An elderly man, Malesela “King” Mokonyama, from Ga-Mashashane in Limpopo is set to embark on a 753km centenary Walk for Tata for 13 days. The Centenary Walk for Tata was established in 2018 by Mokonyana to place the spotlight firmly on social issues such as Gender Based Violence, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, xenophobia, and the importance of participation in sports.

Previous walks by Mokonyama include a 180 km walk from Polokwane to Bela-Bela in 2015 and a 213 km walk from Polokwane to Beitbridge Border Post in 2016. In the 2023 edition, the walk spanned two districts in Limpopo for 13 days.

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“I started with this initiative because I wanted to raise awareness e.g. Gender-Based Violence, teenage pregnancy, crime prevention, substance abuse and Xenophobia through sport. I intend to sensitise people, especially in rural areas about these social ills.

“The other reason is to spread Tata Mandela’s message of love and peace to all people living in South Africa. Hence the name of our Company’ Centenary Walk for Tata’. The other reason for this initiative is to encourage people young and old to live a healthy lifestyle by participating in sporting activities,” Mokonyana told Limpopo Chronicle.

MALESELA ”King” TO EMBARK ON CENTENARY WALK FOR TATA

The Man known as King also shares how we get help from good samaritans on different journeys

“Individuals usually donate for accommodation along the route as well as refreshments. Some Municipalities also cater to us with food along the route.”

DETAILS OF THE DATES:

5 July 2023 – Anglo Smelters on the R37 road, to Mokopane via the R101.
6 July 2023 – From Mokopane, via Bakenberg to Matlala.
7 July 2023 – From Matlala to R567 road, then N11 road to reach around Moletji.
8 July 2023 – From Moletji to Dendron, then via Kolopo, Kameelkop, Neanderthal all the way to Dendron
9 July 2023 – From R521 Dendron to Vivo.
10 July 2023 – From Vivo to Alldays via R521 road.
11 July 2023 – From Alldays via Venetia Diamond Mine Musina to Lubeksdal.
12 July 2023 – From R521 Lubeksdal to R572 near Munati Lodge
13 July 2023 – From Munati Lodge to Musina Local Municipality
14 July 2023 – From Musina along the N1 to Wylliespoort.
15 July 2023 – From Wylliespoort to Louis Trichardt.
16 July 2023 – From Louis Trichardt to Botlokwa N1.
17 July 2023 – From N1 Botlokwa to just outside Polokwane.
18 July 2023 – Walk along the N1 to Polokwane, Market Street, Excelsior Street, Bok Street, Church Street, to Jack Botes Hall, Polokwane Local Municipality.

‘King’ has also pleaded for assistance with accommodation and also his support driver, for all the dates except the 7th of July and the 17th of July. He is hoping that businesses, individuals, overnight accommodation owners, service clubs and even individuals, will open their hearts and assist in providing two single persons with accommodation in these sometimes-remote locations.