Orange Farm, 22 September 2025 – The annual Spirit of Belron Challenge (SOBC) has once again united people from across the world to walk, run, cycle, or wheelchair in support of Afrika Tikkun. At the heart of this global effort is a longstanding partnership between Belron® and Afrika Tikkun — a relationship built over more than two decades, rooted in a shared commitment to transforming the lives of young people in South Africa’s most disadvantaged communities.
While Belron’s staff, partners, families, and friends take part internationally, Afrika Tikkun’s Centres of Excellence also join in, standing in solidarity with Belron and its partners. The SOBC is a ten-day event, running from 11 to 20 September, that raises vital funds for Afrika Tikkun’s work in education, skills development, and creating opportunities for young people. For the centres, it has also become a fun and spirited local competition, with each one pushing to out-walk, out-run, or out-cycle the others. This friendly rivalry builds teamwork, determination, and pride, while reminding everyone that each effort contributes to one shared purpose: transforming young lives from cradle to career.
This year, the excitement stretches beyond South Africa as four young people from Afrika Tikkun were chosen to represent the organisation at the final SOBC day in London. The closing event takes place at Dorney Lake, where international participants gather to complete the last leg of the challenge. Flying the flag for Afrika Tikkun are Itumeleng Lebese (23) and Clement Racheku (26) from Diepsloot, and Indipile Sotomela (27) and Ntsikelelo Mkoko (30) from Mfuleni, Cape Town.
For these young leaders, participation is not just about sport, but about representing the spirit of their communities on a global stage. Their journey reflects what is possible when unity, resilience, and opportunity come together.
Manny Mhlanga, Acting Chief Operations Officer at Afrika Tikkun, who is also in London with the young people, shared his pride: “To see our young people not only take part in the challenge at home, but also represent Afrika Tikkun on an international stage is truly inspiring. They carry with them the hopes of their communities, and their presence here in London shows that with opportunity and support, our youth can go anywhere.”
The Spirit of Belron Challenge is more than a sporting event; it is a powerful demonstration of partnership, community, and shared purpose – proving what can be achieved when people across the world come together to build brighter futures.
