Exxaro is proud to be part of developing young riding talent from disadvantaged communities for more than 10 years. We believe that sport has the potential to address social and developmental challenges and believe by establishing the MTB Academy we are powering better lives amongst the youth of our country.

In 2011 Exxaro was announced the headline sponsor and official development partner to the Absa Cape Epic. With this we established our Exxaro MTB Academy aimed at powering better lives by unearthing hidden talent among South Africans in disadvantaged communities. By screening, training and developing young hopefuls, the Exxaro MTB Academy helps the youth of our country to fulfil their dreams and positively impact their communities.

We continued to power better lives by being a headline sponsor and development partner for the Wines2Whales three-day mountain bike event. Since 2019 the Exxaro jersey offers riders under the age of 26 from historically disadvantaged communities, the opportunity to win a full bursary for two learners to a Curro school covering their education from Grade 1 to Grade 12. This prize is undoubtably truly life-changing for the nominated child recipients.

While not all our riders become professional cyclists, admission to the Academy provides members with a myriad of other opportunities for their own upliftment, and that of their communities. Through the Exxaro MTB Academy, and in addition to the riding support, riders are also given access to an individual development plan that sees Exxaro sponsoring their tertiary studies.

These are just some of the ways that Exxaro is powering possibilities in Africa and beyond.

Mxolisi Mgojo

CEO Exxaro