18-year-old Andru Van Zyl chose to spend his December break conquering the open road on his father’s mountain bike, cycling from Polokwane and is expected to reach Cape Town tomorrow with a half-million rand gift for children battling cancer!
South Africa (21 January 2026) – Covering the distance from Polokwane to Cape Town on a bike is a gruelling feat for any cyclist, but 18-year-old Andru Van Zyl has taken it on with a smile and a determined spirit. For him, the journey hasn’t been motivated by a personal fitness milestone, but by supporting children and teenagers facing cancer and life-threatening blood disorders.
Inspired by a close friend’s battle with the disease during his time as Head Boy at Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies), Andru decided to dedicate his matric holiday to fundraising through The Cows, amplifying CHOC’s message of collective care and compassion.
The Cows brings together individuals who use personal lifestyle challenges to raise funds and awareness for supporting CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, turning passion, movement, and commitment into meaningful support for families navigating childhood cancer.
Andru’s more than 2,500km ride forms part of this broader mission.
Travelling on his father’s mountain bike and carrying his own essentials, Andru has pedalled through back roads and long stretches of highway. Along the way, he’s been supported by communities, cyclists, and local businesses, reflecting the shared spirit that underpins both The Cows and CHOC.
Andru’s campaign has raised more than R550,000 to date – with every contribution, regardless of size, playing a role in enabling CHOC to continue providing practical, emotional, and educational support to families during treatment. This includes assistance with accommodation near hospitals, food support, psychosocial services, and nutritional care.
Fresh from achieving six distinctions in matric and with acceptance to the University of Pretoria Medical School, Andru’s journey stands as a powerful example of how young people can channel empathy into action within a wider movement of support.
Andru is expected to arrive in Cape Town on Thursday, 22 January at midday, with members of the public invited to welcome him at Mandela Glasses, Sea Point Promenade.
Sources: CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa
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