After dedicating more than seven years to researching child rape and sexual abuse, Alberton resident Steve Heath is returning to the road at the age of 72 to continue the work he started more than two decades ago.

Steve launched the independent Buddy and Me research project in April 2005. Travelling in a beach buggy named Buddy, he visited cities, towns and villages across South Africa before extending the journey into 16 African countries.

The original project covered approximately 189 000km over seven and a half years. It focused on four key questions: how widespread child rape and sexual abuse are, why it happens, what is being done to address it, and what more can be done to reduce the problem.

“I decided that I can’t sit around. I want to finish what I originally started with the fight against the rape of children,” he said.

A new journey for Buddy and Me project

The new Buddy and Me project, titled A solution to combating the rape and sexual abuse of children, is scheduled to begin in Durban on October 1 officially.

Heath plans to cycle approximately 8 000 to 10 000km over two years, using a motor-assisted bicycle and a small trailer carrying camping equipment.

The route will focus on visiting all 64 Thuthuzela Care Centres across South Africa. These centres provide specialised support to victims of sexual offences and gender-based violence.

Heath believes these centres can play a crucial role in encouraging more families to report cases of child rape and abuse.

Why reporting is central to the project

Heath’s research has focused particularly on children from birth to age 12.

He said his experiences speaking to mothers during his original journey highlighted the barriers that can prevent families from reporting child rape.

According to Heath, some mothers fear the trauma their children may experience when navigating the traditional reporting process. In contrast, others are concerned about the financial consequences if the alleged perpetrator is a family breadwinner.

Heath said his research led him to advocate for a more child-friendly, integrated approach where victims and their families can access police, medical and support services in one environment.

He believes Thuthuzela Care Centres provide an important model for this approach.

A journey supported by Lions Clubs

The project has already received support from several Lions Clubs.

The Lions Club of Cowies Hill in Pinetown has sponsored Heath’s bicycle, while the Lions Club of Amanzimtoti has sponsored the small trailer he will use to carry his camping equipment.

The Cool Lemon of Amanzimtoti has also sponsored signaged clothing for the project.

Heath said the Lions network is expected to assist him as he travels around the country, including with accommodation, food and other support where possible.

The Alberton Lions Club has also indicated that it wants to become involved in the project, with a possible send-off from Alberton before Heath travels to Durban for the official start.

Although the original beach buggy has retired, Heath will not be travelling alone.

Buddy, the teddy bear that has accompanied the project, will once again join him on the journey.

For Heath, the bicycle is more than simply a means of transport. It represents a practical and affordable way of taking the project directly to communities while continuing his research.

At 72, he acknowledges that cycling thousands of kilometres while towing a trailer will be physically demanding, but the support he has already received has made the journey possible.

The motor has now been sponsored and will be fitted to his bicycle.

Heath is therefore no longer seeking the previously requested R30 000 sponsorship for the e-bike conversion, but said any donations towards the wider project will be sincerely appreciated.

Following the journey

Heath is calling on members of the public to support the Buddy and Me project by following its progress on Facebook and sharing its posts.

He hopes the journey will not only raise awareness, but also encourage conversations about child rape, reporting and the services available to victims and their families.

The ultimate goal, he said, is to identify and promote practical solutions that can help prevent child rape and sexual abuse and encourage more victims and families to seek help.

For more information about the Buddy and Me project, residents can contact Steve Heath on 078 700 3414 or email steve.heath0555@gmail.com.