A friend on a bicycle
I’ve known Ernest for many years through Audax events which is long distance cycling in South Africa. He is always up for a challenge and has another trick up his sleeve. Together with Marinda they will cycle from JHB to CPT over varied terrain and all for a very worthy cause. TLDR: There is a lot of info below, be this is what you need to know:
- Team Ernest Stipp & Marinda Pretorius
- Cycling 1000 miles from JHB to CPT
- From 22 March to 2 April 2024
- Aiming for 250km/day
- Looking to raise R1 million
- For dignity for girls at the Guild Cottage
- To care for survivors of sexual assault
- Trackers sponsored by Sat4Rent
- Follow and join their Whatsapp group
A picture is worth 1000 words
And a video even more:
Who is Marinda Pretorius?
Marinda (a CFP and many other acronyms)‘s journey from her roots in Evander, Mpumalanga, to her current base in Pretoria is marked by her resilience and adaptability, as evidenced by her numerous relocations during her school years. Despite the challenges of frequent moves, she has pursued her passion for triathlons since 2020, demonstrating her determination and commitment to personal fitness and achievement.
In her professional life, Marinda has chosen to pursue a career in financial planning, specializing in holistic approaches to help individuals secure a prosperous retirement. Working at Robson Savage, she brings her expertise to bear in providing comprehensive financial strategies that encompass planning and tax efficiency. Marinda’s dedication to her clients’ financial well-being reflects her commitment to helping others achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Marinda continues to pursue her passion for triathlons, showcasing her ability to balance personal interests with her career responsibilities. Her multifaceted life demonstrates her capacity to excel in both physical and intellectual pursuits, making her a role model for those striving to achieve balance and success in various aspects of life.
Who is Ernest Stipp?
Ernest’s (check out his photos right here) journey from the Cape Flats in Ottery, Cape Peninsula, to Johannesburg/Pretoria reflects his determination to pursue his passions and aspirations. Despite humble beginnings, he has emerged as an enthusiastic and enduring cyclist, demonstrating his resilience and love for physical challenges.
In 1992, Ernest made the significant move to Johannesburg/Pretoria, signaling his readiness to embrace new opportunities and experiences. There, he has dedicated himself to a career in IT, focusing on support infrastructure. His specialization in this field underscores his technical proficiency and problem-solving skills, as he works to ensure the smooth operation of digital systems and networks.
Ernest’s commitment to cycling mirrors his approach to his professional endeavors: he tackles challenges head-on, persevering through obstacles to achieve his goals. His background and experiences have instilled in him a sense of grit and determination, qualities that serve him well both on the road and in the dynamic world of IT.
As he continues to pedal towards his personal and professional objectives, Ernest serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the power of passion, perseverance, and adaptability in pursuing one’s dreams.
Cycling 1000 miles at 250km/day
Marinda and Ernest’s journey from challenging childhoods to successful adulthood has instilled in them a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to make a positive impact on the world around them. Their upcoming cycling endeavor, covering 1,000 miles to raise funds against child abuse, exemplifies their commitment to supporting those who have endured similar hardships.
Their chosen cause, supporting the recovery and well-being of the girls at Guild Cottage, speaks to their empathy and dedication to helping others overcome the trauma of sexual abuse. By aligning their passion for cycling with a noble cause, Marinda and Ernest aim to not only raise funds but also raise awareness about the issue of child abuse and the importance of providing support and care for survivors.
The Guild Cottage, with its mission to provide a safe and nurturing environment for girls who have experienced sexual abuse, is a fitting beneficiary of their efforts. Through their fundraising campaign, Marinda and Ernest hope to contribute to the ongoing work of this registered non-profit organization in Parktown, Johannesburg, ensuring that the girls receive the support and resources they need to heal and thrive.
Their initiative embodies the power of individuals coming together to create positive change, and serves as an inspiration to others to turn their personal challenges into opportunities for meaningful action and impact. As they embark on their cycling journey, Marinda and Ernest carry with them the hope of a brighter future for the girls of Guild Cottage and all survivors of child abuse.
