Two women from Vhembe are walking for 22 days from Gauteng to Limpopo to raise awareness about drug abuse among young people.
Tsumbedzo Tercia Mogothu (32) and Murunwa Maphangwa (22), both from Tshiozwi village outside Louis Trichardt, started their journey on 5 June at Alex Mall and aim to reach Makhado Crossing after 22 days.
The duo say the walk is intended to highlight the destruction caused by addiction and to spark community dialogue.
“We have watched drugs steal futures from people our age and younger,” said Mogothu. “Back home in Tshiozwi, we’ve lost too many dreams to addiction. We couldn’t sit and watch anymore. Walking 22 days is our way of saying enough is enough,” the duo said.
Maphangwa said the campaign is also about restoring hope.
“To the youth, we want to say: we see you,” said Maphangwa. “Addiction is not weakness, and asking for help is not shame. Your life is bigger than any substance. There is a way back, and we are walking to show that you are not walking it alone,” she added.
The journey has been physically demanding, with sore feet, harsh weather and heavy loads. The pair also say emotional encounters have been difficult.
“But the hardest part is meeting parents who have lost children to drugs. That pain gives us the strength to keep going,” they said.
The pair are appealing for public support, including food, water, accommodation, medical assistance and transport. They also hope to work with rehabilitation centres, the SAPS and schools.
After completing the walk, they plan to continue awareness campaigns across the Vhembe District through school visits and community dialogues.
For more information contact Maphangwa at 076 072 6613 or Mukoma at 079 622 2342.