Sindiswa Ndaba, founder of the Walk of Dignity initiative, recently ‘stepped’ into Ladysmith to take a quick break during her solo walk across the country.
Sindiswa started her solo mission in Johannesburg on 28 May, at the Nelson Mandela Bridge and the journey, which spans over 720km, will end at the Durban Beach Front Promenade. Sindiswa is walking to secure donations for the restoration and preservation of sanitary dignity and menstrual justice in KwaZulu-Natal.
She is supported by her sister, Lindo, who drives the support vehicle and ensures that her sister is safe.
Sindiswa told The Ladysmith Herald that the journey has had many challenges, but they both have worked hard in keeping the initiative alive as part of their father’s legacy.
“Our late father is the reason we are doing this. He used to be a principal at a school in the Bergville area and it is because of his passion that we started the Kambameni Foundation.”
Their father, Mbambeni Ndaba, also ensured that the learners at his school were cared for.
“I remember my father working long hours, including weekends and school holidays, to ensure that his school was in good running condition, allowing learners to receive the best possible education.”
The sisters told The Ladysmith Herald that it is this same passion that lives within their own veins and they hope to raised R1.5 million, which is the goal to assist 10 schools.
“The movement aims to dignify resource-deficient communities in South Africa by ‘taking steps that leave footprints’ in cross-country walks and raise funds with partners and donors along the journey,” said Sindiswa.
The Joburg to Durban walk is a four-week long fundraising project set up to support rural and resource-deficient schooling communities with: Sanitary products; a safe drinking water supply; private, safe and hygienic sex-segregated sanitation such as hand-washing facilities and soap.
“When we reached KZN, we were extremely excited as we both know that it is down-hill from here.”
While on their stop-over, the Ladysmith Royal Hotel, the Lions Ladysmith Club, the Colenso Club and Nikita Law Physiotherapy ensured that the sisters’ brief stay was comfortable while assisting them on their journey and incredible initiative.
“We would like to thank everyone for assisting us and giving us support thus far. If anyone is interested in donating towards the walk, please follow Walk of Dignity on social media and donate at www.walkofdignity.co.za.”
