Taking initiative and translating it into action is at the heart of the Red Cross Movement.

At the end of 2003, an enthusiastic Eddie Malcolm, a member of the Dwars Rivier Walking Club, came to the South African Red Cross (SARCS) with the idea that he wanted to walk to raise funds for the Society. His enthusiasm was infectious and within a few weeks he and Elsa Green, the project Manager for the Red Cross in the Western Cape Region, have secured three other walkers to join Malcolm in his quest.

After several meetings the plan was put forward, on 8 May 2004(International Red Cross Day) the walkers would start a 2,500 km journey from Johannesburgto Stellenbosch. The walk would be named the “Walk for Humanity”. The motivation behind the walk would be to promote humanitarian values, to raise funds for SARCS and to encourage people to become members of the Society. Yvonne Chaka -Chaka agreed to be the Patron of the event.

The four walkers Malcolm Johnson, Clifford Beautement and brothers Eddie and Tommy Michaels are experience walkers and members of the Red Cross. Eddie Michael has presented South Africa on three occasions in the London to Brighton walk.

With the support of sponsors and well-wishers the “Walk for Humanity” became a reality. On 8 May after a formal farewell by the MMC for Health for the City of Johannesburg Councillor Naidoo, the walkers departed form the Johannesburg Civic Centre with hundreds of singing Red Cross volunteers following them through the streets. The good nature and positive spirit of the four dedicated athletes have made it possible for them to communicate the humanitarian message to the people that encountered them on their journey. “ Humanity, Impartiality and Neutrality are the first three principles of the Red Cross. We want people to take this to their hearts and to treat people humanely.” says Eddie.

This week the walkers will complete the last leg of their journey. They leave Swellendam on Monday 7 June to arrive in Stellenbosch on Saturday 12 June.

On Saturday, 40 days after the start of the walk, the walkers will leave Gordons bay at 8h00. The Deputy Mayor for Cape Town Ms Gawa Samuels and Bertie Reed, one of South African veteran yachtsman and the National Sea Rescue Services will see them off. On the way to Stellenbosch, athletes from the Spartan Harriers and the Dwars Rivier Walking Club will join them.

They arrive in Stellenbosch at 11h30 where a precession consisting of 200 Red Cross volunteers, drum majorettes, Kaapse Klopse and vehicles presenting rescue services such as the police, the traffic and fire department will lead them onto Die Braak. There the Mayor of Stellenbosch, Councillor Ortel will welcome them and sign the Red Cross scroll of good will that has been endorsed by the mayors of the 40 towns where the Walkers were welcomed.

The Walkers report that they are in good spirit, but they are missing home and looking forward to rest their bodies, that are not without aches and pains.

Released by : Karien Polley for the South African Red Cross
Contact: 082 783 4355
For contact with the walkers : 083 658 5251