Sarah Van Heerden is braving overflowing rivers and rugged terrain on her bike across South Africa, where every pedal and drop of sweat is powered by one goal: to sterilise as many brown dogs as possible and change lives forever.
South Africa (20 April 2026) – While ‘brown dogs’ may not always be the first to be chosen, they are full of love, loyalty, and beautiful souls! Driven by her empathy and compassion for these often overlooked dogs, Kloof & Highway SPCA’s Operations Manager, Sarah Van Heerden, is currently tackling the Ride Across South Africa – a 2,000km unsupported cycle race from KwaZulu-Natal to the Western Cape.
Sarah isn’t just testing her limits; she’s rallying support for the SPCA’s 2026 commitment to sterilise as many brown dogs as possible.
Through this gruelling cycle tour that is taking her through some of the most remote, rugged and breathtaking parts of the country, Sarah is rallying support and raising funds for brown dogs in hopes that more of them might get the chance to find the loving homes they deserve.
On Day 5, 663.9 km into her quest, she battled through stormy floods after passing James Calata.
Her spirits are high, her legs are turning, and her heart is firmly focused on the animals who need the SPCA most! Every single pedal, every river crossed, and every drop of sweat is powered by one goal: Sterilising as many brown dogs as possible and changing lives forever.
Sarah’s message while on the road is simple but powerful:
“Help our Kloof & Highway SPCA help the animals who are overlooked, forgotten or discarded because they don’t look ‘special’ – the brown dogs.”
She rides for the unseen. For dogs like Joey, who were once ‘just another brown dog’, are now loved and safe.
Her SPCA team is rooting for her and grateful to Sarah for her compassion and willingness to go the extra mile (literally!) for animals who cannot speak for themselves.
You can support Sarah by donating to her cause, tracking her journey live or staying tuned to Kloof & Highway SPCA’s Facebook page.
Sources: Kloof & Highway SPCA
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