Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu in Botswana
A Zimbabwean cycling couple will take a break in Botswana’s capital city Gaborone, ahead of their 10,000 km cycling journey to the heart of Nigeria, Lagos city.
Thando Tshuma and Vusumuzi Mnkandla are on their second cycling trip, which started on 10 July 2025 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. This time, their journey will extend to Lagos, Nigeria, passing through nine African countries. From Botswana, they will cycle through Namibia, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Gabon, Cameroon, and finally Nigeria.
They have already passed through Zambia and it is in Botswana where the couple met their new Manager, Mr Kitso Motshidisi. They met Mr Motshidisi in Nata where the couple proposed to him to be their manager.
“I agreed to be their manager because I realised what they are doing… we do similar things. They do it in Zimbabwe, I do it here in Botswana, so we are connected,” said Mr Motshidisi.
He collaborated with various stakeholders in Botswana, including the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO), Sibanye (a cultural organisation based in Gaborone to revive and embrace the Ndebele culture while promoting arts and social activities within the community) and the Zimbabweans based in Botswana. They together organised an event to welcome the duo on Saturday, 9 August 2025.
The welcome of the duo led to a fundraising event on the following day were Sibanye organisation and other Zimbabweans teamed up to activities that will raise money for the couple to cover expenses ahead of their next trip that is Namibia going onwards.
The couple’s first major cycling adventure began on April 10, 2024, when they started a trip from Johannesburg, South Africa, to Kenya. During this journey, they achieved a remarkable record by completing such a long-distance trip, covering over 9, 300 kilometers in seven months across 11 countries.
Coming from the roots of Nkayi village where Thando was born and Vusumuzi from Gokwe area, the couple explained that through their cycling journeys they have gained a wealth of experience, including resilience and endurance.
Adding that they have overcome physical exhaustion, dangerous encounters, and extreme weather conditions, including intense heat and rain.
“We have noted a new perspective on Africa. We have learned that Africa is one continent, with people who have a lot in common despite being divided by borders and languages,” said Thando.
Vusumuzi added that they have met countless friendly locals and have been welcomed by communities across the continent.
“We have experienced the power of human connection. As we travel, we are learning different languages, and we have discovered that communities take great pride when they hear you speaking their language. Even basic attempts are deeply appreciated. Fluency isn’t required to touch hearts,” said Vusumuzi.
The duo explained that the difficult terrain and challenging conditions they have come across has strengthened their relationship bond as a couple.
Their cycling vlogs highlight a sustainable way to travel and experience the continent, raising awareness about Africa’s beauty, culture and also promoting sustainable tourism.
