We hope that this campaign will shine the spotlight on gender-based violence (GBV). We tend to often focus on the big metropoles, but there are so many smaller communities that also need help, and this is our way of doing our part.
Western Cape, South Africa (09 April 2021) – On Friday 9 April Gerhard Botes and Deon Viljoen who are both retired will embark on an enormous 2 900km cycling journey through the Karoo and Northern Cape to raise awareness of gender-based violence (GBV).
This exciting initiative is in partnership with the NPC, Yellow For Survivors, which was founded by Leilani Kuter in 2019 to provide survivors of rape and gender-based violence with resources and safe spaces to find the support they need to start healing. Leilani is an anti-rape activist who walked 729km in 2019 and 448km in 2020 raising awareness and funds for rape crisis organizations.
According to the annual crime statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the number of reported sexual offences in South Africa increased from 52 420 in 2018/19 to 53 293 in 2019/20. Botes and Viljoen are hoping to raise awareness through this remarkable challenge, bringing attention to the issue of gender-based violence.
Botes says, “We hope that this campaign will shine the spotlight on gender-based violence. We tend to often focus on the big metropoles, but there are so many smaller communities that also need help, and this is our way of doing our part. We trust that the awareness this campaign raises will make a positive difference to help alleviate sexual violence in South Africa.”
Botes has been by Leilani’s side since her first walk in 2019, acting as cameraman, cheerleader and guardian angel during her walk campaigns.
“Having the means to help organizations is a great privilege and we are excited about this cycling challenge. Yellow For Survivors aim to donate the funds raised to Huis Jabes, a sanctuary for victims of gender-based violence, situated in the Northern suburbs of Cape Town. We wish Gerhard and Deon all the best, we will be cheering them on all the way” Leilani Kuter said.
The 60-day cycling journey will kick off on the farm Bovlei in the Noupoort district, from where they will visit various towns on our route to Alexander Bay, including Colesberg, Philipstown, Hopetown, Kimberley, Griekwastad, Upington, Springbok, and many more. On their return journey, they will make stops in Calvinia, Williston and De Aar and conclude their tour in Hanover.
If you would like to support this great cause, you can make a donation through the crowdfunding platform Back A Buddy. You will also be able to follow these adventurous cyclists’ journey on the Yellow For Survivors social media pages.
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