Cycling for the TKC

Preparations for the “Cycling for the TKC event”, which is expected to raise awareness of the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC) and market it within the member states and beyond, are at an advanced stage.

Thirty cyclists from Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa are preparing themselves to endure the 1 900km ride from Pretoria to Walvis Bay via Lobatse in Botswana, starting on 15 April and set to conclude on 28 April 28.

The cyclists will stop at several towns and villages along the corridor to engage with the community. Members of cycling clubs along the corridors are encouraged to cycle with the key riders. They can either meet them before they arrive in a settlement or town or ride with them as they leave a settlement or town for a distance. Organisations, companies, and public entities are also invited to participate through sponsorships. The event will be conducted under the theme “Transforming the TKC into an economic corridor”.

The executive director of the Trans Corridor Secretariat, Leslie Mlungisi Mpofu, said that the corridor transverses through some of the low-income communities, and therefore the corridor is expected to inject economic impetus on these communities, thereby creating much-needed jobs, be it informal or formal employment.

“The objectives of the event are to promote spatial development initiatives on the Trans Kalahari Corridor and to create increased awareness and usage of the TKC for both trade and tourism, thereby increasing the volumes on the TKC.”

Mpofu added that it is important to promote sustainable tourism. “Events like this are key to promoting tourism, economic growth, the environment, and conservation.

“By showcasing the scenic beauty and cultural richness of the corridor, the event will foster a deeper appreciation of the unique regions the corridor passes through.”

Other objectives of the event include obtaining Member State commitment to economic development through spatial development initiatives along the TKC, promoting road safety on the TKC in line with the UN Second Decade of Action for Road Safety as well as the African Union Road Safety Charter, and creating hype for the commemoration of the 20-year anniversary.

A pledge to be signed by the ministers responsible for transport on behalf of their citizens to promote spatial development initiatives and commit to the development of the TKC will be handed over to the ministers for signature by the cyclists at Pretoria, Lobatse, and Walvis Bay, respectively.

Safety measures and protocols will be implemented to ensure the well-being and safety of all participants, and these will include, but not be limited to, police escorts, medical support, route supervision, and support. Measures have also been taken to ensure that the ride is memorable and enjoyable for all participants.

The Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat (TKCS) is a secretariat of the Trans Kalahari Corridor Management Committee (TKCMC), a corridor management institution (CMI) that was established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.

The TKCS coordinates the implementation of the TKCMC trade and transport facilitation work programme. The CMI is also mandated to promote the Trans Kalahari Corridor, which stretches about 1 900 km from Gauteng, South Africa, across Botswana, and ends at Walvis Bay, Namibia.