The Greenfields community came together in large numbers on May 17 to celebrate the return of Zama Nobevu and Thokozani Basana after their 1 400km journey from Greenfields to Cape Town.

To celebrate their homecoming, supporters gathered at the Cemetery Fourway Stop Sign before escorting the pair to Batho Pele Social Development Youth Organisation to mark their achievement.

The homecoming celebration was also supported by community leaders, including Ward 58 Clr Fodo Mfundiso, the council chief whip, Pelisa Nkunjane, and pastors Bishop Bright Nxumalo and others.

The two men completed the demanding 37-day walk on May 14 after leaving Greenfields on April 1 with a mission to raise awareness and support for unemployed youth through the Pariio Community Skills Centre.

Walking for a purpose

The non-profit initiative focuses on teaching practical skills such as sewing, carpentry, baking and welding to help young people and adults create income opportunities and avoid crime and drug abuse.

Speaking during the homecoming celebration, Zama said the walk was never about personal recognition but about building a better future for the community.

“We walked not for ourselves, but for unemployed youth who need hope, skills and opportunities,” he said.

This was the second major fundraising walk. In October 2025, they walked from Greenfields to Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, helping raise funds for sewing machines and allowing 75 young people and adults to begin sewing and dishwashing liquid manufacturing training.

Their latest walk aimed to raise support for additional sewing machines, baking ovens, carpentry machinery and welding equipment needed to expand the skills centre.

The road was not easy, but support kept them going

The walk was full of difficult moments. They faced exhaustion, heavy rain, long stretches of isolated roads and accommodation cancellations during the journey. At times, they did not know where they would sleep.

However, kindness from strangers helped them continue moving forward.

Pastor Beau de Klerk stepped in after one accommodation booking was unexpectedly cancelled in De Doorns, while Joe from Laingsburg Caravan Park gave them a place to rest and recover.

Emergency Services also safely escorted them through the dangerous Huguenot Tunnel near Paarl.

Throughout the journey, people from across South Africa opened their hearts to the walkers.

“Wilma Booysen, a woman from Dubai who was a teacher in Alberton, was part of this walk from day one. She has been busy sending emails to hotels and lodges for accommodation and ensuring that she spreads the word for people to support us along the road.”

Hannelie Enslin became one of the first supporters to stop and greet them after Sasolburg, before later surprising them again near Three Sisters with breakfast.

They also thanked Mshengu Tshabalala, Moses Aphane, Jeremiah Mkhwanazi, Frankie Motsepe and DJ TNT for supporting and encouraging them along the way.

Several NG Kerk congregations across the country welcomed Zama and Thokozani with prayers, meals and shelter, while Ian from The Fat Butcher in Vredenburg sponsored food and snacks for the road.

Portchie Viljoen was also praised for sponsoring food and helping arrange transport tickets home after the journey.

Petrus Gabiya from Parys Tourism Radio became one of the loudest voices supporting the mission, updating listeners daily and motivating the pair throughout the walk.

Kenny Fezile, a businessman from Cape Town, welcomed them and took them out to lunch.

People believe in the vision

Phumlani Dywili, who has worked closely with Zama on several fundraising campaigns, said he respected the work the pair had done for the community.

“I appreciate and respect my friends for what they did for the community. More is still coming, and no one will ever steal our vision,” he said.

He explained that although he had planned to join the Cape Town walk, work commitments prevented him from taking part.

According to Phumlani, Nobevu’s public relations background played a major role in creating and growing the fundraising campaigns.

“When Zama told me about taking another journey, I was afraid because of the long distance and challenges they would face on the road, but I am happy and grateful that they returned home safely. We are proud of what they have done for the community and for unemployed youth. Seeing people come together to support the vision shows that this journey touched many hearts, and we believe this is only the beginning of bigger things to come,” said Pumla Nobevu, his sister.

Nkunjane also donated five sewing machines to support the organisation’s training programmes.

Nxumalo said, “What you are doing is true leadership and true social responsibility because you are giving back to your community and creating hope for unemployed youth. We want to support your vision, and I believe you will reach your destination and achieve your dream. The community must continue standing behind this project because it is changing lives.”

Pariio team members were also thanked for organising a welcome for Zama and Thokozani, and checking on them on the road.

The Greenfields community gave massive support throughout the journey by sending prayers and alerting people they knew who drive long distances to look out for the walkers and provide water and food whenever they saw them along the road.

The journey continues

Although the walk has officially come to an end, Zama and Thokozani say their mission is far from over.

The Pariio Community Skills Centre continues to seek donations of sewing machines, carpentry tools, baking equipment and welding machinery to help expand opportunities for unemployed youth.

For more information and donations, residents may contact Zama on 082 088 0620 or Thokozani on 073 675 4426.

WATCH: 2 men from Greenfields begin a 1,400km walk to fight unemployment