Pedalling for Potential: Help Bright Minds from the Eastern Cape Shine!

I’m Karien Botha, a proud alumna of Stellenbosch University, nestled among the vineyards of the Cape Winelands in the picturesque town of Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Yes, the wine is as good as you’ve heard.) On Sunday, 14 September 2025, I’ll be trading my usual leisurely wine-tasting pace for a bike saddle, cycling alongside fellow alumni and friends to raise funds for a cause close to my heart. Now, let me brag for a moment: Stellenbosch University ranks in the top 1% of universities worldwide and boasts the highest graduation success rate in South Africa. In a country where the unemployment rate hovers around 35%, graduating from Stellenbosch isn’t just about the degree – it’s a golden ticket to opportunity. But here’s the rub: for many talented students from the rural Eastern Cape, the dream of studying at Stellenbosch is overshadowed by the high cost of being far from home. That’s where the Stutterheim High School STEM Fund comes in. Originally established to support aspiring female scientists and engineers from Stutterheim High School, it’s grown to help bright young women from rural areas across the Eastern Cape pursue STEM degrees at Stellenbosch. This fund isn't just covering tuition – it removes the financial burden from the student allowing them to thrive both academically and in future careers. It’s already changed lives, like helping a final-year Science student from Qonce (formerly King William’s Town) settle her remaining student debt and step confidently into her future. So, why am I cycling from London to Brighton? Because I believe in these incredible young women and their potential to change the world. The Eastern Cape is brimming with talent, and with a little financial help, these students can break barriers and excel in fields like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. My fundraising target is £500, but I would absolutely love to smash that and raise £1,000 or more! Every pound makes a difference and could be the nudge that propels a bright mind toward a brighter future – and who knows, maybe even a Nobel Prize! (Update 29 April 2025 - within 24 hours after my initial outreach to friends and family, 90% of my target was reached - I am thus challenging myself and my network to help me reach the £1000 target!) Let’s get pedalling for progress. Together, we can turn dreams into degrees and potential into impact. Will you help me make this happen? 🚴‍♀️