Journey of hope to benefit children

Marius Swanepoel (58) of Shelly Beach is on a mission to give children a brighter future. He has already embarked on his Journey of Hope – a 4 500km walk to give children a chance at education.

He enjoys long walks and is embarking on the ambitious solo walk along the South African coastline to raise funds for underprivileged children’s early education.

The Journey of Hope started at Shelly Beach Ski Boat Club last week. Swanepoel aims to raise R500,000 to support Grade RR, Grade R, and Grade 1 learners in 2026 with school fees, uniforms, transport and stationery.

The project will initially sponsor 10 children, giving them the opportunity to start school with dignity and hope.

“Over the months, I will walk the entire South African coastline, covering 4 500km of purpose, from Shelly Beach to Kosi Bay, then to Durban, the Wild Coast, the Garden Route, Cape Town, and finally to the Namibian border. Every step I take is part of the Journey of Hope, a mission to give children a brighter start in life,” said Swanepoel.

He added that he’s walking to make a tangible difference in children’s lives, step by step. “With the community’s support, we can help more children access education, which is the foundation of a brighter future.”

Swanepoel will document the journey as a TikTok influencer and blogger @marius0101, sharing updates, challenges and inspirational stories from the road.

Everyone is invited to follow and support his journey. Donations can be made via BackaBuddy: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/marius-swanepoel or WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6ZsS53GJOsU78n9D1g.

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