CITRUS EXPORTER PARTNER WITH ZUURBERG RACE

Through its new partnership, the PwC Great Zuurberg Trek mountain bike race will be a vehicle to promote the work of the SRCC Foundation Trust. Photo: Morné Marais

One of South Africa’s largest citrus exporters, the Sundays River Citrus Company, have announced a partnership with the PwC Great Zuurberg Trek mountain bike race.

The boutique three-day event traverses 200km, part of which runs through the citrus orchards of the Sundays River Valley just outside Port Elizabeth.

“The farm scenery is absolutely phenomenal,” said Det Bakker, liaison officer for the SRCC Foundation Trust, the company’s social responsibility arm.

“It’s a greenbelt of lush orchards that contrasts with the nearby Karoo desert.”

He said the trust worked to bring about improvements in the valley from which the fruit was sourced.

“We focus on the health, environment and education needs of the residents, many of whom are historically disadvantaged.

“As the Great Zuurberg Trek is so much part of the valley, we partnered with the race to get more exposure within the mountain bike fraternity.”

Det said they hoped that the event would be a springboard for other companies to invest in the valley.

“Through this we hope to be able to get more businesses to understand our needs and contribute to the worthwhile cause that we stand for.

“It’s all about the people. There is so much we can do, so much we want to do.

“We hope this will open up opportunities for greater support and action.”

Since their establishment in 2009, Det said the trust had provided support to schools through financial assistance, bursaries, an Eisteddfod, advice and sports development

“We have also given health support, developed a recycling plant and made several other positive social contributions.”

The PwC Great Zuurberg Trek, which is based in the heart of the Addo area of the Eastern Cape, attracts riders from all over South Africa.

This year’s event takes place from June 3 to 5.

Visit www.greatzuurbergtrek.co.za for more information.