Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere in Kwekwe
THE Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s most anticipated sporting events, blending endurance, unity, and compassion into a powerful celebration of sport and community.
That was the message from Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland West, Marian Chombo, as she flagged off cyclists participating in the eighth edition of the annual event during a colourful ceremony held at Zimplats yesterday. “It brings together cyclists from across the nation and beyond, uniting them in purpose and passion,” said Minister Chombo. “
Allow me to express my heartfelt appreciation to the organisers, sponsors, and volunteers whose dedication and teamwork have made this event possible. To our title sponsor, Nedbank, and all supporting partners, your investment in sport and community empowerment continues to make a lasting difference.”
She said the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke was more than just a cycling challenge, describing it as “a journey of discovery.”
“As cyclists ride across the breathtaking landscapes of Mashonaland West, from the rolling hills of Selous through the heart of the Great Dyke, they not only showcase their athletic prowess but also highlight the beauty, culture, and economic promise of our province,” she said.
This year’s edition runs under the theme “Riding for Wellness, Opportunity and Charity.”
“The theme captures what this tour truly represents,” said the Minister. “Riding for Opportunity reminds us that sport can open doors, promote tourism, empower local businesses, and create employment in our communities.
Riding for Wellness underscores the importance of healthy living and active lifestyles, particularly when our youth face growing challenges such as drug and substance abuse.
“Riding for Charity reflects the heart of this tour, supporting the Gifted Children Foundation, which provides educational assistance to bright but underprivileged learners. Each pedal stroke made today contributes to changing a young life.”
The event, which started yesterday, will end in Zvishavane on Saturday. It has attracted both social and elite cyclists, testing their endurance across a course that mirrors Zimbabwe’s natural and economic heartbeat.
Unlike a typical race, the Tour de Great Dyke promotes togetherness, wellness, and appreciation of the country’s mineral rich landscape. The route follows the Great Dyke, a 550 kilometre geological belt that supports hundreds of thousands of livelihoods and forms the backbone of Zimbabwe’s mining economy. It passes through Chegutu, Kadoma, Kwekwe, Gweru, and Shurugwi, among other towns.
Tour founder Munyaradzi Hwengwere said he was impressed by the growing participation. “This is just pleasing; we are really happy with the turnout. We are looking forward to another successful tour with a mixture of young and old cyclists,” he said.
Event organiser and Paralympian Elliot Mujaji said the opening day went smoothly, with cyclists arriving in Kwekwe just before 4pm after stopovers in Chegutu and Kadoma, where cheering schoolchildren lined the route.
The cyclists spent the night in Kwekwe and were expected to leave early this morning for Unki Mine, their next stopover, before completing the final stretch to Zvishavane on Saturday. The event will conclude with an elite 80km race.
