By Princess Eugene Majuru
Across rain-soaked roads, thick mud, scorching heat, violent winds, treacherous mountains and dense rainforests, two Zimbabweans are quietly carving their names into African history. Thando Tshuma and Vusumuzi MC are cycling across Africa, not for fame, not for comfort, but to promote sustainable tourism and showcase the resilience of the African spirit. Their journey is one of courage, discipline, sacrifice and unwavering perseverance.
This is not a glamorous expedition. It is exhausting, physically and mentally draining, and often dangerous. They cycle through dirty, damaged and unfamiliar roads, camp in open and sometimes unknown areas, and endure long days where the body is pushed beyond comfort. Yet, day after day, they keep going. They fall, they rise, they pedal on. That alone makes them exceptional.
As I write this, Thando and Vusimuzi are en route to Nigeria, almost reaching Cameroon, with roughly 399 kilometres to go. Watching their video updates, one cannot miss the visible fatigue in their faces. They are tired. They need proper rest. They need encouragement. And most importantly, they need tangible support.
They are proudly carrying the Zimbabwean flag across borders, representing us with dignity, humility and determination. In many ways, they are unofficial ambassadors of Zimbabwe and of sustainable African tourism. Yet their story has not received the recognition it deserves.
They have around 350,000 followers on Facebook — impressive, yes — but considering the magnitude of what they are achieving, one cannot help but ask: why hasn’t their journey gone viral? Why are there no major awards, no national honours, no widespread media campaigns celebrating them? Had Thando and Vusumuzi been Nigerian or South African, there is little doubt they would have surpassed a million followers by now and attracted corporate sponsorships, documentaries and continental recognition.
We have seen how Themba Gorimbo’s story captured global attention, culminating in international media coverage, including CNN. That moment should have been a mirror for us as Zimbabweans — a reminder of how powerful collective support can be. It should have taught us to recognise greatness while it is still unfolding, not only when the world validates it for us.
It is painful to note that sometimes, should Zimbabweans say or do something that is misunderstood or perceived as negative, the story spreads like wildfire. But when our own are doing something extraordinary, noble and nation-building, silence often follows. This must change.
Support does not only mean commenting “well done” under posts, although that matters. Support means sharing their journey consistently, amplifying their story, contributing financially where possible, connecting them with sponsors, wellness support, media platforms, and institutions that can lighten their burden. It means schools teaching their story, communities celebrating them, and Zimbabweans collectively saying: we see you, we value you, we stand with you.
Let us be honest with ourselves: how many of us would be brave enough to attempt such a journey? How many would leave comfort behind to cycle across an entire continent, facing the unknown every single day? Thando Tshuma and Vusumuzi MC are not just cyclists. They are visionaries. They are endurance athletes. They are storytellers of Africa. They are Zimbabwean heroes.
This article is a call to action. A call to Zimbabweans at home and in the diaspora. A call to corporates, tourism boards, creatives, journalists, and everyday citizens. Let us rally behind our own. Let us follow their journey, share their achievements, and provide meaningful support. Let us ensure that when they finally complete this monumental mission, they do not return to silence, but to a nation that recognises and celebrates them.
Thando and Vusi are holding the Zimbabwean flag high across Africa. The least we can do is hold them high in our hearts, our voices and our actions.
Zimbabwe, the time to support our cycling heroes is now. Click links below to follow their journey
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AFRPzFJhZ/
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AhrVAsPws/
Thando and Vusi
Thando and Vusi
Thando and Vusi
Thando and Vusi
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