Sleeping on the kitchen floor, being soaked in the rain - these are some of the many difficulties Samson encountered on his rape-awareness walk.
|||Durban - Sleeping on the kitchen floor of a police station, being soaked in the rain and struggling to find overnight accommodation are some of the many difficulties a North Coast man encountered on his 223km rape-awareness walk from Mtubatuba to Durban.
Samson Jan Mabuyakhulu, who embarked on the crusade 10 days ago, arrived in Durban on Friday afternoon – a month ahead of schedule – to much fanfare.
The 40-year-old father of three boys was welcomed by mayor James Nxumalo, who commended him for his bravery and taking a stand against the scourge of rape.
“This was without question the biggest challenge of my life,” he said, soon after arriving at the Durban city hall.
Mabuyakhulu – who met dignitaries, politicians and business people along the way who encouraged him and offered their support – decided to embark on the walk after two of his friends’ young daughters were raped and killed in February. He said he fully comprehended the magnitude of the violence sweeping through the country only when the decomposed bodies of the two girls – who were from Jozini – were found in the bush. The brutal attacks motivated him to embark on the walk to raise awareness of the staggering rape statistics.
His talks, said Mabuya-khulu, highlighted the severity of rape and how young people can shift their focus from drugs and other self-destructive behaviour to education and self-respect.
Speaking about his journey, Mabuyakhulu said it wasn’t as gruelling as he thought it would be, although he did have some sleepless nights.
“I couldn’t find a place to sleep in Mandeni so I ended up sleeping on the kitchen floor of a police station,” he said with a laugh.
“And then on Sunday there was this huge downpour and I got soaked,” he said.
His faith in humanity was renewed during the walk when families opened their hearts and homes to him, he said.
“I can only hope that this walk inspired someone to also take the stand against rape,” he said.
He will return to his Madwaleni home on Monday. - Independent on Saturday