HUNDREDS of walkers far and wide, locals and SUN staff took to the streets of Amanzimtoti for the Walking the Talk 5km charity walk. The community came together in support of a worthy cause, braving rains which only served to revitalise participants, ensuring it was a resounding success.

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Prizes and gifts to the tune of over R250,000 were awarded to walkers, and nearly R75,000 in financial support for the foundation was secured. Caxton Local Media proudly served as the media sponsor for the event, helping to spread awareness and encourage participation. In addition, staff members from South Coast Sun and Southlands Sun played an active part, with some walking the 5km route while others volunteered at the water table, ensuring walkers stayed hydrated. The SUN extends a huge thank you to Oasis Water Amanzimtoti for sponsoring our water table on the corner of Entombeni Drive and Royston Road, and at the Civic Centre.

“Being part of this event was a huge deal for us. We supply water and it’s been great giving donations to people and to kids with disabilities. It’s good to see them happy, walking, smiling their cute smiles,” said Thando Msani, of Oasis Water.

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One of the walkers, Nondu Mathebula, was winded after the walk, but remained energetic, playing and dancing with her two sons Sica and Sthelo Mathebula, and their friends. She said, “It was very difficult. They said it was 5km but it felt like 10km, it was such a tough one, but we made it to the end and it was wonderful. It was an achievement that we walked the whole way. It started raining as well, so there were a lot of obstacles along the way. I had two boys that I came with and had to carry one of them towards the end. It was such a fun walk and between the environment and the sponsors, it was really a lovely place to be. Walking the Talk is doing a really great job bringing us together here, meeting each other.”

Founder of the Walking the Talk Foundation, Dale van der Blerk, said, “What began as a charity walk has now enabled us to build three classrooms at West Park Special School in June, an incredible achievement. The weather was perfect and everyone is still talking about it. Today (March 17), I visited the school to hand over their 75-inch touch screen, which was sponsored by CleverTouch, which they have already been trained to use. I had students come up to me saying they are looking forward to next year’s charity walk.”

Thanks to incredible support, Walking the Talk Foundation secured:

• R276,990 in prizes and gifts.
• Financial support to the tune of R74,440.

Sponsors and Contributions were made by:

• Macsteel, Pento Brokers, NPC Cement, Harvey Eco Tiles Roof, Seabreeze Hardware, Floorworks, Swartland Product sponsors to build the three classrooms. Macsteel and Harvey Eco Tiles are the platinum partners funding the walk.
• Sox Factory (1,000 pairs of socks), Jockey (gift packs).
• Lake Eland weekend getaway.
• Karkloof Canopy Zipline tickets.
• Spur vouchers, Tsogo Sun vouchers, Parrot Products voucher.
• Onomo Hotel (accommodation and financial support).
• Hyundai Amanzimtoti (car support, product support, and fuel).
• Galleria Mall: Vouchers.
• KIA: Financial Support.
• Fidelity ADT: Security Support.
• Netcare: Medical Support and Water.
• Food & drinks: Bluff Meats, Macsteel (sponsored meals), Twizza (cool drinks).

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