On 4th September 2008, South African Computershare staff and clients set off to cycle 450 kilometres through southern Africa to raise money for Computershare’s Mike Thomson Change a Life Trust, designed to help combat violent crime in South Africa. In all, 81 senior company executives took part, among them the CEO of Sun International Limited, the Director of Investor Relations from FirstRand Limited and the President of UTi Worldwide Inc.
What transpired was three camaraderie-filled days as the four designated teams shared thrills and spills, aching muscles, cold beers, laughter and tears as they wended their way from Victoria Falls through parts of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia’s Caprivi strip and Zambia. Cycling past herds of elephants, enjoying sunset cruises along hippo-lined rivers and drinks under star studded skies was all part of a day’s experience. And on the energy-sapping last day, they conquered an exhaustive 220km, powering their way along the banks of the Zambezi, from the Caprivi Strip into Zambia, then finally over the famous bridge back to Victoria Falls. This was the really big challenge of the tour, a bruising ultra-ride that tested the fittest athletes, broke bicycles, brought men and women to tears and highlighted the overwhelming nature of true team spirit.
When the last group collapsed from their bikes after 14 hours in the saddle to a celebratory welcome in front of the Victoria Falls Hotel, the real spirit of Change a Life was demonstrated. This three day cycle and five day journey had changed the lives and perspectives of all of the participants and forged lifelong bonds of friendship. Computershare matched all donations rand for rand, doubling the funds raised to a massive R2.4 million after costs - the biggest sum ever generated by a cycle event in Africa.
The R3 million will primarily benefit the Mike Thomson Change a Life Trust, created in memory of Computershare’s senior manager who was murdered at his Johannesburg home in late 2007. This Trust supports grassroots programmes aimed at combating crime, as well as providing support to victims of crime, with a special focus on children. The second beneficiary is Children in the Wilderness, an environmental and life skills programme which brings opportunities to rural children living around wildlife reserves.
My African Cycle experience
by Martyn Drake, Managing Director, Computershare Technology Services
Martyn with his trusty steed
The South African cycle was, without a doubt, an awe inspiring experience. It was the most physically demanding challenge I have ever undertaken: three days of cycling in intense heat, getting up at 4:30 every morning and spending many hours of the day on a saddle all led to new feelings – most good, some bad.
Road hazards were interesting, from the mundane badly driven trucks and cars to the slightly more unusual elephants and impala on the road. We gave the herds of elephants a very wide berth – they don’t look so friendly when they’re roaming free 50 yards away.
Seeing these countries from a different perspective from that of the normal tourist was also enlightening. The depth of poverty was disturbing; we cycled through many villages where people lived in straw huts without electricity, running water or even basic sewerage. It was also clear that jobs were few and far between. It was very sobering to realise that the bike I was riding was worth more than any of the families would earn in a year.
I raised over £3000 due to the generous sponsorship of Computershare staff, all of which has gone to Change a Life in South Africa. There are two projects immediately planned, one to improve the DNA testing facilities in Johannesburg and one to improve the future of children there, giving them a chance to develop their lives away from crime. This really was the experience of a lifetime.