Expedition H2O: Two intrepid riders overcame African challenges, reaching Spain on a charity journey for water security.
South Africa (03 December 2023) – Expedition H2O has successfully reached Spain after a challenging journey that spanned the diverse landscapes of Africa. Dr. Jean Cooper and Dr. De Witt Oosthuizen, both alumni of Pretoria University’s Sonop Residence, set out on this epic 16,000 km journey from Pretoria to Madrid on September 16, 2023, and their expedition is set to conclude in the coming weeks, just in time for Christmas.
The dynamic duo, with backgrounds in organisational psychology and emergency medicine, navigated their way through approximately 20 African countries, facing rain, mud, dust, sand, and heat. From bustling cities to remote villages, muddy rivers to rain-drenched mountain passes, and sandy desert roads to the fine orange dust that enveloped them, the journey was an extraordinary adventure that tested their resilience.
Despite encountering menacing military checkpoints and navigating stressful detours to avoid warzones, the riders found solace in the warmth of countless instances of hospitality from helpful strangers.
Dr. Cooper shared, “The greatest highlights of the journey so far were probably the mighty Congo River, the rain forests and the gorillas we saw crossing the road. The relief we felt when we survived the nightmarish ride across the mountains connecting Cameroon and Nigeria. The vast expanses of the Sahara. The incredible magnanimity of the people we met all along the way. And to see how much people can stack on a tiny 125cc motorcycle.”
This charitable mission, a partnership with the Direct Transact Foundation, aims to support water relief initiatives in the rural Free State of South Africa. The riders are proud of the progress the foundation has made and are eager to witness the impact of their fundraising firsthand when they visit the Free State.
Their ultimate goal is to raise funds for water tank installations in under-resourced communities, specifically in the Warden rural area of the Free State.
Sponsors and partners have rallied behind Expedition H2O, including The World Wide Fund for Nature, computing company Stratus, The Tavistock Institute of Human Relations, and many others. The riders are seeking to raise R3.2 million, equivalent to R200 for each kilometre of their journey.
Dr. Cooper explained, “Every 3.5km (R700) gives access to water to one person. Every 14km (R2,800) to one family. And every 160km (R32,000) will sponsor one tank – enough for 12 families.”
To achieve their mission, Expedition H2O is calling on the public for support. Dr. Oosthuizen emphasised, “We ask you to please support our mission on Back-a-buddy. We hope to exemplify the type of leadership needed to transform our continent’s water crisis – leadership that takes action and puts one foot in front of the other. We all need leadership that takes it back to basics, pragmatic and collaborative, that does not give up when things get tough or when government support is lacking – leadership that takes things forward in the spirit of ubuntu.”
The impact of their previous initiatives is evident in the Ezenzeleni community outside Warden, which had no reliable access to running water until the Direct Transact Foundation intervened two years ago. Today, 45 JoJo rainwater tanks supply the community, along with an additional 20 tanks in neighbouring Tweeling, benefiting a total of 3120 people. Fruit trees planted beside every tank provide nourishment to the communities, showcasing the holistic approach of the foundation.
To contribute to this noble cause, individuals can donate via Back-a-buddy or make an EFT directly to The Direct Transact Foundation Trust. Dr. Cooper emphasised that Article 18A certificates will be issued to all donors upon request, underscoring the transparency and accountability of the mission.
by 