Continental Tyre South Africa says it will provide support for comedian Mark Sampson's pioneering 'Africa Clockwise' expedition, which aims to circumnavigate the continent while raising awareness regarding a wide range of environmental issues and alternative energy sources, and promoting African arts and culture.
The Port Elizabeth-based company said it would be supplying tyres for Sampson's 60 000 km journey in his modified 1970s Mercedes-Benz 10-ton truck, which will be shod with locally manufactured General Bush Radial 14.00R20 heavy-duty truck tyres.
The truck runs primarily on used cooking oil, and the family aims to be the first to circumnavigate Africa on alternative fuels, and entrench their place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
"Continental has gratefully sponsored us with eight of these tough and durable General Bush Radial tyres, and we're hoping to prove that we travel right around the continent on just four," Mark says.
"I have been developing this project over the last year while doing my show, 'Africa Clockwise'.
He says besides being a comedy act, it's about educating people to the fact that the clock is ticking when it comes to climate change for Africa."
"We are proud to be associated with the Sampson family and the 'Africa Clockwise' expedition," said Gishma Johnson, Corporate Communications Manager of Continental Tyre South Africa.
"While showcasing the tough durability of CTSA's General Bush Radial truck tyre, more importantly it will make a meaningful impact on a large number of communities in Africa in terms of promoting environmentally sustainable technologies, as well as developing cultural awareness," she said.