Why for the Guild Cottage?
The Guild Cottage plays a critical role in providing specialized care for survivors of sexual assault in South Africa. As the only residential treatment center of its kind in the country, Guild Cottage’s mission to restore the dignity of young girls and provide a safe, nurturing environment is both admirable and crucial.
The fact that these girls have been removed from abusive families underscores the urgency of their need for rehabilitation, education, and basic necessities. Guild Cottage’s dedication to addressing these needs in a holistic manner, focusing on both mental and physical well-being, is commendable.
By offering a home-style environment, Guild Cottage aims to create a sense of belonging and security for these girls, many of whom have experienced unimaginable trauma. The organization’s status as a registered Child and Youth Care Centre further emphasizes its commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of vulnerable children.
Marinda and Ernest’s decision to support Guild Cottage through their cycling fundraiser takes on even greater significance in light of this information. Their efforts will not only help raise much-needed funds but also shine a spotlight on the vital work being done by organizations like Guild Cottage to support and empower survivors of sexual assault.
As Marinda and Ernest embark on their journey to cycle 1,000 miles against child abuse, they carry with them the hope of providing tangible support to the girls of Guild Cottage and contributing to their healing and rehabilitation. Their dedication to this cause serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity for all those who have been impacted by child abuse in South Africa.
Route from JHB-2-Blouberg
Marinda and Ernest’s ambitious cycling expedition from Johannesburg, Gauteng to Blouberg, Western Cape, covering a distance of 1,000 miles, promises to be a challenging yet rewarding journey through some of South Africa’s most diverse landscapes. Their route will take them through the rugged terrain of the Tankwa Karoo, adding an extra element of adventure to their endeavor.
Cycling approximately 250 kilometers per day, the duo will need to maintain a steady pace and stay focused on their goal, especially considering the lack of support along the way. Navigating through varying weather conditions and terrains, including mountainous regions and potentially unpredictable elements of the Karoo, will require careful planning and preparation.
The Tankwa Karoo, with its arid landscapes and breathtaking vistas, will provide a stunning backdrop for their journey. However, it will also present its own set of challenges, including rough terrain, limited amenities, and the need for self-sufficiency.
The estimated timeframe of 7-10 days to complete the journey accounts for potential delays due to weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances. Flexibility will be key as they adapt to theconditions they encounter along the way, adjusting their pace and route as needed to ensure their safety and well-being.
Despite the demanding nature of their adventure, Marinda and Ernest’s shared passion for cycling and their dedication to their cause will undoubtedly fuel their determination to reach their destination. Their journey serves as a testament to the spirit of endurance, resilience, and camaraderie, inspiring others to push their own boundaries and pursue their dreams.
Chip in on Backabuddy
Please support us to raise funds for Guild Cottage by contributing towards the cause. When donating funds, ensure you add your name/company in the “Public name” box, otherwise, your donation will reflect as “anonymous”. A Section 18A tax deduction certificate can be obtained from Guild Cottage after your donation was received. Share the initiative on your social media to help us raise awareness and funds.
Reach out to friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances to solicit donations and support the cause. By harnessing the collective efforts of your network and community, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of survivors of sexual assault and support the invaluable work of Guild Cottage.
Join their WhatsApp group
Join their WhatsApp group and Follow them as they start at the Vaal and travel along Wolwehoek, Koppies, Edenville, Steynsrus, Ventersburg, Aldam, Winburg, Verkeerdevlei, BFN, Edenburg, Trompsburg, Sprigfontein, Gariep, Colesberg, Hanover, Wortelfontein, Richmond, Victoria Wes, Loxton, Fraserburg, Sutherland, Da Doer, Tankwa padstal, Ceres, Wolseley, Gouda, Riebeek, Malmesbury, Melkbos and finishing in Blouberg. Well done!
Track their dots!
Shana Coetzee from Sat4Rent kindly assisted with their GPS devices so you can follow their progress live via satellite navigation and see how their dots progress on the map all the way from the start in JHB to the finish by the ocean down here in CPT. I certainly can’t wait to see how they do. Join me.
