Polokwane activists stop GBV awareness walk after safety protocol issues
Polokwane duo walking from Polokwane to Cape Town to raise GBV awareness halted their mission in Pretoria due to safety concerns.
POLOKWANE – Polokwane duo Kholofelo Chilwane and William Shai embarked on an ambitious awareness mission, walking from Polokwane to Cape Town to highlight the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence (GBV).
The pair left Polokwane on October 30, passing through Mokopane and Mookgophong before reaching Gauteng.
Shai described the first stretch as extremely challenging.
“We walked almost 60km on day one, got caught in heavy rain, and even had to sleep outside a garage that night. But despite all that, we’re never giving up. We’re still pushing forward with so much faith and determination.”
Chilwane told Polokwane Observer that their walk aims to raise both awareness and money for the establishment of a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting GBV victims.
“We want to create safe spaces, support programmes and educational outreach for women and men affected by abuse. We want to run workshops that teach respect, emotional awareness and healing.”
They explained that choosing to walk – rather than simply applying for money – was intentional.
“A lot of people ask, ‘Why walk from Polokwane to Cape Town?’ We wanted to take action, attract community attention and inspire conversations. It shows that change can start with ordinary people who care enough to do something,” Shai said.
After reaching Pretoria on day seven, their journey was however, halted when the Mojapelo community contacted them with safety concerns, noting that the traffic department had not been informed of their walk.
A close friend, Moroka Mahlangu, said watching the journey unfold was emotional and inspiring. “Every step really meant something.”
Polokwane Municipality Traffic Department spokesperson Kgaugelo Mphago advised that anyone planning an interprovincial walk must first approach the provincial traffic department for escort coordination.
“This protocol ensures their safety and alerts officials in each province as they move along,” he said, commending the duo for their awareness efforts.
Chilwane and Shai acknowledged they were unaware of the procedures and plan to restart the walk next year following the correct channels.
“Thank you to everyone who supported us. We’ll be back next year with the same mission of raising awareness of GBV,” they said.
Their journey can be followed on TikTok and Instagram @HerVoice_OurSteps.
