500km challenge to help orphans

The thought of raising money to support two orphaned Manguzi children has motivated a team of six KZN people to keep going after walking and cycling over 250km of an eightday, 500km fund-raising challenge.

The initiative, called the Manguzi Edition, led by Hilton College science teacher Kwanda Sibiya, started at the school on June 16 and was expected to end yesterday in Manguzi.

The drive was made possible through a partnership between a nonprofit group, Sport for Lives, together with the Kolisi Foundation.

The team also includes Sport for Lives co-founder Chris Kingsley, Ncedo Koyana of the Kolisi Foundation, Hilton College director of marketing Peter Storrar, Hilton physiotherapist and former Manguzi resident Caroline Storrar, and Falcon House and Hilton College old boy, and founder of Deep Rural, Rod Spencer.

“The goal is to inspire 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 although his body was tired, his resolve was stronger than ever.

He recalled how his life was changed by a few people taking the time to help him.

“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.”

Describing the first four days of the challenge, Sibiya said he was touched by the support the team had received. He said 76 people had donated to the cause.

“If we can get that number up to 500, we can secure the future of some extraordinary young people.”

Sibiya hopes these orphans will be able to pay it forward one day and create “an infinite cycle of change”.

Koyana, who is cycling and running, said he is physically exhausted, “but my mind is strengthened by the thought that each step I take towards Manguzi is a stride towards giving a child a better future”. He called on readers to give what they can.

Kingsley added: “Kwanda’s campaign reminds us that we can all do something every day to bring positive change to South Africa.”

People can donate per kilometre or give a once-off amount. Additional funds raised will go to the Kolisi Foundation.