My bike, my lifesaver

David Sejobe cycles from his home in Orange Farm to work in Randburg, covering a distance of 172km every day. 

For 30 years, cycling has been part of his life and it also cured his asthma and put his diabetes in remission. Sejobe is so full of life that his happy demeanour has made him a popular face to both motorists and pedestrians who pass the MultiChoice building in Randburg.

His energy and hand gestures urging those passing by has been a common feature in Braam Fischer Drive during morning and late afternoon peak traffic. 

Last week Sejobe, 45, took on a rather different journey when he cycled from Randburg to Venda, covering 430km in 14 hours and 16 minutes, to honour his late father. The trip was as a result of a motorist recommending him during a discussion on Radio 702 about how some workers  went out of their way to please their customers.

This resulted in a frenzy of callers who knew him and some even pledged to sponsor his trip including his efforts to teach cycling to children in Orange Farm.

He started the trip on June 15, and arrived in Limpopo the following morning. 

“I did the trip to raise money to buy bikes for other people who are suffering from diseases like mine to make sure they can get fit and healthy. It was also the anniversary of my father’s death and we unveiled his tombstone. I have done it (the trip) about four times before but this one was the most important so far,” said Sejobe.

“My father died last year in June and it was the right time to unveil his tombstone. It was a proud moment for me. We were supported by a lot of people,” he said. 

He said he was able to raise R10,000 for his initiative. “I’m really grateful to all the people who helped me to make the trip happen and hope I will be able to help more sick people in the future,” said Sejobe. 

He said he go into the sport in 1985.

“I was such an angry boy growing up because I was jealous of people who were healthy and fit. One day my father bought me a bicycle because he heard that exercise is medicine for illness.

"He thought it would help with my asthma. I slowly started using the bike and realised after that I felt better, little by little. I started breathing better and started being like other children. I have never looked back since then,” he said. 

This proved to be true and over the years he started taking part in races such as the 94.7 cycle challenge, the desert dash in Namibia and the Cape Argus Cycle Tour and   he has collected dozens of medals.

“Some of these medals are bronze, silver and some gold. I’ve done well for myself and I am always up for a challenge,” said Sejobe.

He has been cycling to work for almost a decade and his two-hour ride entails avoiding potholes, rude motorists and hijackers.

“People are always shocked at the distance I ride. This cycling helps me deal with stress and I feel better when I get to work or home. Cycling is like therapy to me,” he said.

However, riding an expensive bike has made him a victim of crime after his bike was taken from him in 2019 while riding home.

“One time I had to walk home from Langlaagte to Orange Farm after I got hijacked and got home at 2am – and it was already time to go back to work with another bike,” he said. 

Sejobe, who is a father of four daughters, said he also ensures he is on his feet a lot as a security guard to keep his heart pumping during the day.

“I never want to be unhealthy again so I prioritise exercise and make sure I’m as fit as I can be. This has helped me keep my weight in control because I wear between size 28 and 32,” he said. 

He also exercises with his wife and daughters. “I use a tandem [two person] bike with my wife and my daughters ride their own ones. We all love cycling,” he said.

The gruelling trip to Venda has led to him taking a week’s leave and he is due to return to work today.

“I love my job. I see God in every human being that passes me outside MultiChoice  and when that happens I smile and wave my hands because every soul I meet represents God. I wouldn’t want God to find me in a bad mood,” said the ever-optimistic Sejobe.