Amputee athletes take on Cape Epic to boost mobility access across South Africa

ÖSSUR South Africa has launched its 2026 “What’s Your Epic?” campaign, an initiative aimed at widening support for mobility access and inclusion across the country. The campaign again aligns with the Cape Epic, which takes place from March 15 to 22, and uses the event’s visibility to draw attention to the importance of mobility solutions for South Africans who need them.

This is the second year of the campaign, following what the organisation describes as a successful inaugural effort in 2025. Össur SA has entered three amputee teams into the 2026 Cape Epic, with six riders participating in one of the world’s best-known and most challenging mountain biking races. The teams are riding to support three non-profit organisations: Jumping Kids, Zimele and Rejuvenate SA.

“Movement is a fundamental right, not a privilege reserved for the few,” says Blignaut Knoetze, Managing Director of Össur SA. “Whether you’re an elite athlete, a child receiving their first prosthetic or an adult rebuilding independence, mobility unlocks dignity, participation, and potential. ‘What’s Your Epic?’ is our call to South Africa to stand with us in supporting organisations who make this freedom possible.”

The campaign’s stated aim is to raise funds and awareness for the three organisations, each focused on improving mobility and independence. Jumping Kids provides prostheses, access to education and sporting opportunities for children living with limb loss. Rejuvenate SA supplies mobility aids to people who cannot afford them, and Zimele supports adults with physical disabilities to reintegrate into society and build independence.

The teams represent a range of backgrounds, with each rider bringing personal experience of injury, recovery or endurance sport.

Team 1 features Rentia Retief and Travis Warwick-Oliver. Rentia, an artist and amputee athlete from Somerset West, survived a cycling accident in 2023 and has since become an advocate for mobility access. Travis, based in Durban, is the founder of Rejuvenate SA and an adaptive athlete who has completed the UTMB twice. His own experience with amputation informs his work to expand access to mobility aids.

Team 2 is made up of international para-triathlete and multiple African champion Mhlengi Gwala, and endurance athlete Kean Dry from Cape Town. Mhlengi’s competitive career continued after a 2018 attack that resulted in the amputation of his right leg. Kean is known for his involvement in community-based fitness initiatives, which have helped grow his profile as an endurance athlete.

Team 3 brings together cyclist Brian Style from Springs and amputee athlete Rudi Joubert from Secunda. Brian has used sport as part of his personal rebuilding and contributes to charitable efforts linked to mountain biking. Rudi is known for his energy and teamwork and has been involved in raising funds for mobility solutions.

“These riders are not just racing, they are raising their voices for those who cannot and shining a spotlight on organisations that restore dignity, independence, and hope,” says Knoetze.

“Össur South Africa is inviting the public, corporates, partners, and communities to be part of this extraordinary movement. Whether through donations, corporate partnerships, fundraising initiatives, or simply sharing the message, every contribution helps someone stand, walk, run, play, work, or dream again.

“‘What’s Your Epic?’ is about pushing boundaries; not just on the bike, but in society,” adds Knoetze. “When we support mobility, we support access. We support inclusion. We support futures. We are asking South Africa to back our riders, our NPOs, and the belief that everyone deserves the freedom to move.”

Individuals and companies can donate, fundraise or participate through Össur South Africa. For more information or queries, the organisation can be contacted via email at ossursa@ossur.com, or through its website: ossur.com/en-za.