As the countdown to the 2026 Cape Epic begins, six amputee athletes are preparing to take on one of the toughest mountain bike races in the world. Their goal goes beyond the finish line: to advocate for a simple but powerful truth – movement is a right, not a privilege.
What’s Your Epic Team| Image: Supplied
Through Össur South Africa’s What’s Your Epic? campaign, three teams of amputee riders will line up at the iconic event to raise awareness and funds for three South African organisations restoring mobility and independence to people living with limb loss and disability: Jumping Kids, Rejuvenate SA, and Zimele.
This is a human story rooted in resilience, representation, and access – one that challenges perceptions of disability while spotlighting the everyday barriers faced by thousands of South Africans who lack access to basic mobility solutions.
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Movement is a right, not a privilege
Launched late last year, the What’s Your Epic? campaign has gained significant traction as the six athletes intensify their training for the 2026 Cape Epic, taking place from 15–22 March. Alongside demanding physical preparation, the riders are using the build-up to the race to drive conversations around inclusion, access, and the life-changing power of mobility.
“Since launching What’s Your Epic?, the response has been incredibly encouraging,” says Blignaut Knoetze, Managing Director of Össur South Africa. “What’s been most meaningful is how the campaign has resonated beyond sport, sparking conversations about dignity, access, and what mobility really means in people’s lives.”
For the athletes, the journey to the start line is as much mental as it is physical. Gruelling training schedules are balanced with advocacy, fundraising, and community engagement – all driven by a shared purpose.
“Training for the Cape Epic is intense, but every ride reinforces why this matters,” says Rentia Retief, artist and amputee athlete. “With the right prosthetic and support, I’ve been able to reclaim my independence. Through this campaign, we want to help make that same freedom possible for others.”
International para-triathlete and African champion Mhlengi Gwala adds, “This race is about more than endurance. It’s about representation, visibility, and showing what’s possible when people are given the tools and support to move forward.”
Brian Style, representing the third team, echoes the sentiment: “Preparing for the Cape Epic is both challenging and deeply rewarding. Being part of this campaign gives real meaning to the kilometres we put in, knowing they contribute to someone else’s chance at independence and confidence.”
Where the funds go
Proceeds raised through the campaign will directly support:
- Jumping Kids, providing prosthetic limbs, access to education, and sporting opportunities for children with limb loss
- Rejuvenate SA, supplying mobility aids to adults who cannot afford them, restoring dignity and independence
- Zimele, supporting adults with physical disabilities to reintegrate into society and build economic self-sufficiency
From helping a child take their first steps to enabling adults to return to work, these organisations are creating tangible change every day.
“The riders may be the face of the campaign, but the real impact happens on the ground,” says Knoetze. “Our role is to amplify that work and invite South Africans to be part of it.”
As race day approaches, Össur South Africa is calling on individuals, corporates, and communities to support the campaign through donations, partnerships, fundraising initiatives, or simply by sharing the message.
“What’s Your Epic? asks us to reflect on how we can help remove barriers,” says Knoetze. “When we support mobility, we support inclusion, opportunity, and future potential.”
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