PLATINUM mining giant, Zimplats, has reaffirmed its support for the Nedbank Tour de Great Dyke charitable cycling event, a partnership that spans seven years since its inception.
At the official flag-off ceremony held at Zimplats’ Processing Division, Selous Metallurgical Complex, Senior General Manager (Processing) Louis Mabiza underscored the company’s motivation for backing the event.
“It is now a tradition that around this time of the year, we take time off our busy schedules to see off the field of cyclists registered to participate in this event,” he said.
“Zimplats has been a consistent partner of this event since its launch in 2016. Our association with Tour de Great Dyke is not about making numbers; we fully subscribe and relate to the objectives behind this initiative.”
He described the objectives as being to:” raise awareness about the mining companies that operate on the Great Dyke, contributing tangibly to our country’s economy and awareness on the opportunities that exist along the vast geological feature called the Great Dyke,” Mabiza said.
“Heighten public awareness about the need to protect the environment and promote wellness. For us at Zimplats, the Great Dyke is our home. For more than two decades, we have been growing the level of our investments for the benefit of all stakeholders, among them the communities around our operations. It is thus exciting to see more investors such as Karo, Global Resources, Bravura, and Great Dyke Investments, carrying out mining ventures on the Great Dyke.”
Mabiza, who acknowledged the impact his organization has on the environment, commended cycling for championing the fight against climate change.
“Some could probably be wondering why I am making climate change an issue at this cycling event. It is because cycling helps mitigate the effects of climate change,” he added.
“Studies have shown that transportation is responsible for roughly a quarter of humanity’s climate impact, and it is the only sector that is seeing emissions increase-making cycling such an effective tool against climate change. Each journey by bike can reduce your climate impact by 16 %.”
He made reference to the global trends where, in most countries, cycling has evolved from a mere means of transportation to a way of living.
“Cycling has immense health benefits. It’s a means to reduce the risk of sedentary lifestyle diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes,” he said.
“We, at Zimplats, are steadfast in our belief that total wellness is essential for our stakeholders who include our employees and the communities around us to enjoy a healthy life and to be meaningfully productive at work.”
Zimplats fielded a team of cyclists and provided an umbulance for the first lap up to Kwekwe in addition to the venue and eats and refreshments as part of their sponsorship package, which has been running for eight years now. Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland West Marian Chombo was the guest of honour.
Nedbank is the Tour de Great Dyke title sponsor. Apart from Zimplats, the other sponsors and partners of the event are hosts YAFM, AngloAmerican, Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company, Cycling Zimbabwe, Exide Batteries, Schweppes, Cell Insurance, Cellmed Health Medical Fund, and Dendairy. Others include Odyssey Lodge, King Solomon Hotels, Palawani Lakeworld Resort, Gifted Children Foundation, Traffic Safety Council, and Nyaradzo Group.
