Another local wants to join teacher on his journey against killing of white farmers

MBOMBELA – He has generated immense traffic on social media with his initiative to stand up against the killing of police officers and white farmers, and in the final days leading up to his departure from Mbombela to the Union Buildings, he has also gained a companion.

Read about Duncan’s journey here:
Student teacher plans to hit the road against racism

Mr Duncan Nyawo (37), who has vowed to walk an estimated 350 kilometres to raise awareness of and take a stand against the killing of white farmers and police officers, will now be joined by Mr Ian Venter (45).

Venter has been actively involved in charity work for a number of years and when he read about Nyawo’s mission, he knew he had to participate.

“I feel strongly about this topic and I admire Nyawo’s courage to stand up for what is sright. If sthere are no farmers, there is no food.”

He resigned from his job as a safety officer nine months ago and has since been walking everywhere around town. “Whether I am fit enough or not, I am going to go the distance. I always tell myself: before you quit, ask yourself why you started in the first place.”

Since Lowvelder first published the article of Nyawo’s mission, he has received overwhelming responses from companies and private individuals to aid him on his journey. He has received sponsors for walking shoes, a backpack, water and energy drinks and flags which he will carry all the way.

Despite the positive feedback, Nyawo has also stepped on a few toes and received phone calls from private numbers, threatening him to stop his mission. One man apparently told him if he did not stop what he was doing, they would “take him down”.

Mystery caller threatens to derail man’s walk in support of farmers

“If I get killed for this cause, I would not have died in vain. I’m no chicken, I’m still going to do it.”

The two men have already formed a strong bond and said this might only be the first walk of many. “If this effort gains enough attention, we will start walking for other causes, too,” Nyawo said.

“The only part I am nervous about, is the massive hill in Schoemanskloof.”