UCT DVCs cycle for a cause

Iconic endurance events have been used as platforms by universities’ alumni, staff, and students for fundraising, team building, and reconnecting opportunities. The Cape Town Cycle Tour is one such event, a test of endurance and a personal milestone in one of the world’s most scenic cities. The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Professor Jeff Murugan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC): Research and Internationalisation; and Professor Brandon Collier-Reed, DVC: Teaching and Learning, saw the opportunity to use this year’s event to raise funds to help students struggling with tuition fee debt.

Through their participation, they championed the “Unlocking Futures Bursaries” initiative, a campaign dedicated to alleviating the financial burden of students who are unable to graduate due to outstanding debt.

For Professor Murugan, a seasoned cyclist who has participated in the Cape Town Cycle Tour every year for nearly a decade, the idea of using the event as a fundraising platform was inspired by a previous experience riding for charity.

“I have been riding the Cape Town Cycle Tour for nine years. I didn’t finish my first one, so this was officially my eighth tour,” Murugan said. “A few years ago, I rode for a charity, and I realised that this event could be a powerful way to mobilise support for a cause. I thought it would add impetus to our effort if more of the executive would join, and managed to convince Professor Collier-Reed, which wasn’t hard to do.”

The decision for Professor Collier-Reed to participate was sparked by seeing Murugan’s video announcing his ride and the “Unlocking Futures Bursaries” campaign.

“I had last participated in the Cape Town Cycle Tour 20 years ago and was inspired to join him in the event,” Collier-Reed explained. “As a member of the UCT executive, I have seen up close the financial challenges faced by many of our academically successful students. This initiative was a way for me to contribute to helping relieve some of this fee debt and enable students to continue their studies.” 

Pedalling and persisting for a cause

The funds raised through this initiative directly support students who, despite excelling academically, find themselves unable to graduate due to accumulated debt.

“Last year, we raised about R40 000, and I’m hoping that this year we will do much better,” said Murugan. “Given the longer campaign and increased participation, we are optimistic about the impact we can make.”

The exact amount raised from this year’s race is still being finalised, as contributions are still pouring in.

The training and preparation

Balancing the demands of executive leadership at UCT with training for a gruelling cycling race is no small feat. While a dedicated cyclist, Murugan has a structured training routine to balance his commitments as a UCT executive and the discipline of sticking to a training regime.

While Murugan tackled the full 109 km course, Collier-Reed, on the other hand, took a more practical approach. A daily commuter cyclist, he relied on his routine of riding to and from work as his preparation.

“I chose to ride the shorter 42 km route, which meant that I could enjoy the cycle the whole way.”

“I usually do one short training session during the week – usually in the late afternoon – and a long ride on Sunday morning, which is typically between 80 km and 110 km, starting at 06:00,” Murugan said.

Collier-Reed continued: “I ride to work at UCT every day, and that was my training! I chose to ride the shorter 42 km route, which meant that I could enjoy the cycle the whole way.”

An unforgettable experience

Both UCT executives described the race day as exhilarating, filled with memorable moments and an overwhelming sense of community support.

“Last year, we raised about R40 000, and I’m hoping that this year we will do much better.”

“After a disappointing ride last year, where I struggled with cramps from Scarborough through to the finish, I planned this year’s ride down to the minute. I finished in just under four hours – literally – so I am very pleased,” a chuffed Murugan said.

“The start of the race was exhilarating. Thousands of people gathered together with a common purpose,” Collier-Reed said. “Riding out of the city centre and onto Nelson Mandela Boulevard on wide open roads was a special experience.

“There were so many people along the way cheering on the cyclists. I saw a few UCT-branded supporters clustered along the M3 at the UCT campus making a noise as we rode past. Towards the end of the Blue Route, there was a very festive atmosphere with music playing and crowds cheering, which was very welcome at that stage.”

Murugan echoed this sentiment, emphasising how special the crowd support was.

“The atmosphere in the Cape Town Cycle Tour is always amazing,” he said. “If ever you have any doubt about how wonderful the people of Cape Town are, just give it a try. People from all walks of lifeline the streets for nearly every meter of the 109 km route.”

Looking ahead: A growing UCT tradition?

Both professors agree that this initiative should not be a once-off event but rather a growing tradition at UCT.

“I hope that it sends the message that the executive cares deeply about this cause and that UCT is more than a university – it is a community,” said Murugan. “Like a community, we can work together to take care of our own.”

Collier-Reed added that he would “absolutely” participate again next year. “With the option of the 42 km distance, more part-time cyclists can participate as well,” he said. “Let’s make this an annual event for our UCT community.”

Murugan is also keen to see even greater participation in the future. “I would love to see more UCT staff and students participating but also cheering on participants in the future,” he said.