Central SA
Welkom trio to walk 600km to Upington for youth unemployment awareness─── ZENANDE MPAME 12:42 Thu, 08 Oct 2026
Three unemployed men from Kutlwanong in Welkom are set to take on a 600-kilometre journey to Upington in February to highlight the challenges faced by young people struggling to find work.
The 28-day journey will see the 600km Walk for Hope team travel through Boshof and Kimberley before reaching Upington, with the trio hoping to inspire unemployed youth to remain resilient and continue searching for opportunities despite difficult circumstances. The team will undertake the Walk for Hope from Monday, 1 February to Sunday, 28 February.
The trio, who matriculated in 2021, says their own experiences of unemployment, as well as seeing family members struggle to find work, inspired the initiative. The team is appealing to individuals, businesses and organisations for support before and during the journey.
They need food, water, energy drinks, power banks, data and safety equipment. They are also appealing for three bicycles to help transport supplies, as well as reflective vests, caps and old running shoes. The walkers are further seeking safe places to sleep along the route, including church halls, community halls or yards where they can pitch tents.
“What is motivating us is our friends, our brothers and our sisters,” said team leader Tsunke Mokone. “They give us hope every day. We don't have to give up. Hope means supporting each other. Young people must support one another, especially when things are difficult.
“What I can say to other young people who are unemployed is that they don’t have to wait for the government. Start with a new solution tomorrow. Use your legs and work for hope.
“An escort vehicle would also help protect us from passing trucks and other dangers along the route. One of our biggest needs will also be assistance with our return journey from Upington to Welkom once the walk is completed. We are appealing for bus or taxi tickets for the return.”
The team plans to document every kilometre of the journey on TikTok and Facebook, allowing supporters to follow their progress. Mokone hopes South Africans will remember the journey as a demonstration that unemployment should not bring an end to young people’s dreams.
The Walk for Hope is expected to conclude in Upington between 26 and 28 February.
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