Kumba Iron Ore hosted the 2014 Kumba Iron Ore Cycling Challenge, which took centre stage of the province's sporting and event calendar from 20 & 21 September 2014 in Kathu. This is for the 7th year Kumba is hosting this event, however the first one of this nature - partnering with 25 schools & churches and 12 sponsoring partners to create a huge family festival. This year we have broader community involvement with many fun activities and entertainment for the whole family. It was a remarkable event with international renowned artists, Mango Groove, as main entertainment. It provided families from across the Northern Cape the opportunity to take part in fun activities, creating a sense of unity among people. The Anglo American business unit committed R2 million towards this exciting initiative.

The cycling challenge was divided into two races, namely the Kumba Mountain Bike Challenge and the Kumba Classic Cycle Race, which is a National Classic and a Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycle Tour seeding event. Both races started and finished at the Kathu Rugby Stadium. The Kumba Mountain Bike Challenge was a new addition to this year's event and saw participants cycling through a nature reserve that boasts the largest collection of camel thorn trees in the world.

For the Saturday's road race the winner of the gruelling 105km men's race was Simphiwe Mhlakaza, who beat NicoThiart and Shaun-Nick Bester who came in second and third respectively. The women's race again saw Anriëtte Schoeman in front to claim first prize in the 105km followed shortly by Sanet Coetzee and Lantie Gricius. First place for the men's 50km race went to Rinaldo Kruger with the 50km women's race gold going to Heliette Lategan. The overall team winner was Team Westvaal BMC.

For the Sunday's mountain bike race the overall winner of the tough 65Km men's race was Bennie Coetzer with George Rautenbach and Jeffry Neetling respectively in third and second place. In the women's category Erna du Toit was overall winner with Heliette Lategan and Danelle Steyn in second and third place.

Although the weekend started out very cold in the traditionally hot Kalahari and soft sand presented some challenges for participants, the prize money was worth it. The total prize money for the Kumba Iron Ore Cycling Challenge was R150 000 and there were also lucky draws to the total value of R60 000.

It is estimated that more than 6000 people attended the festive activities during the weekend. Further to the event five cheques of R50 000 each where handed to five charity organisations as part of the Kumba Laurel award charity donation campaign. The five identified organisations were Kgomotsego Old Age Home, Dimonamone Day Care, Mapepu Pre-School, Boiteko Bagodi Care Centre and Emmanuel Day Care Centre.

Kumba Iron Ore Dux Scholar trophies were handed out to 24 high school in the Kgalagadi circuit, for their top grade 12 academic achievers for this year.

Norman Mbazima, chief executive officer of Kumba Iron Ore said that strategic sport sponsorships in the areas in which it operates are important to the company as it has a direct impact on community development. "We are proud to support the Kumba Cycling Challenge as it not only brings communities and business together, but drives social change and gives us the opportunity to connect with the people of the Northern Cape in particular and South Africa in general. We are proud that this race has become a popular annual calendar event that helps drive domestic sport-tourism to the Northern Cape, which in turn stimulates economic growth and job creation."

As a responsible corporate citizen, Kumba recognises that its social licence to operate depends on fostering and enhancing partnerships with its host communities. It is a relationship that takes full account of the needs, priorities and aspirations of the people.

During 2013, Kumba invested R253.7 million in various CSI projects aimed at leaving a positive legacy, which were delivered in consultation with the relevant communities.



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