The VUSA 24-Hour Cycle Challenge brought together our extended community in an incredible display of energy, teamwork, and generosity. Supported by main sponsors Investec, Virgin Active, and Technogym, and with the enthusiastic participation of the entire Bishops community from Prep children to alumni legends, the event united family, friends, and the wider Southern Suburbs community in support of VUSA’s programmes.

This year also saw a remarkable group of runners joining the challenge, adding to the excitement and energy, and helping us raise over R1 million, with an estimated R750,000 in profits. These funds will directly benefit our programmes in Langa, including refurbishing the kitchen to provide every participant with a hot daily meal and extending our literacy programme to strengthen the critical transition from learning to read to reading to learn considering for children in langa, this transition comes with an entire change in language (from isiXhosa to English).

The Cycle Challenge is more than a fundraising event. It is a powerful demonstration of how collaboration, commitment, and shared purpose can create lasting opportunities for over 1,400 children. The participation, energy, and generosity displayed throughout the 24 hours reflect the strength of our community and the transformative impact of sustained support for VUSA.

Our annual Young Entrepreneur Market Day offered, our under 13 learners an invaluable learning experience. Each child took ownership of their own business while supporting their peers, applying the skills taught in workshops led by Capitec  teams.

Our annual derby rugby match against WPPS provided real customers, giving the children the chance to practice problem-solving, negotiation, and initiative. We are especially grateful to the WPPS parents for their generous support on the day, which created an authentic marketplace atmosphere and encouraged the children in their efforts. Profits are paid to the children in Shoprite vouchers so that they support the company that invested in them and if they wish to continue trading, can purchase more stock, showing the practical value of their efforts and reinforcing the cycle of entrepreneurship.

For our under 13s, experiences like Market Day develop confidence, leadership, and a sense of agency. They also demonstrate the impact of VUSA’s programmes, highlighting to partners, donors, and sponsors how sustained support can continue to empower young learners and strengthen our organisation for years to come.

This was the first trip to the aquarium for some of our little ones.  The vibrant marine life, interactive exhibits and educational puppet show provided a fun morning of entertainment. They offered hands-on learning about environmental responsibility, recycling and the importance of protecting our oceans.

Experiences like this are invaluable in broadening perspectives and nurturing curiosity from an early age. Thanks to the support of the Bishops College Interact boys and the careful organisation of the trip, our children were able to explore safely while engaging with concepts that strengthen both their understanding of the world and their sense of connection to it.

Opportunities such as these demonstrate how meaningful exposure to new experiences can complement our programmes, helping to cultivate confident, aware and inspired learners.

Art is about learning to see the world in new ways. An outing with the Bishops Prep boys last week, brought this to life as the children explored colour and form in a hands-on art session before stepping into the playful wonder of the Museum of Illusions.

This amazing day was an invitation for our children to imagine, to question, and to discover new perspectives. These moments spark curiosity, build confidence and remind our children that their voices and ideas matter.

Our thanks to Sue Johns, Kate Briggs, Culture Connect Tours, and the Bishops Prep boys for making this day of illusion and inspiration possible. Thank you to Kauai and Rubro for providing lunch and refreshments for our children and to the Museum of Illusion for accommodating our children on a Friday afternoon.  

Rugby remains at the heart of VUSA, not only as a sport but as a powerful tool for growth. This term, our players took to the field against Bishops, Kirstenhof, Sweet Valley, Selborne College, Wetpups, Wynberg Boys, and SACS across the U9- U13 age groups. Yesterday, it was with great pride that our Under 12s won the Goodwood Heritage Day 7s tournament.

Each match has been an opportunity for our children to measure themselves, to test their resilience and to celebrate the camaraderie that rugby fosters.

Through every try scored and every challenge faced, our players grew in confidence, teamwork and pride. These are moments where character is shaped, friendships are formed, and the values of discipline and perseverance are brought to life.

VUSA was proud to be part of the Readathon Champions Competition hosted at Zimasa Primary. Our social worker, Sabelo Mlonyeni, served as one of the judges, encouraging learners to keep reading and exploring new ideas. Schools from across Cape Town took part, with Thembani Primary crowned champions for their confident reading in both English and isiXhosa. It was especially inspiring to see several of our Digibus participants on stage, a reminder that VUSA’s programmes are helping children build skills and confidence. We are also grateful to the Bishops Prep families for donating 9,000 books to the VUSA library, giving our children even greater access to stories and resources that nurture a lifelong love of reading.

Five dedicated participants took on the demanding Hyrox Challenge to support VUSA, demonstrating resilience, determination, and teamwork. Their commitment reflected the qualities we cultivate in our learners: perseverance, focus, and the courage to face challenges head-on.

