From working the grounds at a school to running the IT department… this is Sibusiso Buthulezi’s amazing story and why this initiative is so important!
Sibusiso Buthulezi, originally a member of the ground staff at St John’s College, was spotted for his forward-thinking potential and placed in the printing department of the school where he quickly rose up in the ranks, eventually becoming an integral part of the College’s IT department. From a humble background in Soweto, he has credited his success to having access to books and being literate in a country where not being able to read remains a huge problem in our communities – and that is where the #Cycle4Change initiative was born.
The initiative was started three years ago by motivational speaker, mentor and entrepreneur Lindsay Van Der Byl, alongside Sibusiso.
The cycle has seen its fair share of challenges over the past two years with just two cyclists endeavouring to take on the grueling 10-day ride this year in the hopes of raising one book per kilometre cycled.
A social enterprise that works hand in hand with various non-profit and non-governmental organisations, communities and schools, #Cycle4Change is primarily a reading awareness campaign that aims to promote the love of reading and books in South African communities.
“Literacy is a serious problem in our country and the initiative encourages everyone to get involved by partaking in the #DonateABook campaign which is the subsequent campaign that completes the #Cycle4Change each year. #DonateABook is a call to citizens, community organisations and corporates to donate books that in turn get donated to rural communities in the different provinces of South Africa.”
Books on leadership, entrepreneurship, technology, success, biographies and autobiographies are most sought after, as well as books for children. Ultimately the main objective of #Cycle4Change is to assist with the creation of a library or reading centre in each of the nine provinces of South Africa – and both Sibusiso and Lindsay are more than up for the challenge this year.
The cycle begins on the 10th August at the Union Buildings in Pretoria and will end 10 days later on the 20th August at the Parliament Buildings in Cape Town. Community workshops and talks have also been scheduled in between riding days.
Last year the cyclists received no additional help and the riders slept in police stations, had very little sustenance and had no protection on the road. This year St John’s College is making sure the riders are taken care of with proper meals and accommodation and are sending a backup vehicle to drive alongside them for protection.
“Reading at St John’s is probably the most important aspect to the boys’ education so we are delighted to be supporting this initiative. Right from Grade 0 our boys adopt an adapted version of the Dr Seuss saying: “Read, the more you read, the more you know, the more you know, the more you grow!”’ says Mr Patrick Lees, Headmaster at St John’s Prep. “Everyone should read and once you’re hooked, you’re hooked for life!”
Sibusiso is thrilled to be taking part again this year. “This year’s cycle is looking much better as we have St John’s helping us with meals, accommodation and an escort car. As long as the weather favours us, we will have a much better ride. When we come back we will distribute the books to schools in Alexandria, Kwazulu Natal and Venda. We are really excited to head off this year”, he states.
It is heartening to see young members of society being proactive in causes that can change the face of communities moving forward, especially when there is no personal gain. Sibusiso and Lindsay are perfect examples of young leaders that have identified a need for improvement and are taking it upon themselves to be the change they want to see.
St John’s College wishes them well on the journey.
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