Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts & Entertainment Hub
THE sun was barely up when two bicycles rolled out of Soweto’s bustling streets in South Africa last April.
Markets were opening, the scent of freshly baked vetkoek hung in the air and curious onlookers paused to watch a man and woman in matching helmets, adjusting straps, checking gears and grinning at each other like the road ahead belonged to them alone.
This was not a casual morning ride. This was the first pedal stroke of a continent-spanning journey, a mission to tell Africa’s story, not through airports and brochures, but through the sweat, dust, laughter, and wonder of cycling every inch of its highways and backroads.
Meet Thando Tshuma, Zimbabwe’s first black female cyclist to take on such a monumental challenge, and her fiancé, Vusumuzi Mnkandla, a musician and producer.
Together, they are “VusuThando”, a couple whose name now stands for love in motion and whose adventure is redefining how the world sees African tourism.
In a world of instant selfies and quick getaways, VusuThando’s romance plays out in the slow rhythm of the road. They ride side-by-side, their wheels humming in sync. Each day brings new weather, new challenges and new stories, stitched into a shared diary of grit and wonder.
Their route began on 10 April 2023, in Soweto, South Africa. From there, they navigated an ambitious first season.
Lesotho’s mountain passes, Mozambique’s coastal humidity, Zimbabwe’s homecoming embrace, Zambia’s great rivers, Malawi’s lakefront villages, Tanzania’s open plains, Rwanda’s green hills and Uganda’s bustling roads, before finally crossing into Kenya on 1 November.
With the first leg complete, they launched into Season 2 earlier this year from their hometown of Victoria Falls. The road now stretches westward and northward: Botswana, Zambia, Angola, Congo, Gabon, Cameroon and finally Nigeria. They are currently soaking in the sights and hospitality of Botswana.
“Our journey is more than a personal challenge. It’s a way to showcase Africa’s beauty, diversity and the incredible hospitality of its people.
We’re cycling to dismantle stereotypes, to share the untold stories and to show that Africa is more than what the headlines sometimes suggest,” Thando said in an interview.
In each country, the couple allows themselves enough time to ride, explore, connect with communities and produce content for their growing audience.
“It’s not just about passing through. We want to really live in each place, understand it and tell its story honestly.”
While every country has offered its own magic, Botswana has earned a special place in her heart.
“Being here feels like a warm embrace. The peace here is something else. You see wildlife crossing the road just metres away, you watch sunsets over endless landscapes and you feel safe.
There’s also a familiarity, the language, the culture, it’s like being close to home, but with new wonders to discover.”
Botswana Tourism has supported their stay, a gesture that makes the couple believe they could one day hold the titles of Zimbabwe Tourism brand ambassadors, or perhaps even African Tourism brand ambassadors.
Zimbabweans living in Botswana have also rallied behind the couple, organising a fundraising event earlier in the week to help sustain their ambitious tour.
Along the winding roads and sun-drenched highways, VusuThando often encounter locals and fellow travellers offering bottles of water, fresh fruit, or a simple word of encouragement.
These small acts of kindness, hands reaching out with cool drinks under the scorching sun, or a shared laugh at a roadside stop, Thando said, become lifelines, reminding them that the journey is not just about endurance, but about connection, generosity, and the shared spirit of adventure.
When asked about the challenges they face, Thando did not sugarcoat the reality.
“The roads change constantly, one moment smooth tarmac, the next, rugged gravel that rattles you to the bones. I’ve had to learn basic bike maintenance, adapt my daily mileage, and trust local advice on safer routes.
“Culturally, I’ve realised a smile and an open mind can take you far. People have given us food, water and shelter without hesitation. That kindness stays with you.”
More than the kilometres, it is the philosophy of the journey that Thando wants to share.
“My biggest message is to travel with an open heart and mind. Don’t be afraid to leave the tourist trail and connect with local communities. That’s where Africa’s magic really is.
And don’t let fear stop you. The risks exist, but the rewards the friendships, the understanding and the memories are far greater.”
Her voice grows more determined when speaking about young women. “I want to inspire them to chase their dreams, no matter how unconventional. Gender, race, background, none of that should hold you back.
I share the tough days as much as the good ones, because courage and resilience come from facing both.”
VusuThando’s journey is only halfway through, but already, they have gathered a lifetime’s worth of stories, of markets where strangers became friends, of border crossings that turned into cultural exchanges, of nights sleeping under star-filled skies.
With each pedal stroke, they are mapping not just a route across Africa, but a narrative of unity, pride and possibility.
Because for Thando and Vusumuzi, love is not just the destination, it is the vehicle, the energy that keeps them going, one dusty mile after another.
And Africa, with all its beauty and complexity, is the open road they intend to keep exploring.
