Siyanda walks for peace

SEEKING to encourage peace throughout the country, Mandeni's Siyanda Dlamini has chosen to walk almost 600km, from Durban to Soweto.

The ZO caught up with the national flagwielding Dlamini when he stopped over in Empangeni on Wednesday.

While on the road, Dlamini spends his evenings camping or by booking himself into the nearest B&B.

‘I have been undertaking these campaigns to raise awareness of different causes,’ he explained, adding that he encourages citizens to sign petitions and donate to the various causes.

All funds raised are channelled towards helping the less fortunate in each community he visits, and to buy necessary sustenance for his journey.

‘During the walk, I met a woman in Mandeni who no longer has a house as hers was damaged by floods.

'We were able to buy cement, roofing materials and doors to rebuild her house,’ he said.

He specifically chose Soweto as his destination, as he believes the place is a key point in our country's history of violence and segregation.

Dlamini is no stranger to embarking on long distance trips to raise awareness of causes. He previously rode from Durban to Swaziland to raise awareness of the riots, while on another occasion he rode from Durban to Johannesburg to campaign against gender-based violence.

The long stretch has been challenging, but Dlamini and his fellow peace activist, Noncebo Mahlangu have been tenacious in achieving their goal.

Dlamini estimates it will take two weeks to arrive at his destination. People can follow the hashtag, #peacewalk2022 for updates on his journey.