MWANZA: THE Vodacom Twende Butiama cycling initiative to celebrate the legacy of Tanzania’s Founding Father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, is seeing growing participation as it journeys through various regions of the country.
With over 1,300 kilometres already covered, the cycling caravan is approaching Mwanza and is expected to arrive today.
Speaking to the ‘Daily News’ yesterday, Twende Butiama Cycling Founder, Gabriel Landa, shared that the caravan has successfully passed through several key regions, including Dar es Salaam, Coast, Dodoma, Singida, Tabora, Kagera and Geita.
“The number of cyclists has increased significantly, with new participants joining us from Dodoma and Nzega. These riders have been inspired by the Vodacom Twende Butiama initiative that pays tribute to Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the Father of the Nation,” Landa said.
He further explained that the initiative is not just about cycling, but about honouring Mwalimu Nyerere’s legacy and tackling major challenges of ignorance, poverty and diseases Nyerere passionately sought to address during his lifetime.
“Cycling was one of the sports Nyerere cherished, and this initiative highlights his commitment to progress through unity and physical activity,” Landa added.
Zuweina Farah, the Vodacom Tanzania Director of External Affairs, noted that yesterday’s caravan had covered 1,346.36 kilometres, with only 499.64 kilometres remaining to complete the journey.
She said that the caravan’s mission includes promoting education and environmental conservation.
“So far, we have donated 700 desks to 11 schools and planted 11,000 trees, with an additional 2,000 trees planted in public spaces in Dodoma,” Farah said.
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She emphasised that all cyclists who began the journey in Dar es Salaam remain safe, with no injuries reported. Riders from nearby regions, such as Dodoma and Nzega have joined the event, boosting the caravan’s numbers.
Farah also mentioned that the initiative has attracted international participants from neighbouring countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Zambia and Malawi. While some international cyclists started the journey in Dar es Salaam, others joined from regions closer to their respective borders.
Looking ahead, the group is expected to attract even more cyclists as it reaches Mwanza and moves towards Butiama, Mwalimu Nyerere’s birthplace, where the journey will
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