Thank you to MK Mfenyana, Kwezi Puza, Thandi Kili, Siphesihle Ntlemeza and Ryan Mitchell for your fundraising contributions and congratulations on this incredible achievement.

When our team grows, so do the opportunities we can offer our participants. This term, VUSA staff participated in targeted training to ensure every child benefits from expert guidance and support.

Social media workshops with the Capitec team empowered our staff to share the VUSA story more effectively, turning small wins into powerful messages that showcase the impact of our programmes and inspire our community of supporters. Rugby coaches also engaged with Playbook Ed, deepening their understanding of holistic development and learning how to support children not only in sport, but academically and emotionally.

In addition, all staff completed comprehensive health and safety training, reinforcing our commitment to providing safe and nurturing environments where learners can thrive.

Every investment in our staff translates directly into better experiences and outcomes for our children. By supporting VUSA, you help us equip our team with the skills and knowledge needed to guide, inspire, and empower the next generation.

Monwabisi Tshotwana joined VUSA as a strength and conditioning coach, bringing expertise and passion to every session. Since leaving us in April, his own personal training business has flourished, a testament to the way VUSA fosters growth not only in our participants but also within our team. Supporting our organisation means contributing to an environment where both children and staff can thrive, develop their skills, and create meaningful impact. For those seeking a committed and talented personal trainer, Monwabisi can be reached at 067 927 7733.

Thanks to ActiveOps’ Tries for Lives initiative with the Great Britain 7s, every try scored at the 2024 Cape Town 7’s turned into support for VUSA raising R80,000. The timing couldn’t have been better. Just as we took on the lease of our hub, those funds gave us the chance to transform a run-down classroom into a vibrant new computer lab, ready for the first day of term.

Almost a year later and that lab is where children build STEM skills, strengthening their English, tackling maths through interactive programmes, and learning to code. Thank you Active Ops and the GB7s for making this possible.

VUSA COO, Nikki Matthews, has been invited to speak at the ActiveOps Capacity 25 Conference in London. She’ll be there from 8–14 October, so if you’re London-based, this is a great chance to hear more about the impact of VUSA’s work in Cape Town’s oldest township. If you’d like to connect, please reach out - Nikki would love to meet. (nmatthews@vusaacademy.org).

Sport continues to be a powerful connector for our children. Last week, our youngest teams were invited by Bishops Pre-Prep to a fun Tag Rugby Festival, where they enjoyed the chance to play alongside new friends and experience the joy of sport in a welcoming environment.

Thank you also to the Rohan Bloom Foundation who invited VUSA to join their Waka Waka Soccer Day, another wonderful opportunity for our children to take part in sport and community. Encounters like these highlight how partnerships and shared experiences open doors for our children both on and off the field.

We look forward to joining you at the 245 Trail Classic on Sunday 16 November. This run will take place at De Grendel Wine Estate. This annual event offers distances of 5 km, 10 km and 18 km through scenic vineyards and farmlands, with every step helping to raise vital funds for the Rohan Bloom Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to building a paediatric hospice and providing essential support to children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

We are proud to share this event with our community and encourage those who are able to consider joining or supporting the cause. It is a reminder that when we move with purpose, we create impact far beyond ourselves.

This day has become a highlight on the VUSA children’s calendar. What began as a simple gesture from a group of Bishops parents has grown into a much-loved tradition, one that brings together Bishop’s boys, the VUSA community and friends who want to share in the spirit of giving.

This November, Lutgensvale Field will once again come alive with the excitement of 180 children eager to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Much like the Santa’s shoebox, we try to gift our children with necessary items like stationery, hygiene products, an item of clothing and a small gift. The gift bags are decorated by the Bishops Grade 5s and the children always appreciate the incredible detail and effort the boys make.

For many of our participants, Christmas at VUSA is a reminder that they are part of a much bigger family who sees and supports them. If you would like to make a financial contribution, please use the links below and reference your name and XMAS. If you would like to donate products for the giftbags, (for 180 children) please contact Nikki or Tarah at info@Vusaacademy.org. Please note financial and products in kind will be receipted with a Section 18A tax receipt.

Every corner of VUSA tells a story of possibility. With the help of our support system, renovations are already breathing new life into our facilities, creating places where children can thrive. But caring for these spaces is an ongoing responsibility. To keep them safe, welcoming and full of potential, we continue to rely on those willing to stand alongside us.

Looking ahead, our dream is to reimagine the kitchen as more than a place that serves meals. We see it as a hub that can generate income and contribute directly to the long-term sustainability of our programmes. Achieving this will require more hands, more resources and more belief in what is possible.

By joining us in this next phase, you are helping to maintain what exists today and shaping a future where VUSA can sustain itself and continue opening doors for children in Langa.