VUSA’s 24-Hour Cycle Challenge: Riding for a Better Future for Children in Langa

What started as a response to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a community driven fundraising initiative supporting education, sport and development at the VUSA Rugby and Learning Academy.

Rugby may be at the heart of the VUSA Rugby and Learning Academy, but for the organisation, the sport is only the beginning.

Speaking on Bush Radio’s BackChat, VUSA head of rugby Simpiwe Mzukwa explained how the organisation has grown beyond the rugby field to provide children in Langa with educational support, creative programmes and a safe environment to develop.

VUSA was founded around 20 years ago by Bishops teacher Brendan Fogarty with the aim of giving children from Langa and surrounding communities opportunities equal to those available to other South African children.

According to Mzukwa, while rugby was initially the organisation’s main focus, the programme evolved as VUSA recognised some of the challenges facing children in the community.

“Now rugby is just a tool and a vehicle to drive the program forward,” Mzukwa said.

VUSA's programmes begin from an early age. The organisation currently works with three Early Childhood Development centres in Langa, where it provides physical education and English as a second language. Its work continues into primary schools through the organisation's Digi Bus a mobile computer laboratory that works with five primary schools in Langa. The Digi Bus provides computer literacy, mathematics and coding support, while also assisting learners with research, school projects and homework. In the afternoons, children can participate in rugby while also accessing educational assistance and creative activities.

Mzukwa explained that the organisation provides children with a safe space where they can receive help with homework and school projects, as well as participate in visual and performance arts.

“The space has grown into a full-on development for the child,” 

Although VUSA has a long-term ambition of supporting children from their youngest years into early adulthood, current funding means the organisation is primarily able to cater for children between the ages of eight and 13. The organisation's focus, however, extends beyond producing talented rugby players. “The main goal for us is just to build a wholesome human being,” Mzukwa said.

For VUSA, that means developing young people who can become responsible members of their communities, while promoting education, Ubuntu, respect and healthy relationships.

One of the clearest examples of VUSA's long-term impact can be seen among some of the people who now work within the organisation. Mzukwa said some VUSA staff members were once beneficiaries of the programme themselves. Children who joined VUSA as 10- or 11-year-olds have grown into adults, fathers, spouses and community members who now mentor and support other families through the organisation.

“Now they are fathers, now they are good spouses, now they are good members of the community. So that's the dream of Vusa,” Mzukwa said.

For an organisation focused on creating opportunities, these former beneficiaries represent the possibility of a cycle of development young people receiving support and eventually becoming people who can support others.

The VUSA 24-Hour Cycle Challenge began in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. With rugby  suspended and young players unable to take to the field, the boys from Bishops looked for another way to stay active while motivating and mentoring the younger boys they hoped to play rugby with. That idea became the VUSA Cycle Challenge. What began with Bishops boys, the Bishops community and VUSA staff has since expanded into an event that is open to anyone who wants to participate.

The challenge involves teams cycling for 24 hours while raising funds for VUSA. But the event is not only about cycling.According to Mzukwa, participants and supporters can expect live music, prizes and a range of activities throughout the event, making it both a fundraising initiative and a community gathering. While the challenge raises funds to support VUSA's broader work, this year's fundraising has a particularly important target: improving the organisation's kitchen.

Mzukwa said the VUSA kitchen currently provides hot meals to approximately 170 children every day.

 “The Vusa kitchen that feeds 170 kids every day,” he said, explaining that the goal of the 24-Hour Challenge is to raise enough funds to renovate the kitchen and make it more efficient. The fundraising target highlights an aspect of community development that can sometimes be overlooked. For children to learn, participate in sport and benefit from educational programmes, their basic needs also have to be considered. The kitchen therefore forms an important part of the wider support system VUSA provides.

Mzukwa stressed that supporting VUSA does not necessarily mean getting on a bicycle. Community members can volunteer, donate, attend the event, cheer on participants or simply spread awareness about the initiative.“You can support in any way,” he said. For VUSA, every form of support contributes to creating opportunities for children in the community. Mzukwa's message is ultimately about equality and creating opportunities for children who may not always have access to the same resources.

“We have an opportunity to change a Black child's future. We have an opportunity to give equal opportunities to our Black child,”

He connected this goal to the inequalities created by South Africa's past, adding: “It's a new dawn. Let's do new things.”The VUSA 24-Hour Cycle Challenge shows how sport can become much more than competition. A bicycle ride that began during a period of uncertainty has developed into an annual fundraising event supporting an organisation whose work stretches from early childhood development and education to rugby, technology, art, mentorship and community support. For the riders, the challenge may last 24 hours. For the children benefiting from VUSA's programmes, however, the impact is intended to last much longer.

For anyone who is interested in donating, supporting or partnering with VUSA to help out, you can reach out to them through their website; Vusa Rugby and Learning Academy.

Written By Unathi Ngomana