post-COVID, the police alerted us to the amplified issue of bullying," explained Monique Strydom, founder of Matla A Bana.

"We recognised that many children in rural settings were lacking access to critical child protection programs, prompting us to develop a show that both entertains and educates."

This initiative has led to the establishment of 40 child-friendly reporting facilities at police stations nationwide, along with the provision of comfort packs for victims of child abuse.

Matla A Bana’s efforts are bolstered by a close collaborative relationship with SAPS, which works under a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure that Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Units are present during the school visits to address any concerns raised.

“We can clearly see the impact of our shows on children,” Strydom said.

“However, we realised that imparting basic skills was insufficient. This understanding led us to create a Survival Guide, a straightforward therapy booklet designed to help children manage strong emotions and defend themselves.”

One of the most compelling success stories dates back to 2015 in Graaff-Reinet, where the program educated children on recognising and reporting abuse. A year later, a travelling pedophile attempted to lure a primary school student into his vehicle. Thanks to the knowledge imparted by the program, the child reacted swiftly, precipitating the predator’s arrest and subsequent conviction in 2019.

"This case underscores the undeniable truth that education and awareness save lives," Strydom stated.

"When we returned in 2020, the police shared how our program directly contributed to bringing a criminal to justice. Stories like this continuously motivate our mission."

Despite the tour's significant achievements, the challenge of securing funding remains persistent. Organisers must identify financial backers for every trip to address the costs associated with school visits and logistics.

Fortunately, dedicated supporters such as Jimmy and Magdel Zondagh, who graciously host the team in their apple farm in Uniondale, provide crucial sponsorship for food and accommodation.

Ensuring the cyclists' safety is another major concern. With SAPS support, the group receives police escort and assistance throughout the journey. However, uncertain situations do arise; for instance, a recent assault on one of the program’s actresses during a school performance, as well as a show cancellation due to a lockdown prompted by playground violence.

"We’ve certainly witnessed behavioral changes in children over the years," Strydom observed.

"The lockdowns and the pandemic inflicted severe trauma on many kids, often without sufficient support. The disintegration of families along with exposure to violence, both at home and through social media, have escalated fear and aggression."

This year’s tour aims to reach 7,500 school children and is on track to raise more funds than ever before. Since its launch, the school project has positively influenced nearly 120,000 young lives, providing essential knowledge and strategies for self-protection.

"This is more than just a cycling event, it’s a mission," Strydom concluded emphatically.

"With each school we visit and each child who learns to stand up against bullying, we advance one step closer to a safer future."

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