By Staff Reporter
TSHWANE – After enduring days of fatigue, blistering heat, and pure determination, two courageous men from Tshebela Village in Ga-Molepo, Limpopo, have successfully completed a 340-kilometre walk to the Union Buildings in Tshwane to raise awareness about youth unemployment and poverty.
Aubrey Maloka and Gift Mogano, both concerned citizens from the rural community, arrived at the gates of the Union Buildings on Sunday morning, where they handed over a list of grievances collected from fellow residents of Ga-Molepo.
The memorandum was submitted to the Office of the President, addressed to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The men began their journey with a single purpose — to shine a spotlight on the harsh realities of unemployment, especially among the youth in rural areas like Ga-Molepo. “We didn’t do this for attention,” said Maloka. “We did it to send a message: our people are suffering, and something needs to change.”
Their initiative comes against the backdrop of grim statistics. According to Statistics South Africa, the current youth unemployment rate stands at 62%, while the country’s economy continues to grow at a meagre 0.01% — a situation that has left many young people without hope or opportunity.
The walk has ignited a passionate response on social media, with reactions split. While some questioned the effectiveness of the march, many applauded the pair for their courage and initiative, praising them for doing what many only talk about. Messages of support poured in from across the country, with some Good Samaritans donating food and moneyto support their cause along the way.
Community members back home in Tshebela have described the two as heroes, calling on government and civil society to listen and respond to the call for jobs, development, and real opportunities in forgotten rural communities.
“We’ve done our part,” said Mogano. “Now we hope the leaders do theirs.”
