StartWell Foundation & Cereal Cyclists take on childhood stunting at Cape Town Cycle Tour

Twenty cyclists raise funds for StartWell Foundation to fight a malnutrition affecting millions of South African children.

Founded in 2018, the StartWell Foundation, a South African NGO championing science-based nutrition to prevent childhood stunting, will take center stage at the 2026 Cape Town Cycle Tour.

On Sunday, 8 March 2026, twenty volunteer Cereal Cyclists will work together with StartWell Foundation, cycling not for medals or personal bests, but to raise funds for a silent crisis affecting millions of children across South Africa: child stunting. This marks the inaugural year of the Cereal Cyclist initiative, transforming sport into social impact.

What Is Childhood Stunting?

Stunting isn’t just being shorter than other children - it’s a sign that a child’s body and mind haven’t had the chance to grow as they should. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a child is considered stunted if their height-for-age is more than two standard deviations below the healthy average. Stunting reflects more than malnutrition, it tells the story of lost potential, limited opportunities, and the hidden struggles millions of children face every day. (source www.who.int)

Nearly 30% of South African children under five are affected. That is over 2 million children, which, if they stood hand-in-hand, would stretch from Cape Town to Musina. The scale of the problem is staggering and largely invisible to the larger part of our communities.

Who is StartWell and how do we combat childhood stunting

StartWell’s Kid’s cereal is high in protein, low in sugar, and scientifically formulated to provide an optimal amino acid profile, supporting muscle and cognitive development. Operating from offices in Springs and Stellenbosch and guided by its values of dignity, evidence, care, and measurable impact, the Foundation is committed to ensuring every child has the chance to reach their full potential.

Help Prevent Stunting – Support a Cereal Cyclist

Every kilometer done by a Cereal Cyclist—and every Rand donated through GivenGain (www.givengain.com/event/cereal-cyclists2026) directly supports the StartWell Foundation. Donations provide nutrient-dense meals to vulnerable young children in creches, preschools, and feeding schemes across South Africa, along with caregiver education to ensure children receive the nutrition essential for healthy growth, brain development, and brighter futures.

Each Cereal Cyclist has committed to raising R20 000, with a minimum pledge of R5 000, through the GivenGain platform. Donations are Section 18A tax-deductible, giving supporters the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a tax benefit.

The public can join this mission by donating, sharing the story, or cheering on the cyclists on race day.

Our Founder’s Perspective

“The Cereal Cyclists aren’t just riding—they are taking a stand against a crisis that shapes our nation’s future,” says Org van der Wath, founder of StartWell Foundation. “StartWell was born from a hard truth, not that children are failing to grow, but that our food systems are failing them. Through science, real food, and measurable growth outcomes, we are proving that stunting can be conquered. This initiative shows just how far we’ve come, and what’s possible when every child receives the nutrition they need to grow, learn, and thrive.”

This is more than a race. It is a first-of-its-kind effort to bring national attention to a silent crisis,” van der Wath adds.  “By supporting the Cereal Cyclists, South Africans can make a tangible difference in a child’s life. One ride, one donation, can change the course of a future forever.”