Pedalling for Potential: Helping Maties Cross the Finish Line – On and Off the Bike!

My name is Lani Swart, and I’m proud to be an alumna of Stellenbosch University, nestled among the breathtaking vineyards of the Cape Winelands in Stellenbosch, South Africa. On Sunday, 14 September 2025, I’ll be donning my Maties colours and leading the charge – or perhaps more accurately, the slow but determined pedal – in the London to Brighton Cycle Ride. This is my fourth time leading the Maties L2B Cycle Team, and while I’m honoured, it also means I feel the responsibility to lead both on and off the bicycle. As team leader, I’ve set my personal fundraising target at £1,000 because if I’m going to inspire the team, I’d better start by inspiring the donations! Speaking of challenges, every year, Ditchling Beacon looms ahead like a cruel joke on cyclists. It’s the kind of hill that makes you reconsider your hobbies, your life choices, and occasionally your friendships. But somehow, we Maties manage to conquer it every time – with burning legs, lots of camaraderie, and a bit of muttering under our breath. Stellenbosch University is ranked among the top 1% of universities globally and boasts the highest graduation rate in South Africa. For students who attend, it’s not just an education – it’s a powerful step toward a brighter future in a country where unemployment hovers around 35%. However, many graduates face a significant hurdle. Over 500 students are leaving the university burdened with a combined unsecured student debt exceeding R40 million – that’s an average of R80,000 per student. For many who have worked tirelessly to earn professional degrees, this debt becomes a barrier to starting their careers. Instead of a degree and transcript at graduation, they receive an invoice for unpaid fees – a stark reminder of the financial challenges they face. The #GradMe initiative is here to change that. It’s a campaign designed to help as many graduates as possible clear this final obstacle, empowering them to enter South Africa’s workforce and contribute to building our nation. Through the EU-UK Bursary Fund, I’ve committed to raising £1,000 (R23,000) toward this mission. Together, we can ensure these students graduate not just with pride, but with the degrees and transcripts they’ve worked so hard to earn. Your support can truly change lives. With your help, we can ease their burden and give them the opportunity to step into the world ready to make a difference. So, whether you want to cheer me on, chuckle at the thought of me battling Ditchling Beacon, or simply help these students achieve their dreams – please donate today. Every contribution counts, and together, we can pedal towards a brighter future for South Africa.