Local pair say they have learnt so much on their 27-day journey
SUNNINGHILL – The local hiking pair are thankful to be left with one week to complete their journey.
Twenty days into their journey from Johannesburg to Mthatha, local walkers Onke Sitwayi and Aphendule Pakade are excited to have nearly completed their 27-day journey.
Buccleuch resident Sitwayi and Sunninghill resident Pakade set out on 16 January from Southgate Mall on a walking journey with the aim of raising funds to build a pre-school in the small village of Xhora in the Eastern Cape.
Having grown up in the Eastern Cape and seen the desperate need for proper infrastructure and education in the village town, Sitwayi is excited to make a difference and see positive change for the betterment of the community.
Speaking to the Fourways Review on 4 February, Sitwayi said he was relieved to have finally reached the village of Lady Grey in the Eastern Cape.
“We are on track to reach our destination by 12 February. We have now changed the end location to Idutywa, since the local municipality has agreed to welcome us into the area on the day.”
Sitwayi reflected positively on the journey thus far, highlighting the incredible generosity and hospitality shown to the team along the route. “We saw such compassion from the people we met in the Free State and we have not paid for most of our accommodation along the route. Accommodation owners have welcomed us into their homes and shared meals with us and even donated to the cause.”
He said that the walk has not been without some difficulties, particularly in the early stages. “It was a body shock for both of us on the first few days. We had blisters and were very tired. Sometimes we did no talking. The road forced us to look within ourselves and reconnect with ourselves.
“I can’t believe we have made it this far. Our bodies have gotten used to the road the further we have walked.”
Though he is uncertain about how much money has been raised thus far, he is thankful to the community for their kindness in supporting the cause.
“We need to learn to love again, to be more welcoming and show compassion. You don’t know what the next person is going through. We are in this together,” reflected Sitwayi.
