The South African Chamber of Commerce (UK) Solidarity Walk is attracting international backing from supporters who plan to walk in an array of tourist destinations for the challenge that is taking place from 29th to 31st August.
South Africans in the diaspora and friends of the country are being invited to take part in the global challenge to collectively cover 2,414 miles. This is the furthest distance across South Africa from Cape Town to Beitbridge on the Zimbabwe border and back again! And everyone is being invited to help them achieve the distance.
The respected international rugby captain Francois Pienaar, one of the high profile Solidarity Walk Ambassadors, has encouraged everyone to step forward for this special event: I’m asking South Africans (and friends of our nation) to put their legs on the line and walk to freedom from this virus.” He will be walking coastal routes with his family in Cape Town.
African rugby legend plans to cover 30 miles in support of the Solidarity Walk.
(Credit: Mike Vickers)
Fellow Solidarity Walk Ambassador and retired Springboks star Andre Snyman will be walking 30 miles with his family across Idle Valley Nature Reserve, a scenic wetland area situated in the country of Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands of England. Announcing his support for the challenge, Andre commented: “As a sportsman and passionate about fitness, I am especially pleased to be supporting the Solidarity Walk as it’s fun way to get active for a good cause.”
Lucas Radebe, the acclaimed Leeds United and Bafana Bafana legend, will be clocking miles in Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa. Speaking last week after becoming a Solidarity Fund Ambassador he said: “It’s a ‘great cause’! Together we can defeat this pandemic. Work together. Nothing is impossible. Let’s make sure we make a difference.” Support in the ‘City of Gold’ will also be coming from members of the SA Chamber, including the team of Palesa Maduma, CEO of Vuma Reputation Management, together with Hazel Hoole from the Executive Committee.
Sharon Constancon, SA Chamber Chairman, plans to walk over two days in the Chilterns, some 324 square miles of stunning scenery and attractions just 40 minutes by train from London. She also plans to boost her mileage over the UK Bank Holiday weekend by taking the popular riverside walk from Marlow to Henley on Thames to the west of London. This forms part of the Thames Path National Trail, a footpath trail running for 180 miles along the banks of the river Thames. While the SA Chairman is taking up the challenge in the great outdoors, she reminds participants they can achieve their mileage at home: “Walk, run, hike, treadmill – whatever works for you!”
Tania Verdonk, the SA Chamber’s East of England regional chapter lead will be walking through the city of Cambridge, which attracts 8.2 million visitors annually, to achieve her mileage. Her route will pass Mandela House on Regent Street and South African-owned Café Abantu on Hobson Street then The Eagle on Bene’t Street that has no SA links but is a fitting place to finish up! “We just want people to walk and show people in South Africa we care,” said Tania during an interview on Cambridge 105 radio. Tania, who now lives in Burwell, Cambridgeshire, also told Swahili Coast Foodie: “I’m walking in solidarity for those who don’t have a voice in South Africa and are suffering. I feel compelled to give back to a country that has given me so much.”
On the scenic Isle of Man, situated between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the SA Chamber’s local chapter leader June Whiteman, will be clocking her miles during a family golf game: “It will be the perfect opportunity for three generations to enjoy each other’s company and a little (or a lot) of exercise!” The island, where the average population density is below 150 people per square kilometre, compared to England where which has 400 people per square km, is home to an increasing number of South Africans.
South African Mike Raath in the northern Tanzanian town of Arusha that sits at the foot of Mount Meru, the continent’s second highest peak, told Swahili Coast Foodie: “I’m joining the Solidarity Walk to show unity with all citizens in South Africa!” He will be walking in the destination best known as the gateway to the famous ‘Northern Safari Circuit’ of Tanzania that includes Lake Manyara and Serengeti national parks.
Finally, Glenda Rowley in Florida will be completing almost ten miles in three walks covering Sweetwater, Jacksonville, Deerwood, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. “If I can help and ge sponsors to support me, I am game to make a difference,” says the friend of South Africa, a senior walker in her 70s, who will be accompanied by her South African Ridgeback dogs.
The SA Chamber welcomes anyone to register and complete their miles mindful of local public health guidance. Simply go to the SA Chamber website to register for a fee of £1.50.
Are you registered to take part in the Solidarity Walk? Remember to send images of you, your family, colleagues or friends walking to editorial@swahilicoastfoodie.com
Top image: The Isle of Man where June Whiteman will be supporting the Solidarity Walk as leader of the SA Chamber local chapter. (Credit: Peacenik)
Special thanks to Rachel Rutherford / Mike Vickers for supplying an image from Idle Valley Nature Reserve / Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust
