Pretoria members of the Abahambi Be Tshwane Foundation embarked on a historic national endurance walk from Johannesburg to Cape Town, launching a 1 500km journey aimed at raising awareness, mobilising communities and promoting a culture of giving across South Africa.

The initiative, led by Mshengu Tshabalala, Moses Aphane, Jeremiah Mkhwanazi and Frankie Motsepe, is described as more than a physical challenge by Bongani Ngomane, spokesperson for the foundation.

“It is a structured social movement focused on unity, resilience, compassion and community upliftment. The team departed from Parys on May 6 on their way to Kroonstad as part of the ongoing national route, which is expected to conclude in Cape Town on May 30,” said Ngomane.

The journey kicked off on May 4 in Johannesburg.

Members taking part come from Centurion, Silverton, Mamelodi and Soshanguve, reflecting a diverse base rooted in different communities across Pretoria.

The endurance walk covers will be done in over 24 planned shifts, with each daily segment averaging just over 62km.

The route began in Johannesburg and passes through towns including Riviera on Vaal, Koppies, Maokeng, Hennenman, Theunissen, Bloemfontein, Edenburg, Philippolis, and along the Orange River corridor before reaching the Northern Cape and Western Cape regions.

The journey continues through areas such as Hanover, Richmond, Victoria West, Melton Wold, Loxton, Fraserburg, Sutherland, and Ceres before the final approach into Paarl and Cape Town.

Each shift is carefully structured to maintain consistency in distance while accounting for terrain changes, weather conditions, and recovery logistics.

The final stage is scheduled to conclude in Cape Town on May 30, where all participants are expected to complete the final stretch together into the city centre, marking the end of the national endurance campaign.

According to Ngomane, this diversity is central to the identity of the movement, which seeks to bridge social and geographic divides through collective participation.

The foundation is a registered non-profit company that uses endurance walking as a platform to raise funds for vulnerable communities and charitable causes.

Ngomane said its flagship initiative is designed to raise millions of rands while also encouraging fitness, social responsibility and national unity.

He remarked that as the walkers continue their journey across provinces, they have received growing attention from communities along the route.

“Residents in small towns and rural areas have gathered to show support, offer encouragement and engage with the initiative as it passes through their regions.

The walk has become a visible symbol of endurance and shared purpose,” said Ngomane.

Chairperson Mshengu Tshabalala said the initiative is intended to belong to all South Africans, regardless of background or circumstance.

He explained the broader meaning behind the journey and the motivation driving the team forward.

“This walk is about restoring hope and reminding communities that ordinary people can create extraordinary change together. Every kilometre we walk carries the dreams, struggles and aspirations of many South Africans.”

Tshabalala emphasised that the foundation’s goal is not only to complete the physical distance but to inspire long-term community engagement and sustained support for social causes.

Fellow organiser Jeremiah Mkhwanazi noted that the journey also highlights the importance of discipline and collective effort.

He said the group is determined to continue despite the physical demands of walking long distances daily, adding that the support from communities has been a key motivating factor.

The foundation is calling on corporates, municipalities, media houses, organisations and individuals to support the campaign through sponsorships, donations and partnerships.

Organisers believe such support will help expand the impact of the initiative and ensure that resources reach communities in need.

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