A global Solidarity Walk has brought together South Africans and friends of the country in a show of unity with the nation as it works to overcome the effects of the pandemic.
Supporters in a diversity of destinations across four continents began a walking challenge organised by the South African Chamber of Commerce (UK) on 29th August 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!
Ahead of the challenge, the award-winning singer PJ Powers told South Africa’s Radio 702: “There are South Africans worldwide wanting to help with our pandemic plight and that is what the Solidarity Walk initiative is all about.” South Africa’s ‘Queen of Rock’ Karen Zoid, one of the first high profile figures to support the initative said: “I am proud and happy to be part of this campaign to raise funds by South Africans in the UK and globally in support of those most in need.”
In a show of solidarity for the challenge, Tembi Tambo, South African High Commissioner in the UK, encouraged those participating in the South African Chamber of Commerce challenge to: “Walk tall, walk fast and keep smiling!” while Nigel Casey, UK High Commissioner in South Africa, said: “By walking this weekend we can help get SA back on its feet.”
In Cape Town, rugby legend Francois Pienaar, aimed to complete 120 miles with his family in a series of coastal walks. Football legend Lucas Radebe kicking off the walk in Johannesburg. SA sports presenter Thomas Mlambo accepted the star’s challenge to clock some miles via Twitter. The team at Forwardzone, South Africa’s leading sports agency, also took up the challenge in Johannesburg.
Also supporting from the ‘City of Gold’ in South Africa were Emma Wade-Smith, UK Trade Commissioner for Africa who walked with Leon Ayo, President of the British Chamber of Business in Southern Africa. In Pretoria, Patricia Lourens joined the #SolidarityWalk from Wolwespuruit Mountain and Trail Park. The de Wet family ventured out from Clarens in the Eastern Free State Walking into the foothills of the Maluti Mountains.
Up in East Africa, Mike Raath completed his #SolidarityWalk miles across the foothills of Mount Meru in northern Tanzania. He said: “I walked in the beautiful surroundings around Arusha remembering South Africa and her people.”
In the UK, former Springbok rugby star Andre Snyman speaking on the first day stated: “I have played rugby for my country but I have never walked for my country. Today I walk for my country.” He covered some 30 miles along with his family in Idle Valley Nature Reserve in the East Midlands of England. British former Olympic athlete Mark Richardson also took up the challenge and tweeted: “Logging as many steps to help impoverished communities in South Africa. Smashed out 29,786 yesterday and sailed past 23,000 so far today.” Setting out from Buckinhamshire, Sharon Constançon, SA Chamber chairman and Martin Watkins, completed 40 miles in the Chiltern Hills and along the River Thames to the west of London. Speaking after the challenge was successfully completed, Sharon said: “I am so proud of South Africans and friends of the nation globally who came together for such a valuable cause.”
Also in the UK was Michelle Cheyne who took the Osmaston Walk in the Peak District of England with family and friends. She said: “I just love the South African spirit! When we stand together in unity nothing can stop us!” Jenni Rivetts, whose walks included a visit to Brancaster Beach in the east of England, said on social media: “We have the power to support those whose lives have been disrupted by Covid-19.”
Stephan Mulder, who also completed a series of walks with his family in the east of England, said: “We had a great time around Cambridge/ Northstowe/ Longstanton walking for South Africans heavily affected by COVID-19.”
In the west of England, The Newt country estate owned by hotelier Karen Roos and telecom mogul Koos, was the destination for Gerhard Perold’s walk with his family: “We went to a bit of South Africa right here in the heart of Somerset.” Across in Wiltshire, Vivienne and Neil Brownrigg (with Toby on a lead) began walking in the town of Melksham before venturing to the historic city of Bath in Somerset. Further west in Cornwall, Fiona Adams Perry walked with companions in Polperro.
North of the border, Ferial Moos-Puren, the SA Chamber Scotland chapter leader reported: “In Scotland we are walking in solidarity with those suffering in South Africa. We have decided to walk in one of the most beautiful parts of the country from Dunoon on the Cowal Peninsula with amazing coastal views along the river Clyde.”
Across the Atlantic, the intrepid Glenda and ‘Team Rowley’ in Jacksonville, Florida, completed a series of walks with her dogs across three days. Other walking reports came in from UK, Canada, other parts of the USA, the UAE and Mauritius.
While the challenge was a fun way to unite South Africans and friends of the country, the initiative was also an opportunity to create awareness for the Solidarity Fund. Dawn Denton, the SA Chamber’s West of England Chapter leader said: “It is so much fun to be part of the global energy of walking in solidarity in aid of the Solidarity Fund to support South Africa during the pandemic.” The independent initiative was established by leading South African private sector leaders to support the national health response to the pandemic, contribute to humanitarian relief efforts and mobilise the nation to drive a united response to COVID-19 crisis. One of the challenge’s oldest supporters, Barbara Watkins (aged 89) in Amersham, north-west of London, said: “We can only beat Covid-19 by working together, so I am walking and donating to support my South African friends on the #SolidarityWalk.”
Donations for the Solidarity Fund appeal can still be made easily and safely via the SA Chamber website. Any amount would be appreciated.
Top image: Isabel waves the flag for South Africa in Cambridge, England.
Thanks to all walkers who gave permission to use their images.
