'Twende Butiama' Tour honours Nyerere legacy

Butiama. In an awe-inspiring display of unity, purpose, and a shared love for cycling, over 60 cyclists under the Twende Butiama Bicycle Tour took part in the annual 14-day endurance cycling event, covering a distance of over 1500 kilometres crossing 10 regions and over 20 districts for a purpose.

Cycling enthusiasts from all walks of life; young and old, local citizens and foreigners alike, came together to pay homage to Tanzania's founding father, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

Twende Butiama was started in 2018 by cycling enthusiasts who wanted to use Mwalimu Nyerere's favourite activity - cycling - to make a difference in the areas close to Mwalimus heart; education, environmental protection, and health. 

Twende Butiama, the brainchild of Gabriel Landa who is a dedicated cycling enthusiast, reflects that the most important reason the Twende Butiama bicycle tour is more than just a race; it's an adventure with a purpose. “We wanted to enjoy cycling but also make it meaningful,” he said

In an incredible show of growth and international solidarity, this year, cyclists from Kenya, Malawi, Congo, and Rwanda have joined the tour, signifying its expanding reach and influence.

“When I got the invitation to participate in this bicycle tour, I quickly agreed because the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere was one of the greatest African leaders. His legacy should be kept alive for future generations to emulate. I have enjoyed the tour and really look forward to coming again next year,” said Ben Haggai from Kenya.

Through crowd-funding among members and donations from well-wishers, Twende Butiama’s annual event has touched the lives of many along its trail from Dar es Salaam to Mwitongo, Butiama.

Twende Butiama's 5-year legacy prominently highlights its environmental advocacy with successful tree-planting campaigns of over 53,000 seedlings in schools since they started.

Furthermore, their 'Changia Dawati, Tokomeza Ujinga' fundraising initiative showcases their dedication to education, facilitating the distribution of nearly 200 desks across 6 primary schools in the Coastal, Morogoro, Dodoma, and Mara regions.

In the past 14 days, since the commencement of the race and with the support of Vodacom Tanzania Foundation, ABC Bicycles, Swahili Sweatshop, Mwintongo Lodge and other partners, Twende Butiama cyclists have visited 10 schools, donating close to 500 desks and planted 6000 tree seedlings for shade and fruits in schools and other areas.

“This year, we have done more that we had anticipated, thanks to our sponsors and Tanzanians who have contributed towards our cause. We have donated desks and planted trees in schools because we believe that quality education can only be obtained in a conducive environment where students have sufficient resources. This will be a lasting symbol of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision to make the world a better place,” said Landa.

As part of the Twende Butiama Tour, Vodacom Tanzania Foundation also sponsored free medical camps in Mwanza, Bunda, and Butiama and tended to over 2500 people.

These medical camps aimed at raising awareness on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and promote healthy lifestyles.

“We came in to support in the area of health because the fight against diseases is also an area that the late Mwalimu Nyerere highlighted as crucial to our nation’s development. Over the last 7 days, Afya Check doctors have tended to Tanzanians in need, provided check-ups, treatments and counselling to everyone who showed up. To conclude the tour, we have also donated medical equipment and supplies to the Butiama District Hospital to aid in improving healthcare services. Indeed, we are delighted - this year's Nyerere Day has been a very joyous one for us at Vodacom” said Zuweina Farah, Vodacom Tanzania Foundation Director.

The team led by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports, Hon Gerson Msigwa, and a representative of the Nyerere family, Mr Madaraka Nyerere, visited the grave of the founding father to pay respect and commemorate 24 years since his passing.

“We thank the family and the hosts in Butiama for the warm reception. It’s been an honour to commemorate the legacy of our founding father. I applaud this team of cyclists for what has been done in the past 14 days. I look forward to doing even more next year and participating fully,” said Msigwa.