Walter Dladla is Taking on His 21st Cycle Tour to Change Lives in Amaoti
Good Things Guy | 23.02.2026 19:22
Walter Dladla took up cycling in his 40s, and as he now approaches 70, he is proving that it is never too late to find your passion – or use it to pedal toward a brighter future for the next generation.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (23 February 2026) – They say life begins at 40, and for Walter Dladla, that’s exactly when his journey on two wheels took flight. In 2002, looking for a new fitness challenge, Walter took up cycling – a move that turned a hobby into a lifelong mission for good.
It all started with a nudge from a spinning instructor at the gym who saw his potential.
“She encouraged me to buy a bicycle, and I have not looked back. My first race was the Pick’n Pay 94.7 race on 17 November 2002. I spent almost seven hours instead of the three it would take me the following year. I have not looked back since,” Walter tells Good Things Guy.
Years later, the momentum hasn’t slowed. This year, Walter is taking on his 21st Cape Town Cycle Tour to champion the work of Lungisani Indlela (LI), a Christian-based organisation dedicated to uplifting the Amaoti community and transforming young lives through education.
“As I approach 70, I have had my personal best time in the race in terms of time. It is no longer about proving how fast I can go. It’s about using what I have – my strength, my endurance, and my platform to give back. Riding for LI turns a personal challenge into something that benefits others, and that means more to me than any medal ever could. I have been involved with LI for many years now, and I would like to encourage young people to use sport as an outlet. Riding for LI gives every kilometre meaning,” says Walter who is also an LI board member.
Describing the challenges facing Amaoti’s youth, Walter notes that many live in extreme poverty. Schools are often understaffed, with limited resources and overcrowded classrooms, leaving many students struggling to read for meaning – even as they enter high school.
“I’m pedalling to raise funds for the great work the team at Lungisani Indlela is doing to help as many of these children as possible! This includes the reading and literacy programmes, help with homework, and maths intervention. I will think of the hope we are bringing them when my legs begin to tire!”
LI’s programmes are designed to provide holistic support, addressing both educational and psychosocial needs. To help open doors for today’s bright minds and tomorrow’s skilled leaders will be the real victory for Walter.
Though Walter says he isn’t nervous about the race, he does, however, respect the Mother City’s unpredictable elements like the strong wind and the gruelling climbs. In terms of training, the avid cyclist adds that he knows his body well and has been putting in steady mileage during the week, with longer rides on weekends, focusing on strength and recovery just as much as the cycling itself.
“After 21 Tours, I’ve learned that preparation isn’t just about how hard you train – it’s about how well you recover and how well you listen to your body. Just like most things in life, consistency is key.”
Funds raised through his initiative will go towards giving vulnerable children access to daily literacy and maths tutoring, textbooks, learning materials, volunteer-run reading programs, life skills, meals and more.
To support Walter on his mission and help the youth of Amaoti cross their own finish line, consider leaving a donation here.
