Absa, a leading financial services provider in Africa, is proud to collaborate with the iconic 2023 Nelson Mandela Legacy Ride4Hope cycling event, scheduled to take place from 20 to 23 September 2023. The event aims to raise funds for charitable causes and spread late, former President Nelson Mandela’s message of hope along the route between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
The Nelson Mandela Legacy Ride4Hope, initiated in 2018 in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, is among several events celebrating South Africa’s first democratically elected president and Nobel laureate – known affectionately as Madiba. Over the years, it has evolved into a powerful emblem of hope and unity. For the 2023 centenary commemoration, Absa renewed its commitment to amplify the event’s impact, making a difference with each pedal stroke.
The 2023 route and cycling kit were unveiled at an event held at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton, Johannesburg on 17 August 2023. Over the four days of the ride during September, the ride will stop at various towns in Gauteng, the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, making notable charitable contributions throughout the route to honour Madiba’s legacy and highlight the spirit of partnership.
Spanning 550 km and three provinces, the Ride4Hope champions Madiba’s indomitable human spirit. A total of 85 cyclists, of which 35 will come from the Absa Group – a mix of colleagues, clients and ambassadors – will start their journey on 20 September 2023 from the historic Vilakazi Street in Soweto through Standerton, Newcastle and Ladysmith to the destination of the hallowed grounds of the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick on 23 September 2023.
Tina Venter, Executive: Marketing Operations, Absa Group, said that at the heart of Absa’s involvement is a deep appreciation for the value of partnerships. “This is one of several initiatives created by Absa to drive transformation, diversity and inclusion, and is part of Absa’s ambition to be an active force for good in everything we do,” said Venter. She concluded: “As we celebrate Women’s Month, this year will see more than 50% of the Team Absa contingent comprise inspiring women from our Absa #SheUntamed riding community, infusing the nation with the spirit of Masakhane.”
As a tangible testament to Absa’s dedication, the Group has committed to facilitating construction of a much-needed classroom, an office, and a storage room at the Isaacson Primary School in Soweto. This school reaps the benefits of Legacy Ride4Hope’s remarkable endeavours year after year. These essential facilities will be inaugurated on the morning of 20 September 2023 at the event opening in Soweto, adding to the momentum of positive change.
Embarking on an iconic journey that traverses our rainbow nation, the Ride4Hope will see a vibrant community of riders forging ever-stronger partnerships. Absa extends its best wishes to all participants, encouraging them to embrace the challenge and the rewards that it promises.
To find out more about Ride4Hope, visit https://legacyride4hope.com/ or Legacy_ride4hope on Instagram.
