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7,000km of Hope for South Africa’s Children
Thabazimbi – The roar of engines, the open road, and a mission that could change lives — this is what defines the 2025 Ride for a Child charity motorbike ride. Organised by Pediatric Care Africa, this 7,000km journey around South Africa isn’t just about the thrill of the ride; it’s about ensuring that underprivileged children get the medical care they desperately need.
Now in its sixth year, the Ride for a Child event, led by Pediatric Care Africa’s founder, Dr. J. André Hattingh, will take riders on a 22-day adventure from 9 February to 2 March 2025.
Doctors for children: a lifeline on two wheels
This year’s ride aims to recruit volunteer General Practitioners (GPs) in every town along the route as part of the Doctors for Children initiative. Each participating GP will be asked to assist at least two children per year on a pro bono basis, providing crucial diagnoses and prescriptions. Pediatric Care Africa will cover the cost of medication, lab tests, and X-rays, ensuring that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of a child’s health.
With over 300 additional children expected to benefit from this initiative annually, the impact of this ride extends far beyond the kilometres travelled. It’s a call to action for every motorcycle club and rider to help connect doctors with children in need.
Thabazimbi joins the ride
On 20 February 2025, the Ride for a Child team will arrive in Thabazimbi after traveling to Beitbridge, the most northern point of their route. This stop is an opportunity for local bikers, businesses, and community members to rally behind the cause.
Riders from Thabazimbi are encouraged to join the ride to Rustenburg the next day or help spread the word about the Doctors for Children initiative by connecting Pediatric Care Africa with local medical professionals.
How you can get involved
Motorcycle clubs, groups, and individual riders are encouraged to take part by:
Speaking to local doctors and introducing them to the Doctors for Children initiative.
Organising fundraising events along the route to support Pediatric Care Africa’s efforts.
Sponsoring Dr. Hattingh per kilometre travelled (R1, R2, or R5 per km) or making a one-time donation.
Joining the ride for a stretch and securing their own sponsorships to contribute to the cause.
Companies are also invited to sponsor Dr. Hattingh’s journey, ensuring that more children receive life-saving surgeries, medical treatments, and essential baby food.
A ride that changes lives
Over the years, Ride for a Child has enabled Pediatric Care Africa to provide dozens of children with life-changing surgeries, distribute hundreds of wheelchairs and medical equipment, and establish a world-class paediatric surgical and burns ward. This is the power of the biking community in action — compassion on two wheels.
By the time Dr. Hattingh reaches Upington on this year’s ride, he will have ridden the equivalent of the Earth’s circumference — 40,075km — all in the name of helping South Africa’s children. By the end of the sixth ride, that number will rise to an incredible 42,000km.
Join the ride, be the change
Guest riders are welcome to join at any point along the route, and all participants qualify to purchase a 2025 Ride for a Child badge as proof of their contribution to this noble cause.
For those who can’t ride but still want to help, donations and sponsorships can be arranged through Pediatric Care Africa’s website: www.pediatriccareafrica.org or by contacting their office at 076 229 5663.
This February, as the engines start and the wheels roll, let’s remember: Doctors save lives, but money makes it possible. Every child deserves access to quality medical care, and with the support of the biking community, we can make that a reality.
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