Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu in Botswana
A famous Zimbabwean cycling couple, Thandolwenkosi Tshuma and Vusumuzi Mnkandla, left Gaborone, Botswana, yesterday, heading west to Namibia after a two-week break of marvellous tours in Botswana.
A day before leaving Botswana, the couple were invited on a tour by Hotel on Wheels, a company based in Botswana that provides hire services for camper vans and luxury cars. They also attended a farewell lunch at the Madesert Lodge in Mmopane village, in the South-East district, with fans from across Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
The Mathlo group hosted the event, and the couple were accommodated at the lodge, where they spent the night before departing for Namibia.
The Mafitlhakgosi Traditional Dance Group created a captivating atmosphere with their thrilling performance. As the group played, the couple cheered the attendees.
Vusumuzi and Thando arrived in Gaborone on 8 August 2025, where they were welcomed by numerous fans and friends. The Botswana Tourism Organization (BTO) catered for the couple’s stay in Gaborone, while Sibanye, a cultural organisation based in Gaborone, along with other individuals, initiated a fundraising event for the duo.
This marked a trip of breakthroughs for the couple, as they met their first manager in Botswana, Mr Kitso Motshidisi. This meeting established them as a professional cycling duo.
A week later, the couple also received a donation of two new bicycles of their choice from the Zimbabwean Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Honourable Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa.
“The Minister purchased these new bicycles for us. We chose the bicycles of our choice—the ones that can sustain our cycling trips. He also bought some other accessories that we need for our adventurous trips. With these types of bicycles we have now, we are guaranteed to ride all the way to Lagos without any need to change tyres or parts. They are a strong type. We thank the Minister for fulfilling his promise,” said Thandolwenkosi.
Vusumuzi added that the new bikes are an upgrade from what they had. He also encouraged the youth to normalise travelling and touring the African continent whilst preserving the environment so that future generations can also enjoy its resources.
“We would love to thank the Batswana; they welcomed us with love. We are now so connected that we call ourselves the ‘ZimBots.’ We really appreciate it,” added Thando.
