The Route of the African Sun’s cyclists to ride 1 749 km in eight days to raise funds for destitute children
The Route of the African Sun Charity Cycle Tour is an annual 1 749-km eight-day road cycling endurance event ridden in support of charitable causes, beginning at Sun City Resort in the North West on Thursday, 26 February 2026, and finishing at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, on Thursday, 5 March 2026, prior to the Cape Town Cycle Tour which will be held on Sunday, 8 March 2026.
Now in its 23rd edition, the Route of the African Sun continues to combine endurance cycling with meaningful community upliftment. The tour has a clear and heartfelt focus: raising funds for destitute children, with proceeds directed towards initiatives that provide essential support, mobility and opportunity to young people in vulnerable communities.
This is not a race, but a team-based challenge where all riders commit to staying together over the full distance. Riders will experience endurance threshold building through long days in the saddle, strong team camaraderie, and the satisfaction of contributing to a meaningful cause, while being supported by a dedicated support crew throughout the tour.
Sun City Resort and the Charity Cycle Club have created a partnership of a dedicated team of cyclists committed to making a meaningful difference in communities through cycling and fundraising initiatives. The team consist of nine cyclists, supported by a specialised crew including medics, media, and technical support personnel.
Every participant will complete the full distance together as a team, riding standard bicycles with no e-bikes permitted. Sun City has sponsored the Charity Cycle Club with accommodation and cycling gear, ensuring the team is equipped and supported for the demanding journey ahead.
Heading out from Sun City Hotel at 06h00 on Thursday morning
In return, the club will channel funds raised during the cycling tour into the purchase of bicycles. These bicycles will be donated to beneficiaries nominated by Sun City, extending the impact of the journey far beyond the finish line.
“The initiative goes beyond sport; it is about purpose. The donated bicycles will help promote healthy lifestyles, encourage physical activity, and provide a more affordable mode of transport for individuals in need,” says Khanyisile Makhubalo the acting Sun City’s Socio-Economic Development and Stakeholder Engagement Manager. “Moreover, through this partnership, Sun City reaffirms its commitment to social impact and sustainable community development.”
Johann Maré, organiser of the event, shared his admiration for the team’s commitment: “Each year, the Route of the African Sun Charity Cycle Tour brings together cyclists from around the world, and this year is no exception. We are incredibly proud of the diversity and determination within this group, who have stretched themselves for a meaningful cause. Their commitment and spirit have been nothing short of inspiring.”
In 2025, approximately R130 000 was raised and the donation of 15 bicycles was secured. These were distributed to seven local primary schools, to assist the schools’ general workers with a reliable mode of transport, thereby helping them reduce travel challenges and improve daily accessibility.
Among the cyclists last year was Ernest Horn from Bloemfontein who has now completed the Tour for an impressive 16th time. Horn, now 70 years old, reflects on the experience, saying: “This is a great experience, like we would say in South Africa, dit gaan oor vasbyt (it’s about perseverance). It teaches you the ultimate endurance to carry on, come rain or shine, whether you’re riding with or against the wind. What is even more amazing is that you get to marvel at our country’s beauty, from the Karoo to the mountains, all while receiving so much support.”
