Two young men from Greenfields, Alberton, who walked more than 700km from Gauteng to Durban to raise funds for a local youth skills centre, are calling on the community to continue supporting their mission as they prepare for an upcoming charity run.

Thokozani Basana and Zama Nobevu returned home on November 8 after completing their long-distance journey from Greenfields to Durban.

Although they initially planned to finish the walk in 10 days, the journey proved far more challenging, ultimately taking 17 days to complete.

Their mission was to raise funds and resources for the Pariio Community Skills Centre, a project aimed at fighting unemployment, drug abuse, and crime among young people in Greenfields and surrounding areas.

A growing wave of support

Since launching their campaign, the duo has raised R19 820 through BackaBuddy, thanks to residents and supporters inspired by their determination to uplift the community.

Donations remain open at Pariio Community Skills Centre.

Their story also reached Nirvaan Balwanth, a resident of Brackendowns who read about their walk in the Alberton Record.

Motivated by their commitment, he visited the two and donated R10 000 towards their initiative.

“We are so grateful for Balwanth’s generosity. It means a lot to us and helps us move closer to building the centre,” said Nobevu.

During their 17-day trek, the duo received remarkable support from individuals and businesses along the route.

They thanked Thanda Tau OK Express, Thanda Tau Spur Steak Ranches, and owner Marti for offering food, rest and warm hospitality.

“After meeting us along the road, Mam Marti told us, ‘When you reach Thanda Tau, please come in so we can welcome you and give you a place to rest.’ She did exactly that. We are very grateful,” said Nobevu.

They also thanked Sibaya Funeral Service for providing transport for their return journey and ensuring they had food along the route home.

They acknowledged Mr Mbuzwana Dywashu for introducing them to Clifford Mohau, the owner of Sibaya Funeral Service.

Why the skills centre matters

The planned skills centre will offer sewing, baking, carpentry and other practical programmes to help young people build sustainable careers or start small businesses.

“Our young people are sitting at home with no jobs. Many end up on drugs or involved in crime. We want the centre to change that by giving them skills they can use to build their own futures,” said Thokozani Basana.

They continue to appeal for donations, including sewing machines, baking ovens, cement, equipment, and bricks.
Make monetary contributions through the BackaBuddy campaign.

Upcoming charity run

To keep the momentum going, Basana and Nobevu are inviting the community to support their upcoming charity run in Greenfields on December 6.

The event includes 3km, 5km and 10km routes, with all proceeds going towards the construction of the skills centre.

Participants in the 5km route will receive a certificate, while 10km runners will get a free T-shirt.

“We are thankful to all the people supporting us so far. Please keep supporting us,” said Nobevu.

The charity run will start at the Greenfields Taxi Rank at 09:00.

For more information, contact Nobevu at 064 013 4674.