From Gqeberha to Cape Town: A journey of healing and brotherhood
Zolani Zondani's 800-kilometre walk raises awareness for men's mental health.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane
At just 28 years old, Zolani Zondani has turned his dream into reality after completing an incredible 800-kilometre journey from Gqeberha to Cape Town.
His mission is not about seeking fame or fortune; instead, it focuses on healing, brotherhood, and raising awareness for men's mental health.
Zondani received a hero’s welcome in the Mother City after weeks of walking, all in honour of his younger brother, who tragically lost his battle with drug addiction.
“It feels unbelievable,” he said with a tired but heartfelt smile.
“It feels like a dream, and it’s quite an enjoyable dream. I wish I wouldn’t wake up, because I see a lot of smiles on people’s faces, and it’s under my name and the support of the organisation I’ve always wished to start. Now, I’m living my dream.”
He explained that the walk was not just a test of endurance but a mission of purpose.
“I sacrificed my time and my body, but for the first time, I’m not sacrificing them for money. I’m sacrificing for a good initiative that will help people back home, here in Cape Town, and all over the country,” he said.
That initiative is called Broski “The Living Experience”, a project aimed at creating safe spaces for men to express vulnerability and share their struggles.
“The word ‘Broski’ comes from the slang for brother,” he said. “It’s for men who are willing to be open with each other. We were taught that a man does not cry, but I believe sometimes tears have louder meaning than words.”
Zondani said his journey was deeply personal.
“I lost my brother to drugs,” he said quietly. “He was younger than me, and I could see he was going through things. We grew up without a father, and even where we are staying, there is no father figure. I’m proud of the women who raised us, but life was not fair to him.
Community activist Zolani Zondani walked about 800km from Gqeberha to Cape Town to raise awareness about men's mental health.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Media
The emotional walk ended on a high note at the Cape Town City Hall, where Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis met Zondani to congratulate him on his extraordinary journey and message.
Hill-Lewis described Zondani’s campaign as both deep and impactful.
“He chose Cape Town as the end of his journey because he wants to bridge Cape Town and Gqeberha,” the mayor said.
After walking nearly 800 kilometres to raise awareness for men's mental health, Zolani Zondani shares his inspiring journey and the importance of vulnerability among men.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
Reflecting on the importance of mental health, particularly among young men, Hill-Lewis said the issue required far more national attention.
“When you look at the levels of violence and gender-based violence in our society, much of that is perpetrated by young men. So, young men’s mental health is a topic that requires more attention in South Africa, and Zolani deserves great credit for using this walk to spotlight it.”
The mayor said that while the City of Cape Town runs various social development programmes, including work with homeless people and at-risk youth, it does not yet have one specifically focused on men’s mental health.
Hill-Lewis said the city’s broader mission remained to tackle youth unemployment, which he linked closely to emotional and social well-being. “Our primary focus is to get more people into work,” he said.