How Rubber Can Drive Momentum for Change
At NUVO® we’re always chasing after excellence - in our rubber products, service, partners and within the manufacturing industry. But we want excellence in South Africa too - and we believe this starts in classrooms. The best way to drive change in industry and manufacturing is to inspire technical minds. It’s a reality that many classrooms are inadequately equipped to prepare South African children for a life where they can go after their potential. There is power in each pupil to effect change with the ripple of impact they could potentially have on those around them. The cyclical opportunity is endless.
For industry minds, it may not always be obvious how exactly you can begin to get involved in making a difference. But what is obvious is that as stakeholders of any type of industry in South Africa, we have the privilege of trying. And what is good for South Africa that can get her driving more economy on a global stage, is good for manufacturing and our own global growth.
Time for a Wild Ride
So when we came across the Wild Ride, it was a no brainer that we had to get involved. NUVO® Rubber Compounders are proud to be the new official sponsors of the Wild Ride. This is a new sponsorship initiative in support of building classrooms for underprivileged schools. From being the power partner for your ride, we now have the dual responsibility of partnering for powerful sustainable impact for schools across the Eastern Cape and beyond. The Wild Ride is a 4-day eco-adventure cycle ride which takes place on the eastern shores of South Africa, covering nearly 200 km of the Wild Coast between The Great Kei and Umngazi Rivers. Previously known as the Imana Wild Ride, the race started in 2000 and to date, has helped 50 classrooms across the Eastern Cape. We want to go beyond that.
With a huge community footprint across the Eastern Cape, all Wild Ride proceeds go to building classrooms through the Wild Ride Education Company (WREC), a Section 21 company based in Cape Town incorporated under the Companies Act (2005/043851/) and registered as a Public Benefit Organisation with Department of Social Services.
Just one example is that of Bulungula Collage, built by WREC in three phases from 2017 to 2022, including a dedicated library and science block. The benefits of WREC’s investment in education were validated with last year’s Grade 12 class achieving a 100% pass rate, making Bulungula the top school in the region and the first to achieve this in the area.
According to partner Rebecca Van Der Linde, “the success of this partnership is reaping rewards not just for the scholars but for the community as a whole with the colleges’ new Job Skills & Entrepreneurship Programme (JSEP) being offered after hours.”
The NUVO® era
The Wild Ride continues next year in July as a new chapter begins under the NUVO® name. The 2024 NUVO® Wild Ride will take place from 19th – 23rd July and entries are now open. The first competitive event starts on Friday 19th July at the Great Kei River, followed by the second non-timed tour format event on Saturday 20th July - finishing four days and nearly 200km later at the award winning family resort of Umngazi River Bungalows.
This is no ordinary race as participants wind their way through the rugged beauty of the Wild Coast - a true eco-adventure that tests endurance in the name of a good cause. The relationship built up with the local Wild Coast community is at the heart of the success of the event, with a long-standing track record and respect within the community.
With 200 participants taking part, each year sees at least 40% new entries, with everyone wanting a chance at the eco-adventure of a lifetime on one of South Africa’s most scenic coastal routes. Choosing to either ‘Race’ or ‘Ride’ across two events, one thing remains the same for all participants - the sense that you are “out there alone, racing the tide.” We see this partnership as our opportunity to change the tide.
On your side and in your corner
Partnerships are kind of our thing. Our mantra has long been for clients to give us their problem for us to create a personalised solution - that then becomes their competitive advantage.
We look forward to partnering with the Wild Ride to grow and develop together so that we can succeed in playing a part in giving school children the boost they need to launch off into a more sustainable, self-reliant and agile future.
As South Africa’s most advanced custom rubber compounding company and global leaders in the manufacturing of rubber compounds through consistent research, adaptability and environmental accountability, NUVO® is committed to a long-term partnership with the Wild Ride with the vision to generate sustainable momentum from which South Africa can drive forward.
If you’re interested in participation in the 2024 Wild Ride powered by NUVO®, contact wildride@saol.com or visit www.wildride.co.za and www.nuvorubber.com for more.