Young women take hike in their stride
IN JULY, the first Youth Hike organised by the Johannesburg Hiking Club (JHC) for students of the Thandulwazi Maths and Science Academy at St Stithians College took place at Suikerbosrand south of Joburg.
The location was chosen for its proximity to the Orange Farm community where the students lived. The four young women who took part were Boitumelo Mohale, Dumisile Tshabalala, Mosa Kibe and Lerato Motaung. They were accompanied by Pim Commissaris, Mosula Ntshona, Anita Musevenzo and Mary Reynolds, all experienced hikers with the JHC.
The hike followed the 11km Bokmakierie route which winds its way through the hills and valleys of the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve. A bitterly cold headwind challenged them on the ascent to the ridge, but once they had crested it, the wind settled and they enjoyed the rest of the hike in warm sunshine.
Said Dr Mary Reynolds: “It was a privilege to accompany these fine young women on the hike and get to know them a little. They are all focusing on doing well in their forthcoming matric exams and have all set their sights on careers in the sciences – medicine, aeronautical engineering and biological sciences.
“If they set about their careers with the same determination that they set about the hike, they will go far. The terrain was challenging with some steep ascents and descents, but there were no complaints from these young women and they completed the hike in a little over four hours proud of their achievement”.
The hike was made possible by the JHC team members who provided transport and sponsorship.