The Black Child Foundation, led by founder Scelo Ndwandwe, will embark on a 640km awareness walk from Johannesburg to Durban later this year.

The journey aims to promote oral health and raise awareness of chronic diseases in communities along the route.

The campaign, titled ‘Smile on the Road 2026’, will take place from September 1 to 15 and marks the fourth consecutive year that the organisation has undertaken a long-distance awareness walk.

Campaign enters fourth year

Over the past three years, the foundation has focused on issues such as strokes, epilepsy and mental health, reaching thousands of people in rural and peri-urban communities.

“This year, oral health will take centre stage, while messages around chronic disease prevention and management will continue to form part of the campaign,” said Ndwandwe.

According to him, oral health remains a neglected issue in many South African communities, particularly in lower-income areas where access to dental services is often limited.

“Poor oral hygiene can lead to pain, infection and school absenteeism, and has also been linked to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke,” he explained.

The route will take participants through towns and cities along the N11 and N3 corridors, including Heidelberg, Balfour, Standerton, Perdekop, Volksrust, Newcastle, Dannhauser, Ladysmith, Estcourt, Mooi River, Pietermaritzburg and Pinetown, before ending in Durban.

An eight-member core team, supported by healthcare professionals and media personnel, will walk between 40km and 50km each day.

Community engagement activities will also be held in the afternoons and evenings at schools, clinics, taxi ranks, community halls and local radio stations.

Ndwandwe said he hopes to educate more than 10,000 people in over 15 towns on basic oral hygiene, healthy eating habits and the prevention of oral diseases.

“Oral health kits and educational material will also be distributed to schools and community centres along the route,” he added.

Communities to receive health screenings

Free oral health screenings conducted by volunteer dentists and nurses will form part of the community roadshows. Blood pressure and body mass index assessments will also be offered to help identify potential chronic disease risk factors.

Learners will participate in educational sessions covering brushing techniques, sugar consumption and the importance of caring for their baby teeth.

The campaign also aims to strengthen awareness of stroke, epilepsy and mental health, while connecting residents with local healthcare services and support structures.

“Information on free and low-cost dental clinics and chronic disease support services will be made available in each town visited,” said Ndwandwe.

The Black Child Foundation is appealing for financial, logistical and in-kind support to help make the campaign a success.

Assistance is needed for transport, accommodation, meals, oral health kits, educational materials and other operational requirements, with costs estimated at approximately R130,000.

Those interested in supporting the campaign can contact Black Child Foundation chairperson Scelo Ndwandwe on 079 569 4694 or email ingojeinvestment01@gmail.com

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