- The Hout Bay community walk has grown into a movement to support local children in need.
- With overwhelming responses from parents, the event raises funds and donations for school essentials like shoes, uniforms, and stationery.
- The upcoming walk on February 15, supported by Ziyaad’s Skate School, aims to continue this mission and expand its impact on Hout Bay’s youth.
What started as a simple fun walk has grown into a movement of hope for the children of Hout Bay. When a small group of community members organised their first walk, the idea was simple: register for R10, bring a donation, and help a child stay in school.
But what they discovered along the way was heartbreaking; the need was far greater than they thought.
“I wrote on social media community group for parents to come forward if they needed help, and the response was overwhelming. It broke my heart to hear how many children don’t even have the basics to go to school. No child should be teased for wearing broken shoes, for not having stationery, or for struggling because of circumstances at home. We knew then that we had to continue,” says au pair and walk organiser Desree Magabe
“The first walk may not have drawn huge crowds, but the impact was undeniable,” she added. The money raised was used to buy school shoes for children in need, and she quickly realised this couldn’t be a once-off event.
Now, with the support of Ziyaad’s Skate School, they are planning another walk, this time from Hout Bay Beach to the toll gate and back on Saturday 15 February.
Ziyaad’s Skate School has long been a safe space for children, offering not just a sport but a sense of belonging. Ziyaad and his wife provide meals, clothing, and outings for kids who would otherwise have nowhere to go.
“For someone who doesn’t have kids of his own, the love he has for these children is incredible. He was the perfect person to work with,” says Magabe.
To join the walk, participants can register for R10, with all funds going toward school essentials for vulnerable learners. Donations of school shoes, uniforms, stationery, and toiletries are also welcomed, and a collection table will be set up at the event.
After the walk, coffee and water will be available, offering a moment for the community to come together in support of this cause.
The vision is bigger than just one event. Magabe hopes to introduce medals for participants in the third walk and grow this initiative into a movement that continues to uplift Hout Bay’s children. “We can’t help everyone, but we can try. And with every step, we hope to reach more children who need us.”
