ESTCOURT KZN: Stepping up to curb gender-based violence

Johannesburg-born Durban resident Andrew Robert Lusk has undertaken a tough mission…
One that will see him making a solo 604km run. One that is fraught with danger, uncertainty and pain, much like the lives of those who are victims of gender-based violence…

It was this reason that spurred Andrew on. At 29 years old, Andrew, who is a chef, says that his entire life has been challenging.

“I’ve been a failure all my life. I didn’t have a good upbringing; my parents divorced when I was young and I didn’t have good parenting, so I basically had to take care of myself. Once I qualified, I felt that I was growing, but then I started having money problems,” he explains.

When Covid-19 swept across the world in 2020, Andrew was dealt one more crushing blow. His plan to work on a yacht was scrapped and he found himself “turning into a monster”. Being trapped during lockdown, with dwindling finances and a troubled mind, Andrew decided to take a sober look at the world around him.

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“I looked at all the bad things that were happening in 2020, like gender-based violence, and I saw a similarity between myself and the victims. Like the women who are abused and want to get out of a sad situation, I too wanted out,” said Andrew.

He decided to do something that would leave an indelible mark in his life, ie break the silence of gender-based violence and hopefully inspire victims. He planned on a solo run from Durban to Johannesburg, and started approaching sponsors and stakeholders to get on board. However, “as with most of my plans”, this did not receive much support.

During the month of February 2021, Andrew began saving all his money and started training by running 20km a day.
He also started to get the word out about his solo run and what he hoped to achieve.

On March 1, “like a raging bull”, Andrew took to the open road from Durban, with R200 in his pocket, a dream in his head and a trust in his heart that South African hospitality would get him through.

As he meanders through each town, Andrew spreads the word of the harsh realities of gender-based violence and encourages everyone to support the victims. On March 8, Andrew was hosted by the Lions Club of Estcourt during one of his overnight stops. His passion for his mission is palpable.

“I do not want to raise money,” he says when asked what his goal is. “I want to raise awareness. I want to bring communities together so they can help protect our women and young girls, and I want to spread the message that we need to raise kind men,” says Andrew.

He hopes to complete the journey by March 20, when he arrives in Johannesburg. And from there?

“I want to dedicate my life to others. Previously, it was all about me; now I want to help others and see if I can make a difference,” he concluded.

NOW SEE: Breaking the silence to fight gender-based violence

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