DEAN Swart (48) is tackling the 5,700km journey from the Namibian border, all along the coastline of South Africa and across Mozambique in an effort to raise awareness about the plight of the environment, solely due to human impact.
Dean, who resides in Johannesburg, embarked on the solo expedition in January last year on the trip, which will take some 20 months to two-years to complete, and will change his life and hopefully impact others’ mindsets forever.
The environmentalist is making his approach to Toti at the moment and he will give a talk at Warnadoone Skiboat Club this Friday evening, 18 January from 6.30pm.
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While walking the coastline, Dean’s main aim is to gather environmental data on the general health of the coast by taking samples, photographing wildlife and recording the levels of plastic pollution where he passes. Above all, he will journey to raise awareness about the coastal environment and the impact humans have on it. He follows up this aim by also working to share and enjoy the vast expanses of exquisite coastline that the country possesses.
Viewing himself as an ordinary 47-year-old, many would argue that the man possesses more than just ‘a passion for the great outdoors and a burning need to get out and do something to conserve the planet’, as he described himself. Clearly his is an example of the words in action.
“I was born and raised in Zimbabwe and schooled in KZN. On completing my education I returned to Zimbabwe to farm,” he explained. “In 2004 my farm was appropriated by the government in Zimbabwe’s land grab. I left for the UK and changed my profession, going into the construction industry. Finally I returned to settle in South Africa and due to the slowdown in the economy and the construction industry, I decided that I needed to focus my energy on my passion for the outdoors. That ultimately lead to this expedition.”
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A few people have walked the South African coastline, but none have, according to Dean’s knowledge, walked the Mozambican coastline, let alone both.
“The vast distance is not the challenge, as I have the time. The main challenges and possible barrier to success include political stability in Mozambique and medical risks involved in terns of physical injury and malaria. Crocodiles and treacherous water when crossing the many rivers that empty into the ocean, pose other threats,” he said.
In order to mitigate the risks, Dean underwent intensive survival training, wilderness first aid, rescue and navigation courses. Prior to setting out, Dean researched extensively, set up emergency contingency plans, put resources in place and secured sponsors. He met with scientists in order to understand what data is beneficial.
Dean’s hand desalination pump is the most important item he carries on the trip, as when travelling through areas where there is no fresh water, or where it can only be sourced from afar, this pump provides fresh drinking water pumped from saltwater.
Traveling along such a beautifully diverse coastline has been a treat for Dean.
“Our beautiful coastline brings in a hell of a lot of money from tourism, we need to look after it. Diamond mines on the west coast, sandmining in the Transkei, poaching of marine and land creatures is exponentially reducing the creatures our game parks and nature reserves are meant to be protecting,” he said.
Having amazing experiences hasn’t come without hardships though. Fracturing his foot last year resulted in the traveller booking off for two months. Dean also experienced mild tick bite fever and hypothermia. But he remarked that interacting with wildlife in its natural habitat has been the amazing pay-off.
“To date I have not been hassled by anyone,” he said. “Regardless of age, race, culture and financial status, everyone has been exceptionally interesting. There were areas that were considered unsafe, but I have walked them anyway. I’m always very careful, always sure that no-one knows where I’m camping. I’ve stayed outdoors a lot in my life, I’m not afraid.”
For five days a week Dean walks and camps out, then comes in for the weekend to restock. During these stops, he busies himself with educational talks at schools and organised clean-ups.
The environmentalist explained that people need to understand the environment is fragile, and at the rate of our consumption, we’re killing it. “We as consumers need to put our foot down and say no to single use plastics. In Europe, if you accept a plastic bag at the store, it’s not the government or shop that nails you, it’s the people behind you in the queue. However, without legislation we’re not going to get far. We need government to make an effort to protect our coast,” he said.
Dean further explained that the pollution that humans put into the oceans is making its way into our bodies as microplastics and other harmful substances.
“When I complete this journey, I will probably write a book about my experiences. Two years is too long to do something without keeping a record of it. I’ll then probably plan another expedition. I’m not sure what yet, but I still have some time to figure that out,” he said.
Dean will pass through Amanzimtoti this weekend. He will offer a talk on the environment and his journey on Friday evening at the Warnadoone Skiboat Club from 6.30pm. There will be no cost but a lovely hamper sponsored by Winklespruit Spar will be raffled on the night.
Follow Dean’s travels through following his Facebook page: 500 Sunsets.
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