08 Apr 2024

As the Trans Kalahari Corridor cycling event draws nearer, the cyclists taking part have shared their reasons for joining the 1 900-kilometre race.

Many of the cyclists are driven by a desire to raise awareness about the importance of the corridor, while others have personal motifs for taking part.

Wame Ntwayakgosi, one of the three female cyclists from Botswana, is motivated by a desire to empower women and show that anything is possible, provided there is hard work and determination.

Ntwayakgosi is determined to use the Trans Kalahari Corridor cycling event to show that women are just as capable as men to tackle challenging tasks.

She said in an interview that it was important for her to prove that women could do anything they set their minds to.

“I know it will be tough and I will be in pain, but I am ready to sacrifice for this cause.

I want to show that we are just as strong and capable as men,” said Ntwayakgosi.

Ntwayakgosi, who started cycling three years ago, added that there was a misconception that women were too weak to ride long distances.

“I want to show that women are just as capable of cycling long distances and even beat men at it.

I am well prepared to push through the pain and prove the nay sayers wrong,” she said.

Ntwayakgosi, who learnt of the TKC cycling event on a WhatsApp group last year, said she was worried that there were a few women cyclists, especially on the competitive side.

“I feel motivated to play a role model for mindset change.

My morale is very high for this event, which seems to be enduring,” she added.

“I did that kind of challenge [long distance] cycling 100km in 10 days. I did that on my own to keep active and I managed to cycle from Ramotswa (where I stay), to Kgale in Gaborone, to Mmankgodi and back to Ramotswa,” she added.

She explained that cycling could be a powerful tool for women’s empowerment regardless of their level of fitness as it provided a form of physical activity.

“Secondly, it offers a form of transportation that is affordable, sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Thirdly, it can be a source of independence and freedom, giving women the ability to travel without relying on others,” said Ntwayakgosi.

Finally, she explained that cycling could provide a sense of community and camaraderie, giving women a space to connect with other like-minded individuals.

“In short, cycling can be a powerful tool for empowerment by promoting physical and mental wellness,” she said.

Another cyclist, Vusumuzi Lesetedi has discovered that the more he engages in cycling, the less he smokes.

“I used to be a chain smoker and in 2016 I decided to quit smoking after I realised that consistent cycling or physical activity helped me reduce my smoking episodes.

In fact, I will be using the Trans Kalahari Corridor event as a way to end my smoking habit once and for all.

He said the physical activity and fresh air were helping him to kick the habit.

“It is amazing how better I feel when I cycle instead of smoking,” said Vusumuzi.

I feel more energised and clear-headed, and I don’t have the same cravings for cigarettes that I used to have,” added Lesetedi.

He disclosed that cycling was helping him become a healthier and more productive person, adding that he was planning to make a documentary titled A Big Decision to Quit Smoking.”

“The idea is to put smokers in confinement for about 30 days because the body is a machine and a doctor in itself,” said Lesetedi.

He disclosed that for him, the TKC cycling event would be a training session and not a ride and that he would do his best and achieve his goal of totally quitting smoking. ENDS