DURBAN - The thought of raising funds to support two young orphaned Manguzi children has motivated a team of six KZN people to keep going after walking and cycling over 250km of an eight-day 500km fund-raising challenge.
The fund-raising initiative, called the Manguzi Edition, led by Hilton College science teacher Kwanda Sibiya, started at Hilton College on June 16 and is expected to end on June 23 in Manguzi.
The drive was made possible through a partnership between non-profit company Sport for Lives together and the Kolisi Foundation.
The team also includes Sport for Lives co-founder Chris Kingsley, Ncedo Koyana from the Kolisi Foundation, Hilton College director of marketing, Peter Storrar, Hilton physiotherapist and former resident of Manguzi, Caroline Storrar, and Falcon House and Hilton College old boy, and founder of Deep Rural, Rod Spencer.
“The goal is to inspire members of the public to bring hope to two brave young children of the Manguzi community who have lost both their parents,” said the team.
Sibiya said while his body is tired, his resolve is stronger than ever.
He recalls how his life was changed by a few people taking a few moments to help him along the way as a child.
“There were days in my childhood when I didn’t have the means to afford a meal, never mind the energy to think of a positive future,”said Sibiya.
Describing the first four days of the challenge, Sibiya said he was touched by the support the team has received from a variety of individuals from all walks of life.
He said at least 76 people have reached into their pockets to make a difference by donating to the cause.
“If we can inspire wider involvement and get that number up to 500, then we can secure the future of some extraordinary young people,” he said.
Sibiya hopes that by helping these orphans, they will be able to pay it forward one day and as a result create “an infinite cycle of change”.
He appealed to the public to support the cause.
Koyana, who is cycling and running, said he is physically exhausted.
“But my mind is strengthened by the thought that each step I make towards Manguzi is a stride towards giving a child a better future, as we remember one by one. I’m calling on everyone who reads this to join me on this journey and contribute what they can – we can only do this together,” he said.
Kingsley said making giving a part of our everyday routine could bring great purpose and fulfilment to our lives.
“Kwanda’s campaign resonates with us because he reminds us that we can all do something every day to bring positive change to South Africa,” he said.
People can donate per kilometre or give a once-off amount. Additional funds raised will be directed to the Kolisi Foundation.
THE MERCURY