Mankweng men walk 342km to voice struggles

POLOKWANE – Two determined young men from Ga-Molepo, a village near Mankweng, took a bold stand against youth challenges in South Africa by walking 342km to the Union Buildings in Pretoria recently.

Aubrey Maloka and Mpho Mogano embarked on their week-long journey from June 23-30, delivering a memorandum of grievances that highlight unemployment, poor service delivery, a lack of access to higher education funding, poverty, and mental health struggles.

“This was our first time walking such a long distance and our first time in Tshwane. But we did it because we wanted our voices, and those of the youth in our village and across South Africa, to be heard,” said Maloka.

Their plea is that the same opportunities available in cities like Pretoria be extended to rural villages such as Ga-Molepo. “I walked this journey so that President Cyril Ramaphosa could listen and take action,” Maloka said.

While the journey was not easy, the two were driven by the urgency of their cause and the encouragement from their community.

“The first 10km was manageable. What kept me going was the vision of standing at the Union Buildings,” said Maloka. The pair survived on fruit, water and energy drinks, and slept along the roadside on at least four occasions before receiving an escort vehicle after three days.

Their memorandum was officially received by Sibusiso Mabuza from internal security at the presidency.

In honour of their courage and commitment, a homecoming celebration was held in Ga-Molepo on Sunday.

Organised by media personality Smonamonane and supported by the families, the event received backing from Kgobi Funerals, Mmirwa Helping Hand Organisation, and Momachu, who donated a cow, luxury cars for the convoy, tents and event setup.

Mogano urged the youth to keep speaking up. “Silence is not the solution, it only leads to depression and suicide. Let’s continue to raise our voices together.”