Teen cyclist's 2 500 km journey raises awareness for childhood cancer

While many matric graduates spent their holidays resting, 18-year-old Andru Van Zyl chose a far tougher route — cycling more than 2 500km solo from Polokwane to Cape Town to raise funds and awareness for children and teenagers battling cancer and life-threatening blood disorders.

Van Zyl undertook the journey in support of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa through The Cows, an initiative that encourages people to turn personal lifestyle challenges into meaningful support for families affected by childhood cancer.

The ride was inspired by a deeply personal experience. While serving as head boy at Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies), Van Zyl visited a close friend undergoing cancer treatment — an encounter that left a lasting impression.

Witnessing not only the suffering of young patients, but also the emotional strain on their families, prompted him to dedicate his matric holiday to fundraising for CHOC, an organisation that has supported families affected by childhood cancer for more than four decades.

Using his father’s mountain bike and carrying all his own essentials, Van Zyl travelled back roads and long stretches of highway, often cycling alone for hours. Along the way, he drew widespread support from communities, cycling groups, guest houses and local businesses inspired by his determination and quiet leadership.

The campaign has raised more than R400 000 towards a R500 000 target, with sponsors including SA Oil Solutions, The Munga and Fuel Lab. Funds raised go towards CHOC Cows, a programme providing monthly food parcels and nutritional support to families during childhood cancer treatment.

Van Zyl’s parents, Anerett and Smit Van Zyl, said the journey reflected both physical endurance and deep compassion.

“As parents, we are incredibly proud of Andru — not only for the physical perseverance this journey demands, but for the emotional maturity and compassion it reflects,” they said.

“He has always shown remarkable talent, leadership, intellect and empathy. Our role is to support his vision, trusting that his message will leave a lasting legacy for the youth of South Africa. Compassion, after all, reveals who we truly are and helps us grow to our fullest potential.”

Fresh from achieving six distinctions in matric, Van Zyl has received tentative acceptance to the University of Pretoria Medical School and plans to pursue a career in medicine.

He is expected to arrive in Cape Town on Thursday at midday, with members of the public invited to welcome him at Mandela Glasses on the Sea Point Promenade.

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Cape Argus