Two lifelong Hout Bay friends have used an Africa-wide road trip to raise funds for children in their community.

Matthew Kieswetter (24) and Matthew van Eck (24) took part in this year’s Africa Rally. First, they set off from Hartbeespoort Dam in the North West in a Ford Ranger on Wednesday 1 July.

The roughly 8 000km journey took them across southern and eastern Africa. Meanwhile, their GivenGain campaign, Team M&M MilesforMeals, aims to raise R100 000 towards renovating an old building in Hout Bay. The building is linked to the Love in a Bowl initiative, Hout Bay based food-security initiative.

“Every mile of dust we hope to turn into a lasting legacy for our community,” the team said in their fundraising appeal.

Dust to legacy

The proposed classroom would provide children with a safe space to grow, learn and thrive. Furthermore, Kieswetter says the renovated building will include a kitchen, desks and computers. In addition, they hope to create open areas and sports courts where children can stay active and express themselves through sport.

Kieswetter and Van Eck have been friends since primary school. Both share a deep connection to Hout Bay, with a love for hiking, the ocean and the mountains. Moreover, they became involved with Love in a Bowl through friends and community connections.

As a result, the initiative’s work inspired them to find a way to contribute. People’s Post recently reported on Love in a Bowl’s decade of growing food for Hout Bay.

The long road

The route divided at Senga Bay in Malawi on Tuesday 14 July.

Kieswetter and Van Eck drove long hours each day for more than three weeks. Consequently, they crossed several countries, experiencing different cultures and wildlife along the way. For instance, Kieswetter recalls a memorable elephant sighting in Tanzania as one of the highlights.

The rally route took them through several southern and east African countries, from South Africa through to the east coast. Similarly, the experience of meeting people from different backgrounds left a deep impression on both of them.

However, the biggest challenge besides money, Kieswetter says, was finding proper food along the route. Therefore, they had to rely on whatever they could find at roadside stalls and small towns. Nutrition became a daily concern as they pushed through remote areas.

Meanwhile, Van Eck says they are paying the full cost of the trip, estimated at more than R100 000. “We wanted all the money to go to the cause,” he says.

Growing hope

Love in a Bowl is a Hout Bay food-security initiative that grows organic vegetables for vulnerable families and early childhood development (ECD) centres. According to its public information, the project supports food production, community well-being and practical learning on the farm.

The classroom could serve as a space for weekly educational programmes, extra lessons and meals. In turn, it would also provide children with a safe space beyond their ECD centres.

For children growing up in Hout Bay’s informal settlements, such as Imizamo Yethu, access to safe after-school spaces remains limited. As a result, Kieswetter says many children do not have the resources they need to learn and develop.

Nevertheless, Kieswetter says the way the Hout Bay community comes together to help those in need stands out. They hope the renovated building will serve as a hub where children can learn, play and grow in a safe environment.

Plans include a kitchen for preparing meals, a classroom with desks and computers, and outdoor areas for sport.

Pushing forward

Kieswetter says the team plans to approach more businesses and individuals to support the cause. Furthermore, they are confident they can reach their R100 000 target.

The campaign page lists R36 318 raised so far, or 35% of its R100 000 target. However, Kieswetter and Van Eck say they have raised about R70 000 in total, which may include offline donations.

Notably, donations have come from individuals and businesses, including Oakhurst Spar, Perfect Hideaways, the Waterproofing Centre and the Derbigum team.

With the rally behind them, Kieswetter and Van Eck are now focusing on their R100 000 target. Ultimately, they want to make a lasting difference back home in Hout Bay.

ALSO READ: 300 Hout Bay residents attend youth unemployment dialogue