Since 2011, Exxaro Resources has been developing youth through its Mountain Biking Academy (MTBA). It is also a Headline Sponsor and Official Development Partner to the Absa Cape Epic.

This event, which takes place in March, is the culmination of year-long training alongside academic development of the youth. The Academy is an act of our purpose of Powering Better Lives for the youth in our country. Sport is a catalyst for change and has the potential to open up social and developmental opportunities.

Our Academy unearths hidden talent among disadvantaged communities by screening, training, and developing ambitious youth to fulfil their dreams and positively impact their communities.

So, we are proud of our female development team, who finished the 2022 Absa Cape Epic and were selected to represent Exxaro at the SPAR Swiss Epic. “Seeing how the sport has transformed over the years fills me with pride, and I am excited to continue to be part of this transformation, says Exxaro Resources CEO, Dr Nombasa Tsengwa.

Not all our riders can become professional cyclists, however admission to the Academy provides members with a myriad of other opportunities for upliftment. Through the Exxaro MTB Academy, and in addition to the cycling support, riders are also given access to an individual development and sees Exxaro sponsor their tertiary studies.

Since 2019 the Exxaro jersey offers riders under the age of 26 from historically disadvantaged communities, the opportunity to win a full bursary for two learners to a Curro school covering their education from Grade 1 to Grade 12, or access to Higher Education Distance Learning programs at Stadio. These prizes are undoubtedly truly life-changing for the recipients.

These are just some of the ways we continue to power possibilities for the youth, females, and the communities we operate in.

Good luck to all the teams taking on The Untamed African MTB Race!

CEO Exxaro

Dr Nombasa Tsengwa