The MBDA announced in September 2016 that it had appointed Port Elizabeth born Professional (Ironman) Triathlete Kyle Buckingham as the first Route 67 brand ambassador. Buckingham, who started running and cycling at 24, began participating in triathlons at the age of 25. At the time the agency said “Buckingham is a home-grown Nelson Mandela Bay talent, and currently the only Bay born athlete representing the City world-wide in the Ironman triathlon circuit. Route 67’s partnership with Kyle allows the City to leverage his influence and networks to spread the message that Nelson Mandela Bay is an iconic heritage rich holiday destination for anyone, domestic or international”.
In December 2016, the MBDA approached Tavcor Auto Sales with a view to partnering with a likeminded, home-grown business that shares the same values. “Tavcor is one of the longest invested businesses in Port Elizabeth; they have shown confidence and commitment to Nelson Mandela Bay for decades. The partnership with TAS is a natural fit and ticks all the boxes. IT exemplifies good private and public sector collaboration. As a result, our brand ambassador will be commuting between training and racing in new set of wheels provided by TAS for the duration of Buckingham’s stay in South Africa” concluded Bangazi.
“As TAS we see this venture as another opportunity for us to support local, to get behind local achievers because when they succeed, we all succeed. We’re proud to support Kyle and wish him all the best this season. The Jeep Renegade is a fantastic multi purpose lifestyle vehicle that fits the young active sports type or small family that enjoys time together and exploring life without limits” said Andrew Angles, General Manager at TAS.
Buckingham who is scheduled to return to East London for the Ironman South African 70.3 on the 29th of January was ecstatic at receiving his new set of wheels. With a schedule that includes three races in three towns during his short stay in the Bay, mobility in the most economical and efficient way provides huge gains for a professional athlete. “When you race at our level, seconds matter, you look for opportunities to gain more for less, so efficient travel becomes an advantage when it comes to rest and recovery as well as maximising your time when out for big sessions” said an ecstatic Buckingham.
Speaking about the upcoming Ironman 70.3 in East London “That race is always a tricky to prepare for as you come off a great “off season” and there is not quite enough time to fully peak, but with every effort to get the maximum potential out of my training sessions I am really looking forward to this race.” concluded Buckingham. Bay residents can look forward to watching Buckingham on home soil come 2nd April when he does battle for the coveted Ironman African Championship.
Alan Straton
Latest posts by Alan Straton (see all)
- TrueTech Readies South African Homes and Offices for a Year-End Tech Upgrade - 2 November 2026
- Now I Understand Why Investing Is Not for the Faint of Heart - 2 November 2026
- LED-Lightbox Rental in Midrand Delivers, Sets up and Collects Light-up Letters, Numbers and Neon-Style Signs for Gauteng Weddings and Year-End Functions - 2 November 2026
- Record Numbers Walk in Step With Those Affected by Cancer - 2 November 2026
- PrintEngine Sets up Web-To-Print Storefronts for South African Print Shops Still Taking Orders by Email and WhatsApp - 2 November 2026
