Simbithi resident and Springbok legend Joel Stransky recently embarked on an extraordinary two-week endurance cycle across southern Africa on Saturday to raise funds for underprivileged children.

On November 22, Joel and his LumoHawk Foundation team set off from Durban’s beachfront on their gruelling 2 500km Hope Ride from Sea to See journey, which will take them across South Africa and Namibia, finishing in Swakopmund on December 6.

Founded in 2012, the LumoHawk Foundation funds mobile eye clinics that visit under-resourced schools, screening and testing children’s vision and providing prescription glasses where needed. The initiative is inspired by former president Nelson Mandela’s commitment to education and his hope for future leaders.

“Madiba always spoke of the importance of education in our Rainbow Nation, and we are taking on this immensely tough challenge at the peak of summer to help make education possible for more of South Africa’s children,” said Joel.

The foundation’s mission is simple: to ensure that children can see well enough to learn, play sport and thrive in their communities. When more serious intervention is required, appointments are arranged with eye specialists who donate their time and expertise.

Joining Joel on the ride are fellow North Coast residents Jacques Grobbelaar and Ty White, as well as friends Arrie Rautenbach and Kevin Benkenstein. Their route spans KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and the Northern Cape, culminating in the final 400km stretch – dubbed the “Desert Dash” – between Windhoek and Swakopmund. This section has never been attempted as an organised event, adding to both the challenge and the excitement.

“We are appealing to corporates and private donors to sponsor our work as we improve the lives of the children of low-income employees and help families who don’t have an income give their children the gift of sight,” said Joel.

Poor nutrition, inadequate lighting and lack of early childhood vision stimulation often hinder eye development, making this initiative critical for educational success.

Sponsors can support the Hope Ride by donating via the foundation’s website at lumohawk.co.za or emailing hello@lumohawk.co.za. Updates on the journey are available at hoperide.co.za.

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