2022 Eselfontein MTB Fest raises more than R240,000.

The fundraising 2022 Tru-Cape Eselfontein MTB Festival, held in October, made a profit of R240,000. Organiser Janene Malherbe of Eselfontein which produces apples, pears and cherries for Tru-Cape, says decisions still need to be made about how the profit will be shared explaining they need to keep some of the money back to purchase another stretch tent to provide more shade for future events.

“What made 2022 special was that it was the first after-Covid event and we even had our local minister Dominee Jandre Viljoen of the NGK in Ceres, competing in the 55km race. He raised R11,000 for a specific cause, The Ceres Tuiste which also happens to be one of our beneficiary charities. This was the first time he competed and he did so on an e-bike which we hope will encourage others to do the same in the future,” she says.

Malherbe, who farms Eselfontein with husband Deon, also a keen MTB rider, says that Ceres Lions Club prepared the food again this year and raised R15,100. “These monies are over and above the R240,000 raised. Also, Leatt, which makes helmets and other MTB gear, is a new event sponsor. It is very exciting to know that after the 2022 event they want to stay and grow the event with us,” Malherbe ends.

An announcement about the donations to various charities will happen in due course.