29 Oct 2026

The scorching heat has become the biggest enemy for hand cyclists undertaking a 1000 km inclusive cycling journey from Gaborone to Kasane.  Hand cyclist, Thuso Rasetapa, who is leading the team as part of the BIDII YETU 2026 Cycling Challenge, said since they started their journey five days ago, cycling under the blazing sun has been extremely difficult.

Speaking at Tonota Main Kgotla on October 28, on day five, Rasetapa said the other major challenge was shortage as they get dehydrated by the scorching heat. 

“Cycling under intense heat without cooling agents like water and fruits poses a serious challenge for us,” he said. 

Rasetapa, a teacher at one of the primary schools in Tlokweng, however said despite the heat and water challenges, all cyclists are in good condition and appealed to companies and individuals to assist with fruits and water for the remaining nine days of the journey. 

Rasetapa said the cyclists have been receiving good reception and overwhelming welcome in all stop-over villages. 

He explained that the cycling brand name “BIDII YETU” was a Swahili name meaning “Our Hard Work,” or “Our Resilience,” was a cycling challenge for cyclists with disabilities who were determined to prove their capabilities despite having disabilities and prevailing conditions like the current heat wave affecting their journey.

Rasetapa said the main objective of the challenge was to sensitise people about inclusion of people with disabilities in everyday life while using sport.

He said the second objective was to enhance a positive healthy lifestyle amongst people living with disabilities as well as to educate Batswana on the rights of people living with disabilities.

In addition, Rasetapa said the other objective is to encourage elderly people to test for Non-Communicable Diseases.

He said five countries were involved in the challenge being Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and the USA. Rasetapa also disclosed that amongst the cyclists were four women, two from Botswana, one from Zimbabwe while another was from the USA, adding that this was part of women empowerment among people living with disabilities. ENDS