The COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll on the African continent. While Africa still accounts for relatively few deaths from the disease, the numbers are rising. COVID-19 has disrupted and destabilised the global economy, and its impact is felt throughout Africa. While most countries scramble to contain the pandemic, the social and economic effects... Continue Reading →
COVID-19 in South Africa – An Overview of the NGO Funding Situation and Fundraising Efforts
The COVID-19 pandemic, national lockdown, and resulting economic slowdown affect every aspect of South African society. Given the already weak state of the economy, the country’s high levels of unemployment, poverty and inequality will increase as a result. The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic also have far-reaching implications for the role that NGOs play in... Continue Reading →
Africa Desert Running Calendar 2020
Africa is home to three of the world’s largest deserts – the Sahara, Namib, and Kalahari, as well as many semi-desert areas. Increasingly, these locations host a wide range of footraces, making Africa the premier international desert running destination. This calendar highlights the desert footraces to be held in 2020 in various parts of Africa.... Continue Reading →
Crowdfunding for NGOs in South Africa – Background, Platforms and Programmes
There are currently more than 220 000 NGOs registered with the Department of Social Development. Many of these organisations perform critical development, humanitarian, and advocacy functions, but in a changing and increasingly competitive operating environment, they are confronted with serious funding and sustainability challenges. Diversifying their funding base and attracting new individual and institutional donors... Continue Reading →
Africa Desert Running Calendar 2019
Africa is home to three of the world’s largest and most unique deserts – the Sahara, Namib, and Kalahari. Increasingly, these deserts host a wide range of footraces, making Africa the premier international desert running destination. The following list highlights some of the main single and multi-stage desert footraces which will be held during 2019... Continue Reading →
Listen to your heart…especially when it is hot in the Kalahari!
Don’t be fooled by the heading, this is not the new lyrics of the well-known Roxette song or a juicy love story from the recent Kalahari Augrabries Extreme Marathon (KAEM). Instead, when it is hot in the Kalahari Desert, things can go wrong, and if you run with a weak heart, there could be grave... Continue Reading →
My Fundraising Appeal – Support the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital
I have been participating in extreme desert running challenges for the past few years to raise awareness and funds for organisations and causes making a difference in Africa. Starting on 20 October, I’ll be competing in my eleventh international desert race - the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (KAEM). This race involves running 250km in 6... Continue Reading →
KAEM – How to follow me during the race
Greetings from the Augrabies Falls in the Northern Cape. Tomorrow is the start of the 2018 Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (KAEM). The 19th edition of the race - 250km over 6 stages / 7 days – will be held from 20-26 October 2018. The following links will keep you informed about my progress during the... Continue Reading →
Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital – Honouring Madiba’s Legacy and Changing Lives
“Together as a nation, we have the obligation to put sunshine into the hearts of our little ones. They are our precious possessions. They deserve what happiness life can offer.” Former president Nelson Mandela On the afternoon of 8 February 2018, my 10-year-old son was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Wilgeheuwel Hospital... Continue Reading →
My #DesertRun4NMCH – Using Sport to Give Back
Many South Africans are using their participation in sporting activities from running marathons to climbing mountains to raise awareness and funds for social causes and to make a difference in society. Supported by the reach and popularity of social media as well as crowdfunding platforms, these initiatives have the increased potential to influence meaningful change.... Continue Reading →