18 Jun 2026

For Kamogelo Molatlhwa, every step is more than a physical movement; it is a statement of courage, hope and resistance.

The 41-year-old founder of the Historic Walk initiative is preparing to embark on an ambitious journey from Cape Town, South Africa, to Cairo, Egypt, to raise continental awareness about gender-based violence (GBV), a crisis he says affects communities across Africa regardless of borders, culture or status.

Born on October 1, 1984, in Gabane's Goo-Moeng Ward, Molatlhwa is no stranger to the realities of GBV. A survivor himself, he says his personal experiences inspired him to transform pain into purpose.

“I was inspired by the urgent need to address gender-based violence, which continues to affect many people and communities across Africa. I wanted to create a movement that goes beyond borders and remind everyone that fighting GBV is a shared responsibility,” he says

Branded under the slogan, "One Step, One Africa, One Voice against GBV," the initiative aims to unite governments, communities, non-governmental organisations and ordinary citizens in confronting violence and promoting safety, equality and inclusion.

Molatlhwa hopes to complete the journey in approximately two years and five months; although he acknowledges that weather conditions, climate changes, fatigue and security concerns could affect the timeline.

The walk is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026, and will cover an estimated 11,149 kilometres from Cape Town, South Africa, to Cairo Egypt. He plans to walk 25-30 kilometers each day on a route that is expected to take him from Cape Town, South frica through Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan and finally Egypt.

Along the way, Molatlhwa and his photographer, Reginald Tshetlhoyagae, the only two members of the expedition team, plan to document the journey through social media updates and a documentary project.

Their goal is not only to raise awareness but also to foster conversations in villages, towns and cities across the continent.

The team plans to organise a10-kilometer welcome marches in communities along the route, encouraging local residents to join the campaign and amplify its message.

For Molatlhwa, the historic Cape to Cairo route symbolises connection.

“By walking this route, I hope to unite Africa and ensure that people understand that GBV is not the problem of one country, it is a challenge facing the entire continent,” he says.

His vision is straightforward but ambitious: an Africa that is safe, inclusive and free from gender-based violence.

To prepare for the demanding expedition, Molatlhwa and his team trains by walking 20 kilometers every day while engaging government officials, schools and local communities to build support for the campaign.

At the moment funding remains one of the initiative's biggest hurdles. While some sponsors have offered accommodation and meals, Molatlhwa continues to seek financial backing from businesses, parliamentarians, embassies and other stakeholders.

He says proposals have been submitted to various embassies, including requests for volunteer translators to assist throughout the multilingual journey.

Funds raised will cover logistics, accommodation, branded merchandise and other operational costs.

Still, he remains undeterred.

“Even without funds, the journey continues,” he says. “I believe I will find sponsors along the way.”

Beyond completing the walk, Molatlhwa envisions a lasting impact. He hopes the campaign will inspire unity, give hope to survivors and spark meaningful action against GBV long after the final step is taken.

“If the walk is successful, we will continue spreading the message through workshops and sharing the results of what we have learned,” he says.

For now, Molatlhwa is focused on putting one foot in front of the other, carrying with him a message he hopes will echo across Africa.  ENDS