Footprints 4 Sam’s “Super Sam Hero” transport initiative for important medical appointments recently got an upgrade of new wheels, replacing their beloved but well-worn van and ensuring even more and safer rides for families in need.
Cape Town, South Africa (12 February 2025) – For the past seven years, Footprints 4 Sam’s “Super Sam Hero” vehicle initiative has been a vital support system for children and their families living with chronic or life-limiting illnesses.
Recognising the struggle many families face in affording transportation to vital medical appointments, the initiative provides a crucial service, chauffeuring young patients and their caregivers to and from hospitals and clinics in Cape Town.
At the heart of this initiative are our dedicated drivers, Humbert Kordom and Sonwabo Mandindi, who do more than just drive.
They navigate challenging, crime-affected neighbourhoods to reach families in need, assist children down flights of stairs with their ‘buggies’ (wheelchairs) and prams and safely transport them to essential check-ups, therapy sessions and psychosocial support programmes like music, art therapy, counselling and physiotherapy.
With warm smiles and caring hearts, these amazing drivers ensure that every young passenger is treated with dignity and like the VIPs they truly are!
A Brand-New Ride for a Life-Changing Journey
Since its inception, this initiative has transported over 13,491 passengers (children and caregivers) and covered more than 382,510 kilometres in the service of paediatric healthcare!
A brand-new vehicle was handed over to Melissa Williams-Platt, co-founder of Footprints 4 Sam and Sam’s mum, replacing the original ‘bussie’ from 2018 after many faithful years on the road.
“The new vehicle is incredible, and we feel truly spoilt,” says Melissa.
“However, it was also emotional saying goodbye to our trusty van, which has served us so well for the past seven years. Her maiden trip was on 11 June 2018, and despite looking a little worn on the outside, I was so proud to see how clean and well-maintained she was on the inside – a true testament to how much pride Humbert and Sonwabo take in their work.”
The ‘trusty steed’ will continue its charity work with another wonderful charity organisation.
Despite the rising running costs of this key initiative, it is thanks to valued partners and amazing regular donors, that Footprints 4 Sam is able to keep the wheels turning and bring smiles to children and their parents, ensuring that every journey is safe, dignified and filled with hope.
“With this new vehicle, Footprints 4 Sam will be able to continue its mission – one trip, one smile and one life-changing journey at a time,” explains Melissa.
“It is our dream to expand this core initiative, particularly into Gauteng to service hospitals such as Charlotte Maxeke, Rahima Moosa Mother & Child Hospital, Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.”
For more information visit www.footprints4sam.org
Sources: Supplied
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 