“Look, no one is coming to save you. Get up and change your world…”
Just last month we celebrated Human Rights Month and it was a reminder that it is only fair for humans to have basic rights such as the right to a home and a right to an education. Today we proudly celebrate Freedom Day and 27 years living in a democratic country.
Many of us might agree that much has been done and at the same time not enough has been done because we are still facing challenges such as poverty, lack of housing, unemployment and so on. Despite all the challenges, we have to acknowledge businesses that are giving back to communities such as Non-Profit Organisations (NPO’s), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s), companies that offer sponsorships and donations as well as our faceless heroes who make a difference every single day.
Onke Sitwayi who is part of Dream Out Loud South Africa is one of our faceless heroes who is on a 27 day walk from Johannesburg to Cape Town. His goal is to raise funds to build a pre-school in his village in Mthatha
“The only way to overcome anything is to keep walking. Your creator, the universe and the good spirit of your ancestors will only match your energy”, said Sitwayi when asked why he chose to walk. Onke approximately walks 50 kilometres (km) for 10 hours per day to make about 1,400km
However, big companies such as the car dealership Isuzu and one of South Africa’s biggest cellphone networks Cell C have sponsored this life-changing initiative. Isuzu supplies Onke with things such as sleeping tents, medical aid and water while Cell C provides free airtime and data to keep them connected with their loved ones.
Sitwayi also mentioned that he is in need of building materials to help build the pre-school, resources such as stationery and reading books so that the kids can be well equipped once the school is in full operation.
He started this journey on the first of April and he is expected to arrive today on the 27th of April. “Look, no one is coming to save you. Get up and change your world, light comes from darkness and darkness from the light”, says self-motivated Sitwayi. There will be a press conference held at Philippi Arts Centre later on after Onke arrives.
If you are inspired by Onke’s story and you would like to follow, donate and help change a child’s life you can go onto Dream Out Loud’s social media pages for more information.
On Instagram :@dreamoutloudsa or
Email: dreamoutloudafrika@gmail.com or
Contact details: 067 095 5366
By Nonzwakazi Ramaube
