The first black African woman to climb Everest Saray Khumalo has teamed up with Momentum Multiply to go big this World Literacy Day.

Khumalo will be hosting an attempt for the Guinness World Record Cyclothon on 25 October 2020 to raise R1 million for digital literacy.

In 2019, Khumalo became the first black woman to reach the summit of the 8 848-metre in the Himalayas.

The world record Khumalo intends to set is for the most money raised during an eight-hour static cycling event, which will all go to support a bold iSchoolAfrica initiative.

The organisation aims to set up a digital library in a rural or township school in every South African province. These digital libraries will consist of a mobile iPad lab supported by curriculum-based apps, training modules, dedicated programme facilitators and mentors.

"We're all going a little stir-crazy after so many months in various stages of lockdown," said Khumalo. "And this event will give teams the chance to get together and get active again - all in support of a fabulous cause."

The cyclothon will adhere to all mandatory Covid-19 protocols and all avid cyclists, corporates and socially conscious individuals are invited to participate by sponsoring a bike at a cost of R25 000.

The present record for the most money raised during an eight-hour static cycling events is £30 856, which was set in the UK in 2016. At today’s exchange rate, that amounts to around R686 000, so if the South African event can raise R1 million, it will be a hard record to beat.

"Eight hours of cycling is pretty gruelling, even on a static bike," said Khumalo.

"We South Africans are made of stern stuff and this is a cause we can all passionately believe in. Sponsoring a bike is not only a chance to reconnect with colleagues and friends, but an invaluable investment in the future of both our youth and our county."

The attempt for the Guinness World Record Cyclothon challenge by Saray Khumalo and supported by Momentum Multiply, will take place as follows: 

Date: Sunday, 25 October 2020

Time: Full-day event

Venues: 20 bikes at select Planet Fitness gyms in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town

- Compiled by Sport24 staff